MCTI Unveils R$ 2 Billion Investment Plan to Boost Brazil’s Scientific Infrastructure and Technological Sovereignty in 2025

The Brazilian Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MCTI) has announced a comprehensive investment plan amounting to approximately R$ 2 billion for the year 2025 aimed at enhancing the country’s scientific infrastructure, innovation capacity, and technological sovereignty. This robust funding reflects the Ministry’s strategic focus on expanding research capabilities, fostering artificial intelligence applications, and addressing brain drain in the scientific community.

A centerpiece of the plan is the Pró-Infra initiative, which received R$ 1 billion to expand research centers and modernize laboratories across six strategic areas: sustainable agribusiness, health, urban mobility, digital transformation, bioeconomy and energy transition, and technologies for sovereignty and defense. This allocation is evenly split, with R$ 500 million dedicated to infrastructure growth at universities and R$ 500 million for new thematic centers.

The investment in technological innovation is underscored by the R$ 92.8 million allocated to the Brazilian Artificial Intelligence Plan (Pbia). This funding supports eight national science and technology institutes focused on strategic AI applications in health, education, digital government, and data security. Notably, efforts include developing a Portuguese-language AI model named SoberanIA to bolster Brazil's digital sovereignty.

To further popularize science and increase public engagement, R$ 60 million has been set aside for educational initiatives, science fairs, and accessibility programs. Moreover, addressing the critical issue of brain drain, the Repatriar e Fixar Talentos program plans to invest R$ 200 million annually over five years, encouraging over 2,500 Brazilian researchers currently abroad to return.

Minister Luciana Santos emphasized the importance of technological sovereignty, stating, “It is built through continuous investment and well-designed policies.” The Ministry also highlighted a 116% increase in strategic information and communication technology projects, with R$ 267 million invested, and underscored the emphasis on professional training to meet the increasing demand in digital technologies and cybersecurity.

These investments collectively aim to consolidate Brazil’s scientific expansion and foster a social impact by preparing a new generation of experts capable of driving innovation and technological independence.