The 70th Forum is being held in Goiânia, Goiás, from Tuesday (03) to Friday (05).

The internationalization of Brazilian scientific research was the focus of the 70th CONFAP National Forum—organized by the National Council of State Research Support Foundations (CONFAP)—currently taking place in Goiânia, Goiás, in partnership with the Goiás Research Support Foundation (FAPEG). On Tuesday (02), the International CONFAP Seminar, “European Union Partnerships: Horizon Europe,” was held, where innovations from the state of Espírito Santo were prominently showcased.

Rafael Lontra, Product Director of Espírito Santo–based company Mito Games, and Celso Saibel, Technical-Scientific Director of the Espírito Santo Research and Innovation Support Foundation (Fapes), were invited to present on the panel “Opportunities and Participation in Horizon Europe: Examples of Good Practices.” The panel highlighted the Mito Games project selected to operate in Europe with support from Fapes.

“Espírito Santo has an unprecedented success case in Brazil within the Horizon Europe program: Mito Games. For the first time in the country, a company—not only academic researchers—was selected to take part in an innovation and technology project in Europe. This initiative, led by Fapes, was presented at the CONFAP and FAPEG international seminar as a benchmark for the other 26 State Research Support Foundations in Brazil,” explained Celso Saibel.

“After our presentation, representatives from several research support foundations across the country approached us to ask questions and understand how we were able to support Mito Games in participating in a European project. Without a doubt, the seminar was very positive, and we received excellent feedback,” added the Fapes director.

According to Rafael Lontra of Mito Games, the seminar was highly successful. “The panel was excellent. I was able to present how I became involved in Horizon Europe, which has not only enabled the development of a game project for scientific research but has also given me the opportunity to pursue a master’s degree,” said Lontra.

The event also featured participation from Cláudio Leles, Scientific and Innovation Director at FAPEG; Maria Zaira Turchi, Director of International Cooperation at CONFAP and Special Projects Manager of the Top Managers Program at Fundação Araucária; Priscila Valverde, Vice-Rector for Graduate Studies and Research at PUC Goiás; and Dhallys Mota Nunes, Policy Officer for Science, Technology, and Innovation at the Delegation of the European Union to Brazil.

Mito Games Project Brings Biodiversity into the World of Games

The Espírito Santo–based company aims to translate the complex and region-specific topic of biodiversity into a more accessible and human-centered language.

“The project will carry out an extensive survey of best practices and includes four ‘laboratories,’ which we call T-Labs, serving as concrete examples of these practices. Each T-Lab will host a range of initiatives and act as a reliable data source to support the creation of a gamified experience designed to translate the complex dynamics involved in such a multifaceted topic. For example, what is the impact of airport expansion on nearby forest areas? Or river silting and population growth? Among others,” explained the company’s director.

Rafael Lontra also described how the project connects with the company’s mission. “Mito Games plays a fundamental role in translating all these data, models, and studies into a serious game that will be used by decision-makers across Europe, enabling them to better understand the impacts that various actions may have on local biodiversity.”

“It is a partnership between the Belgian company Myth Jeux [the Belgian sister company of Mito Games] and Mito Games. Myth Jeux is responsible for the game design and the intelligence behind the game, while Mito Games, with its expertise, not only helps evaluate the theoretical aspects but is primarily responsible for bringing the game to life, publishing it, and keeping it operational throughout the project’s duration and for three additional years,” he added.

What Is Horizon Europe?

Horizon Europe is the European Union’s Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (R&I) in force from 2021 to 2027. Its goal is to support Brazilian participation in the program’s calls and to strengthen the European knowledge base through frontier research, foster innovation, support the development and demonstration of innovative solutions, and contribute to the recovery of industry and the economy.

What Is the CONFAP National Forum?

Goiânia (GO) is hosting the 70th edition of the CONSECTI & CONFAP National Forum from December 3 to 5, 2025. The event is organized by the National Council of State Secretaries for Science, Technology, and Innovation (CONSECTI) and the National Council of State Research Support Foundations (CONFAP), in partnership with the Goiás State Secretariat for Science, Technology, and Innovation (SECTI/GO) and the Goiás Research Support Foundation (FAPEG). The forum marks a symbolic moment for the host foundation, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this December.

Press Information

Fapes Communications Office
Samantha Nepomuceno | Igor Gonçalves
+55 (27) 3636-1867 | +55 (27) 3636-1858
comunicacao@fapes.es.gov.br