# Regional innovation initiatives in Brazil > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/20261015-regional-innovation-initiatives-in-brazil > Updated: 2026-10-20T14:47:14.000Z. Sources: 30. Developments: 4. Various regional innovation and development initiatives are being implemented across Brazil. In Paraná, the Regional Development Bank of the Far South (BRDE) has allocated R$ 95.1 million through the Inova Paraná Program to support micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises in technological modernization and digital transformation. In Rio Grande do Norte, Finep has selected five innovation projects to receive R$ 21.1 million in non-reimbursable economic grants through the ‘Mais Inovação Brasil — Subvenção Econômica Regional’ program. The state ranks third in the Northeast for approved proposals and second in total recommended resources. Four of these initiatives are part of the Grupo Interjato, accounting for R$ 18.7 million, while the fifth, from the company ISnano, is expected to receive R$ 2.4 million. These projects target high-tech sectors such as artificial intelligence for public health, smart city management, telecommunications infrastructure, and digital networks. Finep has since expanded the ‘Mais Inovação Brasil’ program, increasing total funding to R$ 450 million. Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation Luciana Santos announced an additional R$ 150 million to support 114 projects focused on regional development and social impact. This funding is distributed with R$ 150 million for the Northeast, R$ 100 million for the Center-West, and R$ 50 million for the North. Approximately 75% of approved projects involve micro and small enterprises. Additionally, the company Geral Vittia secured up to R$ 10.1 million for a 24-month project to develop bio-inputs for the livestock sector. Finep President Luiz Antônio Elias stated the initiative aims to ‘reduce regional asymmetries by sharing technological development risks with the private sector.’ Other regional efforts include the 6th edition of the Robério Nobre Prize for Science, Technology, and Innovation in Amapá, which offers R$ 98,000 in awards, and the Ideathon Tourism, Technology, and Sustainability event in Paraíba. ## Claims - Finep is providing R$ 450 million in non-reimbursable resources for innovation projects. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation added R$ 150 million to the original R$ 300 million budget. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The funding will support 114 innovation projects. (corroborated by 2 sources) - R$ 50 million is allocated to the North region, R$ 100 million to the Center-West, and R$ 150 million to the Northeast. (corroborated by 2 sources) - 75% of the initially approved projects belong to micro and small enterprises. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Geral Vittia secured a subsidy of up to R$ 10.1 million for a bio-input project for the livestock sector. (single source) - The bio-input project has a 24-month execution timeline. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-20: Brazil increases funding for innovation and research through Finep and FAPESP Brazil's Finep has approved R$ 1.95 billion in extra funding for corporate innovation, while FAPESP reported a 30% increase in research support disbursements for 2025. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazil-increases-funding-for-innovation-and-research-through-finep-and-fapesp ### 2026-10-16: Finep allocates R$ 450 million for innovation in Brazil Finep has expanded its Mais Inovação Brasil program to R$ 450 million, providing non-reimbursable funds for 114 innovative projects in Brazil's North, Northeast, and Central-West regions. 18 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/finep-allocates-r-450-million-for-brazilian-regional-innovation ### 2026-10-15: Regional innovation initiatives launched in Amapá and Paraíba Innovation initiatives in Brazil include the Robério Nobre Prize in Amapá, offering R$ 98,000 for scientific advancement, and an Ideathon in Cajazeiras focused on sustainable tourism technology. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/regional-innovation-initiatives-launched-in-amap-and-paraba ### 2026-10-13: BRDE allocates R$ 95 million for innovation in Paraná BRDE has allocated R$ 95.1 million through the Inova Paraná Program to support innovation and digital transformation for small and medium-sized enterprises in Paraná, Brazil. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brde-allocates-r-95-million-for-innovation-in-paran --- Cite as: Regional innovation initiatives in Brazil. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/20261015-regional-innovation-initiatives-in-brazil