UFC Launches Startup Support Program with Scholarships to Foster Innovation
UFC's startup program opens applications until March 20, offering scholarships to university-affiliated innovators to develop tech and socio-environmental startups.
- • Applications open until March 20, 2026 for UFC's Empreende program.
- • Program supports university-affiliated startups with scholarships for nine months.
- • Proposals categorized by undergraduate and graduate/student or staff teams.
- • Evaluation covers problem, market, innovation, solution, sustainability, and team.
- • Teams must have 3-6 members linked to UFC.
Key details
The Programa Empreende UFC is actively accepting applications until March 20, 2026, encouraging the creation of startups and innovative businesses within the university community. Organized by the Pró-Reitoria de Inovação e Relações Interinstitucionais (Prointer), this initiative aims to both promote entrepreneurship culture and enable practical applications of theoretical knowledge at the Federal University of Ceará (UFC).
Applicants can be faculty, administrative staff, or students at UFC, with proposals divided into two categories: undergraduate student-led projects and graduate student or staff-led projects. Teams must include three to six members connected to UFC, including advisors, scholarship holders, and volunteers. Approved proposals are eligible to receive up to three scholarships for project development spanning nine months.
Submissions are evaluated based on four criteria: Problem and Market, Solution/Product, Innovation and Sustainability, and Team quality. Proposals should present technology-based or socio-environmental impact startups. This program represents a significant opportunity for the university community to develop innovative ventures with institutional backing.
By facilitating resources and support, Programa Empreende UFC aims to strengthen Brazil's startup ecosystem, particularly fostering innovation emerging from academic environments.
This article was translated and synthesized from Brazilian sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
