Brazil BNDES FINEP Innovation Funding 2026
Program Overview
BNDES (Banco Nacional de Desenvolvimento Econômico e Social) and FINEP (Financiadora de Estudos e Projetos), under the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MCTI), are Brazil's primary federal agencies providing innovation financing. Together, they distribute funding across the entire R&D and innovation cycle, from basic research to product development and market entry.
2026-2028 Funding Commitments
Total BNDES/FINEP Funding: R$66 billion through 2026-2028 (per MCTI/MDIC partnership under the Mais Inovação Brasil program)
BNDES Credit Lines: R$300 billion by end of 2026 for New Industry Brazil (NIB) program projects, as announced at NIB's one-year anniversary in February 2025
Total Financing Resources: R$548 billion during 2026-2028 period
Biotechnology Investment Fund: R$250 million for science-based technology startups
Strategic Minerals Call: R$5 billion for transformation and R&D&I centers
Major Program Components
FINEP Reimbursable Funding: Loans with favorable terms for R&D projects
FINEP Non-Reimbursable Funding: Grants for early-stage innovation and basic research
BNDES Innovation Credit Lines: Long-term financing for technology development
Biotechnology Fund: Joint BNDES, FINEP, and private investor support for deep-tech biotech startups
New Industry Brazil Program: Strategic alignment with national industrial policy priorities
R&D&I Centers Support: Funding for establishing research and innovation centers
Eligibility Requirements
Brazilian-registered company or research institution
Projects aligned with New Industry Brazil program missions
Demonstrated innovation and R&D component
Technical and financial viability
Job creation and economic development potential
Compliance with environmental and social standards
Varies by specific program call - monitor BNDES and FINEP websites
Focus Areas
Strategic minerals transformation
Biotechnology and life sciences
Advanced manufacturing and Industry 4.0
Clean energy and sustainability
Agribusiness innovation
Healthcare and medical devices
Defense and aerospace technology
Application Process
- Monitor BNDES and FINEP websites for open public calls
- Identify relevant program component matching your innovation stage and sector
- Prepare comprehensive project proposal including:
- Technical description and innovation merit
- Financial plan and budget
- Market analysis and commercialization strategy
- Team qualifications
- Submit application during open call period
- Undergo technical and financial evaluation
- Receive approval decision and funding terms
- Execute agreement and project milestones
- Submit periodic reports and documentation
Supporting Institutions
EMBRAPII: Brazilian Agency for Industrial Research and Innovation
Caixa Econômica Federal: Federal savings bank supporting innovation
Banco do Brasil: National bank with innovation financing
Banco do Nordeste: Regional development bank for Northeast Brazil
Banco da Amazônia: Regional bank for Amazon region development
Key Advantages
Largest innovation funding pool in Latin America
Both grants (non-reimbursable) and favorable-rate loans available
Coverage across entire R&D cycle from basic research to commercialization
Strategic alignment with national industrial policy
Collaborative calls combining BNDES and FINEP resources
Support for high-risk, deep-tech ventures through biotechnology fund
Long-term commitment through 2028 provides stability
Contact Information
FINEP - Funding Authority for Studies and Projects Website: http://finep.gov.br/our-programs
BNDES - Brazilian Development Bank Website: https://www.bndes.gov.br Innovation Portal: https://www.bndes.gov.br/wps/portal/site/home/onde-atuamos/inovacao
Common Questions
BNDES (Brazilian Development Bank) provides subsidized loans and equity investments for large-scale innovation and infrastructure projects, while FINEP (Financier of Studies and Projects) focuses specifically on research and development funding through grants, subsidized credit, and non-repayable resources. FINEP tends to support earlier-stage R&D, while BNDES supports commercialization and scaling of innovative products and services.
FINEP grants are available to Brazilian companies, research institutions, and universities conducting R&D activities. Companies must be registered in Brazil, current on tax obligations, and demonstrate technical capability to execute the proposed project. FINEP periodically launches specific calls for proposals in priority areas including AI, biotech, and clean energy. Applications are evaluated on innovation potential, technical merit, and economic viability.
BNDES provides concessional lending, BNDESPar equity co-investments, and credit guarantees for established enterprises pursuing modernization. FINEP specializes in earlier-stage support through non-reimbursable grants and subsidized credit for experimental development. FINEP-funded ventures graduating from proof-of-concept phases transition toward BNDES scaling capital, creating sequential support across the innovation value chain.
Priority sectors encompass digital transformation, renewable energy, healthcare innovation, advanced manufacturing, and defense capabilities. FINEP maintains dedicated agricultural technology tracks given Brazil's agribusiness prominence. Both institutions emphasize Amazon sustainable development and circular economy solutions addressing Brazil's environmental stewardship responsibilities and biodiversity preservation commitments.
References
- Innovation Funding Incentives: Brazil. ABGi. View source
- MCTI to Invest R$41 Billion in Mais Inovação Brasil. BNamericas. View source
- BNDES, Finep Approved R$14 Billion for Innovation in 2025. BNamericas. View source
- New Industry Brazil Celebrates One-Year Anniversary. Government of Brazil (2025). View source
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