Youth Empowerment in Amapá and Roraima through Science and Innovation Programs
Amapá and Roraima launch science and innovation programs in 2026 to empower youth entrepreneurship and boost creative economies through education, workshops, and scholarships.
- • Amapá Startup program's second edition launched with R$ 600,000 investment and focus on AI and innovation.
- • Startups in Amapá increased from 41 to over 220 due to supportive policies.
- • Roraima's Jornada Acadêmica Empreendedora highlighted education programs with scholarships for students promoting entrepreneurship.
- • Programs in both states offer workshops, practical tech experience, and cash prizes to foster young entrepreneurs.
Key details
In 2026, Brazilian states Amapá and Roraima have launched significant initiatives to empower youth through science, technology, and innovation, focusing on boosting entrepreneurship and the creative economy.
In Amapá, Governor Clécio Luís inaugurated the second edition of the Amapá Startup program on May 6. Targeting young entrepreneurs aged 16 and above residing in the state, the program aims to tackle unemployment by transforming local challenges into sustainable business ventures. The startup ecosystem in Amapá has impressively grown from 41 to over 220 startups, thanks in part to supportive public policies. With an investment of around R$ 600,000, the program offers 10 workshops and four innovation marathons emphasizing artificial intelligence's role in business. Culminating in a Pitch Day, the top 12 teams will compete for cash prizes of R$ 5,000, R$ 3,000, and R$ 2,000 and receive greater recognition in the ecosystem.
Meanwhile, in Roraima, the Jornada Acadêmica Empreendedora event in Boa Vista showcased successful education and entrepreneurship initiatives from the Municipal Secretary of Education, Science and Technology of Campos. Henrique da Hora, Undersecretary of Science and Technology, highlighted scholarship programs such as Startup Campos and Mais Ciência, which encourage university students to engage with market needs and entrepreneurship. The programs provide monthly scholarships ranging from R$ 200 to R$ 2,500 and include workshops on coding, pitching, and practical technologies like robotics and 3D printing. These efforts are designed to integrate academic experiences with market realities, nurturing youth innovation and practical skills.
Both states' initiatives demonstrate a strong commitment to harnessing science and innovation as tools to empower young people, stimulate economic growth, and deepen the impact of local governments' strategic partnerships with educational institutions and business support organizations.
This article was translated and synthesized from Brazilian sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
