Sergipe Skyrockets Science and Technology Funding with Record R$26 Million Investment in 2025

In 2025, the Government of Sergipe, through the Secretary of State for Economic Development and Science and Technology (Sedetec), dramatically increased its investments in science, technology, and innovation (CT&I), allocating a total of R$26 million from the State Fund for Scientific and Technological Development (Funtec). This surge in funding supports strategic projects that aim to advance scientific research, foster innovative entrepreneurship, and enhance professional training within the state.

A major portion of these funds—nearly R$22 million—was channeled to key institutions including the Foundation for Research and Technological Innovation of the State of Sergipe (Fapitec/SE), the Technological and Research Institute of Sergipe (ITPS), the Sergipe Technology Park (SergipeTec), and The Human Project (THP). According to Valmor Barbosa, Sedetec's Secretary, the government is deeply committed to building a solid innovation ecosystem that directly benefits both society and productive sectors.

Fapitec/SE notably set a record investment figure of approximately R$21.6 million in 2025, executing 1,379 projects that employed 1,295 researchers and impacted 1,965 scholars. Throughout the year, the foundation increased its public calls for proposals from 19 in 2024 to 28 in 2025, supporting a total of 28 research and innovation initiatives. This expansion included programs addressing entrepreneurship, environmental education, and Industry 4.0, alongside ongoing support for fundamental and applied research. Notably, 116 companies received backing through Fapitec/SE, amplifying collaboration across academia, government, and private sector players.

SergipeTec invested over R$3.5 million to support startups and educational programs, including the Inovar-SE initiative which provided IT training to 80 public school students. ITPS received R$1.7 million to bolster its research in agriculture and food production, while The Human Project (THP) was allocated R$1 million to develop social technologies aiding vulnerable communities. Sedetec also promoted innovation through events such as the Campus Party Weekend, further stimulating the region's technological advancement.

Looking ahead to 2026, Sergipe’s State Council of Science and Technology (Concit) aims to continue reinforcing CT&I as a core pillar for the state’s economic and social development, promising sustained growth in investment and innovation support.