The Banco Nacional de Desenvolvimento Econômico e Social (BNDES), in collaboration with the Financier of Studies and Projects (Finep), has launched a public call for proposals to attract, establish, and expand Research, Technological Development, and Innovation (R&D&I) Centers in Brazil. This initiative is a key component of the "New Industry Brazil" strategy, a national policy aimed at fostering reindustrialization and technological advancement through six priority missions defined by the National Council for Industrial Development (CNDI).

Objectives

This public call seeks to enhance Brazil’s position as a center for scientific and technological development by promoting collaboration between public institutions, universities, research centers, and private enterprises. The program is designed to:

• Drive research and technological innovation in key industrial sectors
• Strengthen Brazil’s competitiveness in science and technology
• Attract foreign investment in research and development
• Support the development of advanced infrastructure
• Foster the growth of highly skilled professionals in strategic areas

Eligibility

The call is open to:

• Brazilian companies engaged in or planning to undertake R&D&I activities
• Foreign companies interested in establishing or expanding R&D&I centers in Brazil, subject to legal and administrative formalization in the country

Scope of Eligible Projects

The initiative supports the creation and expansion of laboratories, pilot plants, demonstration facilities, and innovation hubs dedicated to research and technological development.

Minimum requirements for participation:

• Physical infrastructure
  • New centers: Minimum area of 500 m²
  • Expansion projects: Minimum area of 250 m² or a 20% increase over existing facilities
• Technical workforce
  • New centers: At least 50 employees, of whom at least 10 must hold a master’s or doctoral degree
  • Expansion projects: At least 25 employees, of whom at least 5 must hold a master’s or doctoral degree
• Investment thresholds
  • Minimum R$10 million for centers in the North and Northeast regions
  • Minimum R$20 million for centers in other regions
• Project implementation period: Up to 36 months

Funding and Strategic Impact

The initiative is supported by a total budget of R$3 billion, reinforcing Brazil’s commitment to technological advancement, industrial competitiveness, and economic development.

Application Process and Selection Criteria

• Deadline for proposal submission: June 30, 2025
• Evaluation criteria:
  • Alignment with the objectives of the public call
  • Financial capacity in relation to the proposed investments
  • Contribution to the New Industry Brazil policy and its strategic missions

Further Information

This initiative provides a significant opportunity for institutions seeking to play a leading role in Brazil’s technological and industrial development. By participating, organizations will contribute to the country’s innovation ecosystem and the expansion of its research infrastructure.

Public Call for selection of proposals for attracting, implementing or expanding research, technological development and innovation centers - english version

Public Call for selection of proposals for attracting, implementing or expanding research, technological development and innovation centers - Portuguese version

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