The forum was held in Minas Gerais from September 30 to October 2 and brought together all Brazilian FAPs.

Public investments in Science, Technology, and Innovation (ST&I) by the Espírito Santo State Government were once again recognized nationally. During the 69th National CONFAP Forum – National Council of State Research Support Foundations, held in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, the initiatives of the Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa e Inovação do Espírito Santo (Fapes) were praised and highlighted as examples to be replicated by other Brazilian FAPs.

Among the event’s highlights, the Brazilian Startups Worldwide (BSW) Program, designed and implemented by Fapes with resources from the State Fund for Science and Technology (Funcitec) and the Mobilização Capixaba pela Inovação (MCI), was selected as a national model for all 27 FAPs.

“I am proud to celebrate the recognition of the work done in Espírito Santo, which today serves as an inspiration for other FAPs across Brazil,” said Rodrigo Varejão, Fapes Director-General.

The BSW program was presented during the panel “Innovation Promotion: The Essential Contribution of Research Support Foundations” on the forum’s second day.

“I want to share this recognition with all Capixabas, thank the State Government for its support, and congratulate each Fapes team member who contributed to this great success,” Varejão added.

He also highlighted the importance of the forum:

“The 69th CONFAP National Forum was extraordinary. We were warmly welcomed by FAPEMIG, responsible for supporting science and innovation in Minas Gerais. I especially thank President Carlos Arruda for his hospitality and the excellent organization in partnership with CONFAP.”

Technical Meetings

The forum included technical meetings and other activities, providing space for experience sharing and discussions on topics of common interest among the 27 FAPs.

Lucia Araújo, Fapes Administrative-Financial Director, attended one of the sessions alongside the legal and financial teams. She emphasized the value of discussions that contributed to all FAPs:

“We addressed specific issues, such as simplified accountability procedures, in accordance with the legal framework for science and technology.”

Araújo also highlighted the lecture given by Antonio Anastasia, Minister at the Federal Court of Accounts (TCU):

“His presence clarified points that often raise doubts in FAPs, particularly regarding oversight agencies. His explanations showed what can be executed within the law, providing greater security for ST&I project management and strengthening development in Espírito Santo and across Brazil.”

Recognition for Fapes’ Internationalization Efforts

According to Elton Moura, Fapes Director of Innovation, the forum provided highly productive exchanges:

“We shared results and ideas that can be implemented in Espírito Santo. The highlight was the recognition Fapes received, especially in internationalization, with the BSW program gaining prominence across Brazil.”

Celso Saibel, Fapes Technical-Scientific Director, also attended the forum:

“The event was a valuable opportunity for direct dialogue with our main funding partners in Brazil. The participation of Luciana Santos, Minister of ST&I, enriched the discussions. We had productive meetings on the legal framework for innovation, changes important for executing our work, and discussions on human resource development in ST&I and new research initiatives. From the perspective of integrating research, development, and innovation for Brazil, the forum was extremely positive.”

About the 69th CONFAP National Forum

Organized by CONFAP in partnership with FAPEMIG, the forum brought together representatives from all 27 Brazilian FAPs, along with strategic partners from national and international ST&I agencies. The event aimed to strengthen collaboration among the foundations and their partners and to discuss key challenges and strategies for the future of science, technology, and innovation in Brazil.

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