News

Fapes Hosts Italian Delegation and Strengthens International Partnership Through Espírito Santo Microelectronics Project

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 13:07:00 GMT

Meeting is one of the outcomes of the Confap & MAECI 2024 call.

The Espírito Santo Research and Innovation Support Foundation (Fapes) hosted, this Thursday (09), representatives from the Institute for Microelectronics and Microsystems (IMM-CNR), Italy, in a visit that marks progress in international cooperation around a research project from Espírito Santo approved under the Confap & MAECI 2024 call. The initiative was made possible through the Foundation’s participation in the international call, which connects Brazilian researchers with leading Italian institutions.

The delegation included IMM-CNR Research Director Claudia Wiemer and researcher Roberto Mantovan, who met with Fapes Director-General Rodrigo Varejão in a meeting that represents one of the developments of the project “Hybrid Superconductor/Topological Insulator System: A Promising Spin Valve Device (HYSPID)”, coordinated by Professor Edson Passamani Caetano from the Federal University of Espírito Santo (Ufes), who was also present.

“The approval of a project from Espírito Santo enabled this mission of researchers to Espírito Santo, bringing the research conducted here even closer to that carried out at a world-class reference laboratory,” highlighted Rodrigo Varejão.

The project is part of the field of Condensed Matter Physics and Advanced Materials and operates at the frontier of knowledge in microelectronics, focusing on spintronics — a new generation of technologies that uses the electron’s spin, rather than its electric charge, to transmit and process information.

In practice, the partnership between Brazil and Italy brings together complementary expertise. On one side, researchers from Espírito Santo at the Espírito Santo Center for New Materials (NNMES), at Ufes, specialize in generating polarized spin currents from superconducting structures. On the other, the Italian group at IMM-CNR excels in producing high-quality topological insulating materials. The integration of these capabilities will enable the development of innovative hybrid devices.

During their stay in Espírito Santo, the Italian researchers are also participating in the “International Seminars” event promoted by Ufes, expanding scientific exchange and knowledge sharing between the teams.

Technology May Revolutionize the Electronics Industry

Research coordinator Professor Edson Passamani Caetano, who holds a PhD in Physics from the Brazilian Center for Research in Physics (CBPF), explains that the project includes the construction of devices capable of converting spin current into electric current.

“This represents an important advancement from both fundamental and technological perspectives. It is an emerging field in which information transfer is much faster and involves lower energy loss,” explained project coordinator Edson Passamani Caetano.

The technology under development is still in the research phase but shows strong potential to revolutionize the electronics industry. Devices based on spintronics could enable equipment with greater storage capacity, higher processing speed, and lower energy consumption, in addition to applications in strategic areas.

“We are working with cutting-edge technology that does not yet have immediate commercial applications but could profoundly transform electronic devices in the future. This is a global research trend, and we are part of this movement,” added the researcher.

According to Rodrigo Varejão, international cooperation is strategic for positioning Espírito Santo in emerging technological fields. To support the research exchange, Fapes is funding the project with approximately R$300,000 from the Espírito Santo State Fund for Science and Technology (Funcitec).

“We are talking about a central theme for global technological development, such as microelectronics and chips. This type of partnership opens important prospects not only for research but also for the State’s economic development, especially considering future demands from industrial sectors,” he stated.

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

Fapes Joins Call for Proposals to Develop Joint Projects Between Scientists from Espírito Santo and the United States

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 16:53:26 GMT

Applications for the CONFAP–Brasillinois 2026 call are now open and will remain available until May 26.

The Espírito Santo Research and Innovation Support Foundation (Fapes) has announced its participation in the CONFAP–Brasillinois 2026 call, aimed at supporting joint research projects between Brazilian scientists and universities in the state of Illinois, United States.

This call is part of the cooperation agreement established between the National Council of State Funding Agencies (Confap) and the University System of Illinois, formalized on November 13, 2025, to strengthen international collaboration in strategic areas of knowledge. Submitted proposals must address one of the following priority areas:

Climate, sustainability, and agriculture;
Public health and medicine;
Democracy and inclusion.

How to Apply

Applications are now open, and proposals must be submitted in English through the Confap and Brasillinois platforms (links available in the Service section of this article) by May 26. Applicants must meet the eligibility criteria for the Regular Research Grant modality, as described in Service Instruction No. 082/2025.

Fapes will support up to two projects involving researchers from Espírito Santo, with a maximum funding amount of US$ 20,000 per project, totaling US$ 40,000, funded by the Espírito Santo State Science and Technology Fund (Funcitec). Each selected project may last up to 24 months.

The selection process will be conducted by Confap in partnership with the University of Illinois System. If projects from Espírito Santo are selected, Fapes will contact the applicants to register the projects and submit the required documents through the Sigfapes platform.

Service Information

Application websites for the CONFAP–Brasillinois 2026 Call:
Confap platform and Brasillinois program platform

Fapes Guidelines: Click here

Submission deadline: May 26, 2026

Questions about the call:
internacional.confap@gmail.com

Questions about Fapes guidelines:
global4@fapes.es.gov.br
parcerias@fapes.es.gov.br

Press Information

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

Fapes Joins Call to Support Joint Projects Between Scientists from Espírito Santo and the United States

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 12:17:14 GMT

Applications for the CONFAP–Brasillinois 2026 Call are now open and will run through May 26.

The Espírito Santo Research and Innovation Support Foundation (Fapes) has announced its participation in the CONFAP–Brasillinois 2026 Call, aimed at supporting joint research projects between Brazilian scientists and universities in the state of Illinois, United States.

The call is part of the cooperation established between the National Council of State Funding Agencies (Confap) and the University of Illinois System, formalized on November 13, 2025, to strengthen international collaboration in strategic areas of knowledge. Submitted proposals must address the following priority areas:

Climate, sustainability, and agriculture
Public health and medicine
Democracy and inclusion

How to apply

Applications are now open, and proposals must be submitted in English through the Confap and Brasillinois platforms (links available in the Service section below) by May 26. Applicants must meet the eligibility criteria of the Regular Research Grant modality, as described in Service Instruction No. 082/2025.

Fapes will support up to two projects involving researchers from Espírito Santo, with a maximum funding amount of US$20,000 per project, totaling US$40,000, funded through the Espírito Santo State Science and Technology Fund (Funcitec). Each selected project will have a maximum duration of 24 months.

The selection process will be conducted by Confap in collaboration with the University of Illinois System. If projects from Espírito Santo are among those selected, Fapes will contact the applicants to register the projects and upload the required documents to the SigFapes platform.

Service

Application websites for the CONFAP–Brasillinois 2026 Call:
Confap platform and Brasillinois program platform

Fapes guidelines: click here

Submission deadline: May 26, 2026

Inquiries about the call:
internacional.confap@gmail.com

Inquiries about Fapes guidelines:
global4@fapes.es.gov.br / parcerias@fapes.es.gov.br

Press Information

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

BitS: Fapes Promotes National Mission for Brazilian and Espírito Santo Impact Techs at Smart City Expo Curitiba 2026

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 16:12:00 GMT

BitS: Fapes Promotes National Mission for Brazilian and Espírito Santo Impact Techs at Smart City Expo Curitiba 2026

Curitiba, in the state of Paraná, was selected based on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Fapes and Fundação Araucária.

Between March 24 and 27, three companies from Espírito Santo participated in an innovation mission promoted by the Espírito Santo Research and Innovation Support Foundation (Fapes). This was the national edition of Brazilian Impact Techs in Spain (BitS), an international mission that took place in the second half of 2025 in Spain and was supported by Fapes through the Brazilian Startups Worldwide (BSW) Program.

The national mission is part of the BitS call launched by FindesLab in partnership with Fapes, Mobilização Capixaba pela Inovação (MCI), and BCome Global in 2025, which selected Brazilian and Espírito Santo-based impact techs for the mission to Spain. The initiative aimed to accelerate the development of startups that had already undergone internationalization, expanding their connections in regions across Brazil identified by Fapes as strategic.

The delegation traveled to Curitiba (Paraná), where it participated in an intensive program during Smart City Expo Curitiba 2026, considered the largest smart cities event in the Americas.

During the program, the companies took part in immersion activities at Pinhão Hub and Smart21 Announcements, the official kickoff of the mission with the Curitiba Agency for Development and Innovation (Ag.Cwb), and technical visits to the Curitiba Institute for Urban Research and Planning (IPPUC), Digital Wall, Urban Farm, and Hypervision.

The agenda also included a full day dedicated to business matchmaking, pitch sessions, and networking activities at the Fundação Araucária booth during the event. On the final day, the delegation engaged in industrial networking and conducted a technical visit to the Industry Technology Park of the Federation of Industries of the State of Paraná (FIEP).

One of the Espírito Santo companies participating in the mission was GreenWay, an impact tech dedicated to developing sustainable solutions through microalgae biotechnology, focusing on decarbonization and circular economy strategies. According to Mariana Cricco, Commercial Director of the company, “the national mission opened valuable opportunities for strategic decision-making and demonstrated, in practice, how Fapes’ support contributes to the recognition and acceleration of startups from Espírito Santo.”

“Through our pitch, we were able to present our business model, connect with relevant players, approach potential partners, and participate in rounds that have already turned into real business opportunities. Taking part in the mission opened important paths for GreenWay and reinforced how essential it is to be in an environment with qualified networking to drive growth,” added Mariana Cricco.

Fapes–Fundação Araucária Partnership

Fapes signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Paraná State Research Foundation after hosting a workshop in Vitória, at the Foundation’s headquarters, with the participation of representatives from Fundação Araucária’s internationalization team.

“Internationalization has been one of the priorities of the current Fapes administration due to its role in strengthening research in Espírito Santo and supporting innovative ventures in the state,” said Rodrigo Varejão, Director-General of Fapes.

“In this context, we sought a partnership with Fundação Araucária, the research foundation of Paraná, which is recognized as a reference in this field. Together, we established an agreement of intent to exchange experiences and best practices, with the goal of developing joint internationalization initiatives in both research and innovation,” explained Varejão.

Through this MoU, Fapes coordinated the participation of Brazilian and Espírito Santo-based impact techs in the national BitS mission during Smart City Expo Curitiba 2026.

What is BSW?

The Brazilian Startups Worldwide (BSW) Program, created by Fapes, supports startups in achieving international success across four verticals:

Industry, through industrial tech companies (indtechs)
Commerce and Retail, through retail tech companies
Agribusiness, through agrifood tech companies
Impact Businesses, through impact tech companies

Each mission is carried out in a different country with an active innovation and technology ecosystem related to the selected vertical.

“Our idea is that Italy, for example, will be the country where we take agrifood tech companies. We are studying the next destinations based on the vertical of each mission. The model will always include participation in a major sector event, training sessions, networking, mentoring, connections with the local market, and cultural immersion,” explained Elton Moura, Fapes Director of Innovation.

Moura also emphasized that all missions are supported by Brazilian embassies:

“It is important to highlight that BSW is directly connected to the Innovation Diplomacy Program (PDI) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which aims to promote Brazil’s image as an innovative nation,” he added.

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

BiG 2026: Espírito Santo Companies Selected for Internationalization Mission to Germany with Support from Fapes

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 16:10:00 GMT

Industrial tech companies from Espírito Santo receive subsidies of up to R$50,000 to connect with the European innovation market; the Foundation’s leadership will also carry out an institutional agenda.

Another edition of Brazilian Indtechs in Germany (BiG), an initiative promoted by the Espírito Santo Research and Innovation Support Foundation (Fapes) that has been consolidating itself as a strategic bridge for the internationalization of Brazilian industrial tech companies, is approaching. The international mission, organized in partnership with Bcome.global, will take four companies from Espírito Santo to participate in the 2026 edition, scheduled to take place from April 15 to 25 in Germany.

In total, ten Brazilian companies will join the BiG 2026 delegation, four of which are from Espírito Santo and have been selected to receive direct support from Fapes: Actiz, Endelevo, iNeeds, and VixTeam. The companies selected by the Foundation will receive subsidies of up to R$50,000 per company to support mission-related expenses and foster the internationalization of innovative solutions developed in the state. The funding comes from the Espírito Santo Science and Technology Fund (Funcitec).

The first international mission of 2026 is part of the FAPES Global program, which selected Germany as the destination due to the strong connections established with German institutions during the 2023 and 2025 editions. According to Fapes Director-General Rodrigo Varejão, in addition to supporting the participation of Espírito Santo-based technology companies, this year’s BiG also aims to strengthen the Foundation’s internationalization agenda in Science, Technology, and Innovation (ST&I).

“To achieve this, we developed an unprecedented partnership with the Brazil–Germany Chamber of Commerce (AHK), which was responsible for jointly building an institutional agenda with us involving universities, technical education schools, applied research centers, innovation hubs, and technology-based companies located in the state of Baden-Württemberg,” explained Varejão.

During the mission, the delegation will take part in an intensive schedule that includes technical visits, institutional meetings, and networking activities with key players in the European industrial and technological sectors. A major highlight will be participation in Hannover Messe 2026, the world’s largest industrial technology trade fair, held from April 20 to 24.

For Fapes Director-General Rodrigo Varejão, more than just an international mission, BiG has established itself as an acceleration platform for innovative Brazilian companies, helping expand their global competitiveness and positioning Espírito Santo as an emerging hub of innovation on the international stage.

“By connecting Espírito Santo to one of the most advanced ecosystems in the world, Fapes contributes to fostering qualified partnerships that support the development of ST&I in Espírito Santo and create new business and innovation opportunities for companies in the state,” he emphasized.

Mission Track Record

BiG reaches its 2026 edition supported by strong results achieved over recent years, consolidating itself as one of the leading initiatives for the internationalization of innovative companies in Brazil. Since its first edition in 2023, the program has steadily expanded its reach and impact within the European industrial and technological ecosystem.

Across its first three editions, BiG has facilitated more than 300 strategic connections and generated over R$9 million in business deals. In 2026, the initiative returns with companies seeking to expand their international presence and new participants entering the European market for the first time, reinforcing the leadership of Brazil—and Espírito Santo—in the global innovation landscape.

What is Fapes Global?

Fapes Global, a program that expands the Brazilian Startups Worldwide (BSW) initiative, is designed to strengthen Espírito Santo’s integration into the international Science, Technology, and Innovation (ST&I) ecosystem. Aligned with the Foundation’s strategic guidelines, the program focuses on expanding the reach of research and innovation from Espírito Santo by connecting it to global networks, promoting knowledge exchange, attracting investments, and generating new opportunities for researchers, institutions, and companies.

With a cross-cutting approach, Fapes Global supports the development of strategic partnerships with funding agencies, universities, research centers, multilateral organizations, and innovation hubs around the world. In addition, the initiative contributes to the design and execution of international programs and missions, accelerating the internationalization of startups and innovation environments while positioning Espírito Santo as an increasingly competitive player in the global arena.

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

European Research Council (ERC) Selects Project from Espírito Santo in International Call

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 16:07:49 GMT

Fapes joined the European call and will support a project from Espírito Santo with €6,000.

Research from Espírito Santo reaches Europe. The final results of the ERC 2025 Call, which supports Brazilian PhD researchers in projects funded by the European Research Council, have been announced. Among the 19 approved projects, one is from Espírito Santo and will receive €6,000 from the State Government, through the Espírito Santo Research and Innovation Support Foundation (Fapes), to be carried out at the University of Cantabria, in Spain.

The project titled “Nanoparticles in Situ Surface Growth for Direct Fabrication of Functional Patterned Nanomaterials (NANOGROWDIR ECT)” will be coordinated in Brazil by Jairo Pinto de Oliveira, a professor at the Federal University of Espírito Santo (Ufes) in the field of Nano and Biotechnology. The research is part of the ERC panel on Synthetic Chemistry and Materials.

“Our project aims to develop a new generation of optical biosensors that are more sensitive and portable, with potential applications in food safety and public health,” explained the Ufes professor.

“The support from Fapes is essential because it enables a strategic international collaboration with a leading research group in Europe, allowing not only access to advanced infrastructure but also the generation of high-level knowledge. This type of funding is crucial to strengthening research in Espírito Santo, expanding Ufes’s international presence, and generating solutions with real societal impact,” the researcher added.

The selection process was supported by Brazilian state research foundations (FAPs), through participation in the international call. In Espírito Santo, Fapes allocated €18,000 to fund up to three projects from the state. The funding comes from the Espírito Santo Science and Technology Fund (Funcitec).

“It is very rewarding to see yet another project from Espírito Santo approved in an international call. Supporting cooperation between countries and strengthening research networks is one of Fapes’ priorities. This result demonstrates the strength of scientific production in Espírito Santo and our capacity to operate and generate knowledge at the international level,” said Fapes Director-General Rodrigo Varejão.

What is the ERC Call?

The call is conducted under the Implementing Arrangement (IA) signed between the European Commission and the National Council of State Research Funding Agencies (Confap) in October 2016, within the framework of the Horizon 2020 program, and currently in force under the Horizon Europe (2021–2027) program.

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

Former Fapes Fellow Has Thesis Recognized as the “Best in the World” at International Social Work Conference

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 16:06:49 GMT

Award-winning study will also be published as a book soon.

Researcher Aline Elisa Maretto Lang, a graduate of the Graduate Program in Social Policy (PPGPS) at the Federal University of Espírito Santo (Ufes) and a former fellow of the Espírito Santo Research and Innovation Support Foundation (Fapes) through the Procap call, had her doctoral thesis titled “The Silence of Stones Has No Height: Early Childhood in UNICEF Discourse” evaluated as the best in the world by the Research Committee of the International Association of Schools of Social Work, one of the leading academic organizations in the field.

With this recognition, Aline will receive the PhD-based Abstract Award during the organization’s World Congress, which will take place in Kenya in June 2026. The award brings international recognition to research developed in Espírito Santo with the support of state public funding. The thesis critically analyzes how early childhood came to occupy a central place in international agendas and how the discourse of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) differentiates public policy guidelines according to countries’ levels of economic development.

The research showed that, particularly from the 1990s onward, childhood began to be presented in international documents as a “window of opportunity” to break cycles of poverty and promote economic development. However, the study highlights that this discourse takes on different meanings: while in countries considered developed the perspective of rights prevails, in nations classified as developing there is a stronger emphasis on poverty reduction and the preparation of future labor forces.

“This award represents not only an individual achievement, but also recognition of the relevance of research produced in Brazil, especially studies that critically analyze social policies and the discourses that guide the protection of early childhood,” Aline stated.

According to the researcher, understanding these differences is essential for the development of more just and context-sensitive public policies. “When childhood is treated primarily as an investment in the future, there is a risk that policies will be guided mainly by economic efficiency criteria, leaving the guarantee of rights and broad social protection in the background. We cannot apply international guidelines automatically without considering social, economic, and regional realities,” she emphasized.

The award expands the international visibility of scientific production from Espírito Santo and opens opportunities for dialogue with researchers from different countries. For Aline, participating in the World Congress will be an opportunity to present the research results, strengthen academic networks, and bring the name of Espírito Santo into the global debate on social policies and childhood.

Public Funding as the Foundation of the Achievement

The researcher highlighted that the scholarship granted by Fapes was decisive for completing her doctoral studies and, consequently, for achieving international recognition.

“The scholarship was fundamental in allowing me to dedicate myself fully to the research. As a woman, a mother of two young children, and a researcher, this support ensured the minimum conditions necessary to carry out the study with quality. It was a decisive factor in enabling the thesis to reach this level of recognition,” she said.

She also emphasized the importance of public funding for fields such as Social Work, where scientific production is predominantly carried out by women.

“Public funding creates real conditions for permanence and stability so that researchers can develop, complete, and disseminate their studies. It democratizes knowledge production and ensures that critical analyses of inequality, poverty, and social rights are not limited to those who have their own financial resources,” Aline Elisa Maretto Lang added.

Research to Be Published as a Book

The impact of the work is also reflected in the publication of the thesis in book format. According to Aline Elisa Maretto Lang, the work will be published by Navegando Publishing House in both digital (open-access) and printed versions, further expanding the reach of the reflections developed during her doctoral research.

“During the thesis defense, when the committee began commenting on the work, I had my first great and gratifying surprise when they said that my thesis had the quality required to be published as a book. I received the news with great joy, but also with surprise, because I did not realize the magnitude of what I had accomplished,” she explained.

“The initial forecast is that the book will be officially launched in Espírito Santo in August, during the National and International Meeting on Social Policy (ENPS/EIPS), organized by the graduate program to which I belong,” the researcher added.

Second Consecutive Recognition

In 2024, during a conference held in Panama, the Graduate Program in Social Policy (PPGPS) at Ufes also topped the award rankings with the abstract titled “Reproductive Rights and Female Sterilization in Brazil,” developed by researcher Leila Marchezi Tavares Menandro.

The common link between the two consecutive awards is coordinator Maria Lúcia Teixeira Garcia, who highlighted the collective work carried out by the PPGPS and the support provided by Fapes.

“It is the result of collective work by faculty members, students, administrative staff, and alumni to offer postgraduate education of excellence, with an international perspective while remaining committed to local issues. International awards confirm that we are on the right path, but this recognition also brings new challenges,” the coordinator stated.

“The support provided by Fapes is essential to the excellence achieved by the PPGPS, as illustrated in Aline’s case. The Fapes scholarship ensured the completion of her studies. In addition, through other calls, Fapes created opportunities for internationalization activities. Therefore, the award received by Aline belongs to the PPGPS and also to Fapes,” Maria Lúcia Teixeira Garcia emphasized.

For Fapes Technical-Scientific Director Celso Saibel, the international recognition of former fellows reinforces the Foundation’s strategic role.

“We work to strengthen graduate education, train highly qualified human resources, and promote the internationalization of science produced in Espírito Santo,” he concluded.

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

Final Results BretA2026: Espírito Santo Companies Dominate Selection for International Retail Innovation Mission to Argentina

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 16:00:44 GMT

The BretA2026 mission is part of the Brazilian Startups Worldwide (BSW) Program by FAPES.

The list of 11 retail techs selected for the next stage of the Brazilian Retail Techs in Argentina – BretA2026 reinforces the strength of Espírito Santo’s innovation ecosystem. Among the companies chosen to advance in the program, ten are based in Espírito Santo. They will now undergo an intensive training phase in preparation for the international mission to Buenos Aires, scheduled to take place from May 10 to 16.

Promoted by the Espírito Santo Research and Innovation Support Foundation (FAPES), in partnership with Fecomércio-ES, BretA2026 prepares retail techs to operate in international markets and connect innovative solutions to the commerce, services, and tourism sectors in Argentina.

The Espírito Santo companies will receive financial support from FAPES to participate in the mission, which acts as a bridge for the expansion of Brazil’s innovation ecosystem, combining cutting-edge technology with the market expertise required to navigate the Argentine business landscape.

Meet the Selected Companies:

Checkbits: Ensures standardization and compliance with operational routines in bars and restaurants through digital checklists with photo evidence and geolocation, eliminating failures that impact profitability. For more information, click here.

Foozi: Optimizes the supply chain by connecting establishments to suppliers and reducing the average cost of acquiring inputs. For more information, click here.

Futuriza: Boosts fashion e-commerce by replacing traditional photo shoots with AI-generated virtual models, reducing production costs by 30% and accelerating collection launches. For more information, click here.

Gerenciar: Using artificial intelligence, the solution eliminates manual inventory control in restaurants, reducing waste by up to 70% through voice-command management and WhatsApp alerts. For more information, click here.

GreenWay: Works on the structural decarbonization of retail chains by integrating climate traceability and verifiable environmental impact projects. For more information, click here.

iaJob: Reduces retail hiring time from 23 days to just 24 hours, using AI to recruit operational staff quickly and accurately. For more information, click here.

Infinite Foundry: Uses digital twins to simulate store layouts and logistics flows before physical implementation, validating investments and anticipating operational bottlenecks. For more information, click here.

Kenit: Focused on the auto parts sector, uses data intelligence to optimize purchasing and inventory, reducing stockouts and eliminating excess tied-up capital. For more information, click here.

Monnera: A specialist in incentive campaign management, the platform automates goal tracking and reward calculations, ensuring sales team engagement and real revenue growth. For more information, click here.

Takeat: A platform that replaces multiple systems by integrating operations, finances, and loyalty management to generate predictable growth in food service establishments. For more information, click here.

Value: A white-label loyalty platform that combines cashback, points, and personalized campaigns to increase customer retention and average ticket size. For more information, click here.

What is BretA2026?

BretA2026 is part of the Brazilian Startups Worldwide (BSW), an internationalization program created by FAPES. The mission is promoted by the Foundation in partnership with Fecomércio Espírito Santo, Bcome.global, Sebrae, the Innovation Diplomacy Program (PDI) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Espírito Santo Innovation Mobilization (MCI).

The central objective of BretA2026 is to establish long-term connections between Brazilian retail techs and the innovation ecosystem of the neighboring country. The program will culminate in a seven-day international mission in Buenos Aires, which will include participation in Retail Day 2026, one of the leading B2B events in the retail sector in Latin America, as well as business matchmaking sessions and technical visits.

Text: Fecomércio-ES, Agência Buuk, and FAPES Communications Office

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

BretA2026 Announces Pre-Selected Retail Techs for International Mission: 14 from Espírito Santo

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 15:26:37 GMT

Companies from Espírito Santo are competing for five spots with financial support of up to R$ 60,000 from Fapes.

BretA2026 – Brazilian Retail Techs in Argentina – has concluded its initial application phase and announced this Friday (16) the list of technology-based companies pre-selected to advance in the program’s activity schedule. In total, 28 Brazilian retail techs were pre-selected, 14 of which are from Espírito Santo.

Representatives from four Brazilian regions — Northeast, Midwest, Southeast, and South — are moving on to the next stage. The pre-selected companies from Espírito Santo remain in the running for up to five spots that will receive financial support of up to R$ 60,000 from the Espírito Santo Research and Innovation Support Foundation (Fapes) to cover the costs of the international mission. The remaining companies will compete for the other 10 available spots.

Below is the list of pre-selected retail techs and their respective states:

Retail Techs	UF
AlterVision	RS
Capim Pimenta	BA
Checkbits	ES
Colecta	RS
Ecomilhas	SP
Eletrodara Gestão de Energia	RS
Foozi	ES
Futuriza	ES
Gander	SP
Gerenciar	ES
GreenWay	ES
iaJob	ES
iNeeds	ES
Infinite Foundry	ES
Inside the Box	SC
Just Travel Viagens e Turismo	BA
Kenit	ES
Monnera Marketing de Incentivo e Fidelização	ES
Okylla	PB
Polus Brasil	DF
PRICE SURVEY	MG
Speach	ES
Takeat	ES
Te Atende	ES
The Fashion Office	ES
Value	PR
Vem de Rotas	MA
VOX EPOWER	RJ

Next Selection Phase

The 28 pre-selected startups will participate in the first phase of the internationalization training stage, focused on business and marketing, scheduled to take place between January 26 and February 20.

Each pre-selected retail tech will receive targeted training for two specific professionals: the CIO (Internationalization Leader) and the CMO (Marketing Leader). During this period, companies will be required to complete mandatory deliverables, which will be rigorously evaluated by the organizers based on quality and punctuality criteria.

The learning tracks were designed to prepare entrepreneurs for the real challenges of internationalization, covering essential topics such as cultural differences and practical guidance on how to — and how not to — conduct business outside Brazil.

In addition, the training will provide support for prior prospecting efforts, teaching strategies for outreach and scheduling meetings, as well as offering practical tips to ensure alignment and success during the international mission.

At the end of the entire process, each company will have finalized its One-page presentation in both English and Portuguese, ensuring a global-ready sales tool.

After this stage, the highest-ranked retail techs will present before an evaluation panel that will select up to 15 companies for the international mission phase in Argentina, scheduled from May 10 to 16, 2026.

Final Results

The final list of selected companies will be announced on February 27, and the official list of participants in the international mission will be released on March 7.

What is BretA2026?

BretA2026 is part of the Brazilian Startups Worldwide (BSW), an internationalization program created by Fapes. The mission is promoted by the Foundation in partnership with Fecomércio Espírito Santo, Bcome.global, Sebrae, the Innovation Diplomacy Program (PDI) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Mobilização Capixaba pela Inovação (MCI).

The main objective of BretA2026 is to establish lasting connections between Brazilian retail techs and the innovation ecosystem of Argentina. The program will culminate in a seven-day international mission in Buenos Aires, which will include participation in Retail Day 2026 — one of the leading B2B retail sector events in Latin America — as well as business matchmaking rounds and technical visits.

SERVICE:

Pre-Selected Companies for the BretA2026 – Brazilian Retail Techs in Argentina Mission

Click here to learn more.

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

CONFAP & MAECI Call: Espírito Santo Project Approved to Collaborate with Italian Institution

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 15:25:53 GMT

Fapes will provide approximately R$ 300,000 to support a research exchange developed at Ufes in partnership with the Institute for Microelectronics and Microsystems in Italy.

The year 2026 began with positive news for the internationalization of research in Espírito Santo. The National Council of State Research Support Foundations (CONFAP) announced last week the results of the CONFAP & MAECI 2024 Call, which aims to support joint research projects between Brazil and Italy. A study funded by the Espírito Santo Research and Innovation Support Foundation (Fapes) is among the ten projects approved nationwide.

The approved project, titled “Hybrid Superconductor/Topological Insulator System: A Promising Spin Valve Device (HYSPID)”, is coordinated by Professor Edson Passamani Caetano from the Department of Physics and Chemistry at the Center for Exact Sciences of the Federal University of Espírito Santo (Ufes). The bilateral cooperation in the field of Physics of Matter and Advanced Materials will be carried out in partnership with the Institute for Microelectronics and Microsystems (IMM-CNR), located in the city of Catania, Italy, under the co-coordination of Italian researcher Roberto Mantovan.

The project’s main objective is to combine the key scientific advances achieved by both teams into a single innovative device designed to explore spin-triplet current conversion. To enable the research exchange, Fapes will provide approximately R$ 300,000 in funding from the Espírito Santo State Fund for Science and Technology (Funcitec).

Fapes Director-General Rodrigo Varejão celebrated the project’s approval in the international call, the result of the Foundation’s partnership with CONFAP and the Italian organization MAECI. “Supporting the internationalization of research is strategic for strengthening science in Espírito Santo, expanding its reach and increasing its relevance on both the national and international stage,” he emphasized.

Service:

– Final results of the CONFAP & MAECI 2024 Call: click here to check the list.

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

BretA2026 Selects 14 Retail Techs for the Next Phase of the Program

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 15:25:16 GMT

The organization of the Brazilian Retail Techs in Argentina (BretA2026) program announced this Friday (27) the official results of the technology-based companies selected to advance to the next phase of the schedule. Following a rigorous evaluation by the selection committee, 14 startups were deemed eligible to join the international mission in Argentina, having met all required eligibility and technical capacity criteria.

The first training phase included the development of the Internationalization Canvas, completion of the program’s official One-page document, and refinement of performance metrics. The program’s main objective is to register 300 qualified connections — including partnerships, investors, and market validations — by the end of 2026.

According to the official schedule, the retail techs that sign the Commitment and Adhesion Agreement in the coming days will move on to the second training stage, which will take place from March 9 to May 8. This period will focus on intensive preparation for the international mission to Buenos Aires, scheduled for May 10 to 16, 2026. During the mission, the companies will seek to establish reciprocal ties and commercial partnerships.

The full list of retail techs selected for the international mission is available on the program’s official website.

What is BretA2026?

BretA2026 is part of Brazilian Startups Worldwide (BSW), an internationalization program created by Fapes. The mission is promoted by the Foundation in partnership with Fecomércio Espírito Santo, Bcome.global, Sebrae, the Innovation Diplomacy Program (PDI) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Mobilização Capixaba pela Inovação (MCI).

The main objective of BretA2026 is to establish lasting connections between Brazilian retail techs and Argentina’s innovation ecosystem. The program will culminate in a seven-day international mission in Buenos Aires, including participation in Retail Day 2026 — one of the leading B2B retail sector events in Latin America — as well as business matchmaking sessions and technical visits.

Text: Agência Buuk

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

Fapes Promotes European Union Mission Across the Interior of Espírito Santo

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 15:24:37 GMT

The mission included delegates from France, Slovenia, Belgium, and the Czech Republic.

Strengthening the internationalization of scientific research in Espírito Santo was the main objective of the mission promoted by the Espírito Santo Research and Innovation Support Foundation (Fapes) with representatives from European Union member countries. The agenda was led by Dhallys Mota Nunes, Science, Technology and Innovation Policy Officer at the European Union Delegation to Brazil, and by Fapes’ Technical-Scientific Director, Celso Saibel, and took place from February 24 to 27.

“Fapes had previously promoted a mission in the state capital, and now we wanted to showcase the research and innovation potential we have in the interior of Espírito Santo. There are several education and research institutions carrying out excellent, high-quality work that can establish connections with Europe,” emphasized Celso Saibel.

Laboratories and research centers located from north to south of Espírito Santo were visited during the mission, which traveled through the cities of Linhares, Marilândia, Santa Teresa, Venda Nova do Imigrante, Alegre, and Piúma.

“It was one of the best ideas a State Research Foundation has ever had. Decentralizing the agenda is also a priority of the European Commission, so that opportunities for scientific and technological cooperation and research mobility with the European Union reach not only capital cities but also inland regions. This agenda allowed us to see beautiful places in Espírito Santo, with outstanding researchers and major research centers and institutions, such as those developed by Incaper, the National Institute of the Atlantic Forest (Melo Leitão Museum), Ufes, and Ifes,” said Dhallys Mota Nunes.

The EU Delegation officer continued: “This mission demonstrated not only to the European Union, but also to its member states, the potential for scientific collaboration between Brazil and the European Union.”

Layla Pinheiro, Head of Economic, Environmental and Scientific Affairs for Slovenia in Brazil, was part of the mission. It was her first time in Espírito Santo, and she was impressed by the research conducted in the state.

“Espírito Santo has incredible potential, especially in coffee production. There are several studies underway to track and confirm sustainability, which is extremely important for the European Union, particularly in light of the EU-Mercosur Agreement. It was truly amazing to be here these days. Congratulations to Fapes for the work it is doing, both in decentralizing and internationalizing research developed in Espírito Santo,” Layla Pinheiro noted.

Representing France, Vincent Brignol, Science and Technology Attaché at the Consulate General of France in Rio de Janeiro, participated in the mission and praised the initiative.

“It was a very enriching experience. We visited several research and training centers in the interior of Espírito Santo and here in Vitória, and I believe there are many opportunities to develop cooperation with France in particular and with the European Union more broadly,” he said.

“We saw many initiatives in agriculture and food science, which are also strong areas in France. We have research institutes dedicated to these fields, with representatives based in Brazil. So I believe there may be future cooperation opportunities. In the blue economy field as well — we visited the Ifes campus in Piúma, which develops very interesting projects with great potential. In addition to what is already happening here in Vitória, where there are important collaborations in engineering that we can further expand,” Vincent Brignol added.

Belgium already maintains a partnership with a company from Espírito Santo, supported by Fapes, and the country’s representative also took part in the mission. Julie Dumont, Scientific and Academic Counselor of Belgium in Brazil, said she found it important and interesting to visit the interior of the state.

“I was already familiar with some of the state’s competencies, as we have a game development company from Espírito Santo that established itself in Belgium — Mito Games — through the Horizon Europe Program. This has led to the creation of an entire innovation ecosystem in the gaming sector, including scientific applications of gaming. In addition, there is an AI project from Espírito Santo in the area of media literacy education currently being developed. There are also numerous research initiatives in sustainable agriculture, among others. It was truly interesting to better understand the ecosystems in order to strengthen existing projects and build bridges between them. There are clear synergies,” explained Julie Dumont.

Also participating in the mission was Nathália Burian, Honorary Consul of the Czech Republic in Vitória.

Final Day of the Mission

The mission concluded with an event at Fapes headquarters in Vitória last Friday (27), attended by representatives of the EU member countries and the EU Science, Technology and Innovation Policy Officer in Brazil, as well as representatives from public and private education and research institutions in the Greater Vitória Metropolitan Region.

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

Fapes Hosts European Union Mission in Espírito Santo to Expand International Cooperation in Science and Innovation

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 15:21:57 GMT

European delegation will visit research institutions in Espírito Santo and present collaboration opportunities with European Union member states.

Between February 24 and 27, Espírito Santo will host the European Union Research and International Cooperation Mission, with support from the Espírito Santo Research and Innovation Support Foundation (Fapes). The initiative aims to strengthen strategic partnerships in Science, Technology, and Innovation (ST&I) within the state. The mission will be led by Dhallys Mota Nunes, Science, Technology and Innovation Policy Officer at the European Union Delegation to Brazil, and will include scientific advisers and representatives from Slovenia, France, and the Wallonia-Brussels region in Belgium.

Over four days, the European delegation, accompanied by representatives from Fapes, will visit several municipalities across the state to learn about Research, Development, and Innovation (R&D&I) projects and to present opportunities for international cooperation. According to Fapes Technical-Scientific Director Celso Saibel, the mission represents a strategic step toward increasing the international presence of research in Espírito Santo.

“Strengthening ties with the European Union expands opportunities for scientific cooperation, researcher exchanges, and participation in international calls. This mission reinforces Espírito Santo’s position in the global science and innovation landscape and creates new opportunities for our institutions and researchers,” Saibel emphasized.

Program from North to South

Activities begin on Tuesday (24) in Linhares, with a presentation at the Espírito Santo Institute for Research, Technical Assistance and Rural Extension (Incaper), followed by visits to projects involving coffee, chocolate, papaya, and biological reserves in the region.

On Wednesday (25), the agenda continues in Santa Teresa, with meetings at the National Institute of the Atlantic Forest (INMA – Melo Leitão Museum), including a guided tour of the zoobotanical park and discussions with researchers. On the same day, the delegation will visit Coffee Design at the Federal Institute of Espírito Santo (Ifes) in Venda Nova do Imigrante.

On Thursday (26), activities will take place in Alegre, with a presentation at the Federal University of Espírito Santo (Ufes), as well as visits to Ifes – Rive/Alegre and the Department of Forest and Wood Sciences (CCAE/Ufes) in Jerônimo Monteiro. The agenda then continues to Piúma, with an institutional visit to the Ifes campus in the municipality.

The mission will conclude on Friday (27) at the Fapes auditorium in Vitória. The closing event will feature presentations on cooperation opportunities between the European Union and institutions in Espírito Santo, followed by a dedicated session for bilateral meetings with the Delegation.

Press Information:
Fapes Communications Office
Samantha Nepomuceno | Igor Gonçalves
+55 (27) 3636-1867 | +55 (27) 3636-1851
comunicacao@fapes.es.gov.br

Internationalization: Fapes Joins the CONFAP – Marie Skłodowska-Curie 2026 Call

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 15:20:24 GMT

Applications for staff exchange are open until April 16.

The Espírito Santo Research and Innovation Support Foundation (Fapes) begins the year continuing its efforts to internationalize scientific, technological, and innovation research produced in Espírito Santo. The CONFAP – Marie Skłodowska-Curie (Staff Exchanges) 2026 Call is now open, inviting Brazilian researchers to participate in collaborative research and innovation projects aimed at strengthening international, intersectoral, and interdisciplinary connections through staff exchanges and knowledge sharing. Applications are open until April 16.

The call is launched by the National Council of State Research Support Foundations (CONFAP), based on the Administrative Arrangement signed in 2021 between the European Commission (DG-RTD), CONFAP, the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq), and the Brazilian Funding Authority for Studies and Projects (Finep). The agreement establishes mechanisms to support cooperation between the European Union and Brazil in research and innovation activities.

Fapes has joined the call and will support up to three collaborative mobility and research projects of scientific excellence, involving exchanges with countries of the European Union (EU) and those associated with Horizon Europe. A total of US$ 19,500 (nineteen thousand five hundred US dollars) will be allocated from the Espírito Santo State Fund for Science and Technology (Funcitec). Selected projects may last up to 36 months, and funding provided by Fapes will cover operational and capital expenses, excluding scholarships.

Collaborative projects must involve at least three EU Member States or countries associated with Horizon Europe and will be submitted by European coordinators through the Horizon Europe platform. To be eligible for funding by Fapes, researchers from Espírito Santo must be associated as principal investigators in a project selected under the Horizon Europe program.

Applicant researchers must submit their proposals as partners in projects filed on the Horizon Europe platform by European coordinators, and also directly through SigFapes under “open calls,” available at: https://www.sigfapes.es.gov.br/.

Service:

To learn more about the MSCA Staff Exchanges 2026 Program: access here and here
Consult the MSCA Staff Exchanges information (in English): click here
Access Fapes guidelines: click here
Submission deadline: April 16, 2026
Inquiries: internacional.confap@gmail.com | parcerias@fapes.es.gov.br | parcerias1@fapes.es.gov.br

Press Information:
Fapes Communications Office
Samantha Nepomuceno | Igor Gonçalves
+55 (27) 3636-1867 | +55 (27) 3636-1851
comunicacao@fapes.es.gov.br

Fapes and German Institute Launch Strategic Green Hydrogen and Sustainable Energy Transition Project

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 15:19:21 GMT

An online event marked the beginning of joint activities with the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (Fraunhofer ISE).

February brought important news for Espírito Santo. The Espírito Santo Research and Innovation Support Foundation (Fapes) and the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (Fraunhofer ISE), Germany, held an online event to officially launch the H2-VERDE ES project — an initiative aimed at assessing Espírito Santo’s potential for green hydrogen production and advancing a sustainable energy transition.

The meeting, known as a “kick-off,” brought together representatives from Fapes, the State Secretariat for Science, Technology, Innovation and Professional Education (Secti), and researchers from Fraunhofer ISE, consolidating the first practical action under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Government of Espírito Santo and the German institution for cooperation in research, development, and scientific infrastructure.

Fapes Director-General Rodrigo Varejão explained how the partnership was established and expressed expectations of achieving significant results in the future.

“We have just celebrated the launch of an unprecedented project in partnership with a world-leading applied research center in the field of energy transition, the Fraunhofer Institute of Germany. The partnership was officially formalized in November last year following an international mission carried out by Fapes and Secti in the European country. The collaboration provides for the exchange of expertise between researchers from Espírito Santo and Germany, enabling Espírito Santo, through the results of this joint effort, to become a reference in applied research in this field,” he said enthusiastically.

A Strategic Project for the Energy Future

With an expected duration of six months, the H2-VERDE ES project aims primarily to analyze pathways for decarbonizing Espírito Santo’s energy matrix and to assess the technical and economic feasibility of green hydrogen production in the state. The study will include integrated analyses of the local energy system, the regulatory environment, and the infrastructure conditions required for future projects in the sector.

According to the plan presented, the initiative will be developed across three major work streams:

WP1 – Analysis of Espírito Santo’s Current Energy System:
A detailed data survey on energy generation, consumption, and renewable energy potential in the state, forming the technical foundation for future projections.

WP2 – Studies on Future Developments:
Development of energy scenarios for 2040 and 2050, evaluation of public policies, incentives, and regulatory instruments, as well as identification of sectors with the greatest potential demand for green hydrogen.

WP3 – Mapping Green Hydrogen Potential:
Georeferenced analysis of areas suitable for solar and wind energy, identification of biomass sources, assessment of existing infrastructure, and development of pilot project concepts for implementation in Espírito Santo.

International Cooperation and Innovation

During the meeting, the activity timeline, working methodology, and responsibilities of each team were presented. Fraunhofer ISE will lead the project’s technical coordination, while Fapes and Secti will serve as strategic partners in providing regional information and data essential for building the analyses.

Expected outcomes include the preparation of a comprehensive diagnosis of Espírito Santo’s energy system, the development of maps and databases on renewable potential, and the proposal of concrete green hydrogen projects capable of attracting investment and strengthening the state economy.

Next Steps

As a follow-up to the kick-off meeting, Fraunhofer ISE will send a data collection template to Espírito Santo’s institutions to support the first stage of the study. A schedule of periodic technical meetings has also been established to monitor progress through the project’s completion, expected in June of this year.

The partnership with Fraunhofer reinforces Espírito Santo’s commitment to innovation and sustainability, positioning the state as one of Brazil’s leading players in the renewable energy agenda and in the emerging green hydrogen economy.

Press Information:
Fapes Communications Office
Samantha Nepomuceno / Igor Gonçalves
+55 (27) 3636-1867 / +55 (27) 3636-1851
comunicacao@fapes.es.gov.br

BretA2026 Announces Pre-Selected Retail Techs for International Mission: 14 from Espírito Santo

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 17:13:00 GMT

Companies from Espírito Santo are competing for five spots with financial support of up to R$ 60,000 from Fapes.

Below is the list of pre-selected retail techs and their respective states:

Retail Techs	UF
AlterVision	RS
Capim Pimenta	BA
Checkbits	ES
Colecta	RS
Ecomilhas	SP
Eletrodara Gestão de Energia	RS
Foozi	ES
Futuriza	ES
Gander	SP
Gerenciar	ES
GreenWay	ES
iaJob	ES
iNeeds	ES
Infinite Foundry	ES
Inside the Box	SC
Just Travel Viagens e Turismo	BA
Kenit	ES
Monnera Marketing de Incentivo e Fidelização	ES
Okylla	PB
Polus Brasil	DF
PRICE SURVEY	MG
Speach	ES
Takeat	ES
Te Atende	ES
The Fashion Office	ES
Value	PR
Vem de Rotas	MA
VOX EPOWER	RJ

Next Selection Phase

At the end of the entire process, each company will have finalized its One-page presentation in both English and Portuguese, ensuring a global-ready sales tool.

Final Results

The final list of selected companies will be announced on February 27, and the official list of participants in the international mission will be released on March 7.

What is BretA2026?

SERVICE:

Pre-Selected Companies for the BretA2026 – Brazilian Retail Techs in Argentina Mission

Click here to learn more.

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

State Government Launches Unprecedented Program for Startup Internationalization: Brazilian Startups Worldwide (BSW)

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 13:37:41 GMT

Fapes created BSW with the goal of making Espírito Santo a national and international innovation hub.

The Espírito Santo Research and Innovation Support Foundation (Fapes) has launched the Brazilian Startups Worldwide (BSW) program, aimed at attracting greater investment from national and international technology companies in industry, agribusiness, retail, and impact-driven businesses (sustainability) to Espírito Santo. The program is a partnership with the Mobilização Capixaba pela Inovação (MCI) and FindesLab, and the first international mission is scheduled for March 2025.

Through BSW, Fapes expects Espírito Santo to become a national and international innovation hub, positioning the state as a destination for companies to develop new technologies.

“We want Espírito Santo to become a center for technology companies. To achieve this, we are investing over BRL 4 million in this unprecedented program through Funcitec/MCI,” explained Elton Moura, Fapes Director of Innovation.

The operational management of BSW will be handled by FindesLab, which will select up to three Espírito Santo startups for each international mission. Each selected startup will receive BRL 100,000. A total of four missions will be held, two per year, each focused on a specific vertical. The first mission will take place in Germany, under the Brazilian Indtechs in Germany (BiG) 2025, currently in the selection phase, targeting the IndTechs vertical in March 2025.

During each mission, participating Brazilian startups will have the opportunity to:

Connect with the local market,
Participate in training, mentorship, and networking events,
Access the local innovation ecosystem directly, and
Experience cultural immersion to better understand the specificities of each market.

In addition to the three Espírito Santo startups, seven more national startups may participate if they meet the FindesLab requirements, though they will not receive financial support from Fapes. Each mission will accommodate a total of 10 startups.

How BSW Works

The program supports startups in successfully scaling internationally across four verticals:

Industry – IndTechs
Retail and Commerce – RetailTechs
Agribusiness – AgrifoodTechs
Impact-driven Businesses – ImpactTechs

Each mission will be held in a country with a strong innovation and technology ecosystem in the relevant vertical.

“For example, Italy may host the AgrifoodTech mission, and Switzerland could be the destination for ImpactTechs. We are defining future destinations according to each mission’s vertical. Each mission will follow the same format: participation in a major sector event, training, networking, mentorship, market connections, and cultural immersion,” explained Elton Moura.

All four missions will receive support from the Brazilian Embassy, reinforcing the program’s strategic alignment with the Innovation Diplomacy Program (PDI) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which aims to promote Brazil as an innovative nation.

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

Fapes Opens Second Call for Four Funding Programs to Support Knowledge Dissemination and Graduate Student Exchange

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 13:34:00 GMT

Proposals can be submitted until mid-March 2025.

On Friday, February 21, 2025, the Espírito Santo Research and Innovation Support Foundation (Fapes) launched the second call for submission of four funding programs: Participation in Technical-Scientific Events, Organization of Technical-Scientific Events, Technical-Scientific Visits, and Technical-Scientific Internships. Submissions must be made through the SigFapes platform: www.sigfapes.es.gov.br.

The four calls are part of the State Government’s investment in the dissemination of scientific knowledge produced in Espírito Santo, totaling BRL 6.4 million in resources from the State Fund for Science and Technology (Funcitec).

According to Rodrigo Varejão, Fapes General Director, the calls reflect the State Government’s commitment to strengthening Espírito Santo’s scientific development:

“These calls are crucial for disseminating the scientific knowledge generated in our state and enhancing scientific collaboration. They also provide opportunities for research conducted in local institutions to gain visibility nationally and internationally.”

Call 19/2024 – Participation in Technical-Scientific Events

The second call supports participation in short-duration technical-scientific events, including congresses, symposia, workshops, seminars, fairs, scientific forums, and similar events held in Espírito Santo, elsewhere in Brazil, or abroad, between August 1 and December 21, 2025.

Eligible applicants include master’s and doctoral students from Espírito Santo institutions, as well as researchers holding master’s or doctoral degrees affiliated with local higher education or research institutions.

Call	Event Period	Submission Period	Available Funding
2nd	01/08 – 21/12	19/02 – 20/03	BRL 1,000,000

Call 20/2024 – Organization of Technical-Scientific Events

This call provides funding for organizing technical-scientific events of short duration, to be held in Espírito Santo between August 1 and December 31, 2025, with a maximum duration of 15 days, either consecutive or non-consecutive. Eligible events may have international, national, or regional scope.

Eligible applicants are researchers affiliated with higher education or research institutions in Espírito Santo.

Call	Event Period	Submission Period	Available Funding
2nd	01/08 – 31/12	19/02 – 27/03	BRL 1,000,000

Calls 21/2024 & 22/2024 – Technical-Scientific Visits and Internships

These calls provide funding for technical-scientific visits or internships at laboratories or research, development, and innovation (R&D&I) centers in Brazil or abroad.

The second call covers visits and internships between August 1 and December 31, 2025, aiming to develop techniques, processes, or specialized knowledge linked to R&D&I projects at Espírito Santo higher education or research institutions.

Eligible applicants include master’s and doctoral students from Espírito Santo institutions, as well as researchers with master’s or doctoral degrees affiliated with local institutions.

Technical-Scientific Visit:

Call	Visit Period	Submission Period	Available Funding
2nd	01/08 – 31/12	19/02 – 27/03	BRL 200,000

Technical-Scientific Internship:

Call	Internship Period	Submission Period	Available Funding
2nd	01/08 – 31/12	19/02 – 27/03	BRL 900,000

Submission and Access

19/2024 – Participation in Events: Click here to submit (2nd call deadline: 20/03/2025)
20/2024 – Organization of Events: Click here to submit (2nd call deadline: 27/03/2025)
21/2024 – Technical-Scientific Visit: Click here to submit (2nd call deadline: 27/03/2025)
22/2024 – Technical-Scientific Internship: Click here to submit (2nd call deadline: 27/03/2025)

All submissions must be made through SigFapes: www.sigfapes.es.gov.br

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

Internationalization: Fapes Joins Mobility Confap Italy 2025 Call

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 13:31:33 GMT

Partnership aims to facilitate and support effective collaboration between Brazil and Italy in scientific, technological, and innovation research; submissions open until the end of April.

One of the main goals of the Espírito Santo Research and Innovation Support Foundation (Fapes) is to promote the internationalization of scientific, technological, and innovation research produced in Espírito Santo. In February, Fapes joined the MCI – Mobility Confap Italy 2025 call, launched by the National Council of State Research Support Foundations (Confap), which supports the mobility of Brazilian researchers to Italian universities.

The partnership seeks to facilitate and support effective collaboration between the two countries in scientific, technological, and innovation research. This will be achieved through mobility grants for master’s and doctoral students, or postdoctoral fellows from Espírito Santo higher education and research institutions (IES/P), enabling them to conduct research activities within the Network of Italian Universities and foster bilateral collaborative research between Espírito Santo and Italy.

Researchers affiliated with Espírito Santo institutions must submit their proposals to both Confap and Fapes by April 25, 2025. Proposals should be submitted through the Confap platform (https://sistema.confap.org.br) and the Fapes platform SIGFAPES (www.sigfapes.es.gov.br).

Each candidate may submit only one proposal. If multiple proposals are submitted by the same applicant, only the last submission will be considered for evaluation. Applicants who have already had proposals approved under FAPES Calls 21/2024 (Technical-Scientific Visit) or 22/2024 (Technical-Scientific Internship) are not eligible to participate in this call.

Fapes has allocated a total of BRL 180,000 for this call. The grant will cover expenses such as meals, airfare, accommodation, and transportation related to temporary mobility to Italy.

“Internationalizing research from Espírito Santo is essential to position our state as innovative and competitive on the global stage. By connecting our researchers with global centers of excellence, we strengthen the scientific and technological development conducted by Espírito Santo institutions, expand partnerships, and increase the visibility of the knowledge generated, fostering development in the state,” said Rodrigo Varejão, Fapes General Director.

Eligible research opportunities offered by host institutions in Italy can be found on the MCI program website under “Research Opportunities in Italy.” Click here to access.

Participating Italian Universities:

University of Bologna
University of Bergamo
Politecnico di Milano
Marche Polytechnic University
University of Modena and Reggio Emilia
University of Palermo
University of Padua
University of Pavia
University of Pisa
Sapienza University of Rome
University of Rome Tor Vergata
University of Rome Tre
University of Siena
Politecnico di Torino
University of Turin
University of Trieste
University of Tuscia
University of Milan
University of Bari
University of Ferrara
University of Udine
University of Verona

Service:

Access the call: [click here]
Access Fapes guidelines: [click here]
Proposal submission deadline: April 25, 2025
Submission platforms: https://sistema.confap.org.br / www.sigfapes.es.gov.br
Questions: internacional.confap@gmail.com / parcerias@fapes.es.gov.br

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

Fapes Confirms Participation in Two More International Calls

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 13:30:34 GMT

Researchers from Espírito Santo gain new opportunities to collaborate with international partners.

The Espírito Santo Research and Innovation Support Foundation (Fapes) continues to open new avenues for scientific, technological, and innovation research from Espírito Santo worldwide. At the end of February, Fapes joined two more international calls for Espírito Santo researchers: the 5th Joint CONFAP & EU-LAC Call 2025 and Horizon Europe. Both calls are now open for submissions.

“It is extremely important to create opportunities for our researchers to connect with global centers of excellence. This strengthens the scientific and technological development carried out by Espírito Santo institutions. Internationalizing research is essential to position Espírito Santo as an innovative and competitive state on the international stage,” said Rodrigo Varejão, Fapes General Director.

5th Joint CONFAP & EU-LAC Call 2025

The goal of the 5th Joint CONFAP & EU-LAC Call 2025 is to promote sustainable, multilateral research cooperation between researchers in Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean. The call involves funding agencies from 11 countries: Argentina, Austria, Brazil, Dominican Republic, Germany, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Turkey, and Uruguay. Research projects must include at least four institutions from these countries, with two based in Europe and two in Latin America or the Caribbean.

Interested researchers can submit proposals by May 22, 2025, via the EU-LAC submission platform: https://ptoutline.eu/app/5eulac_call2025. Fapes will support up to six selected proposals involving Espírito Santo researchers, with a maximum of €15,000 per proposal, totaling €90,000 from the Espírito Santo State Science and Technology Fund (Funcitec).

Each selected project will have a maximum duration of 36 months, and Fapes’ financial support will cover operational costs for technical-scientific missions of researchers affiliated with Espírito Santo institutions, excluding scholarships.

Thematic areas supported in this call include:

Biodiversity, including Agriculture and Food Security
Bioeconomy and Nature-Based Solutions
Global Health
Health – Infectious Diseases
EU-LAC Cooperation for Energy Transition
EU-LAC Cooperation in Open Science

Service:

Access the call: [click here]
Access Fapes guidelines: [click here]
Proposal submission deadline: May 22, 2025
Submission platform: https://ptoutline.eu/app/5eulac_call2025
General inquiries: internacional.confap@gmail.com / parcerias@fapes.es.gov.br

Horizon Europe

Horizon Europe is the European Union’s Research and Innovation Framework Program, with a budget of €95.5 billion (2021–2027). Its goal is to support Brazilian participation in EU research calls, strengthen the European knowledge base through frontier research, stimulate innovation, and support the development and demonstration of innovative solutions, as well as industrial and economic recovery.

Researchers from Espírito Santo interested in participating must consult Fapes regarding eligibility before preparing their proposals. Fapes will issue an Eligibility Statement for each Horizon Europe call, which must be shared with the proposal coordinator to confirm the participation of the Espírito Santo co-Principal Investigator (co-PI) in the consortium.

Fapes’ maximum financial support per project will vary depending on the call, type of support, and the minimum required contribution from European partners, but will not exceed €50,000. Funds are provided by the Espírito Santo State Science and Technology Fund (Funcitec).

Selected projects may last up to 36 months, not exceeding the duration of the Horizon Europe 2021–2027 Administrative Arrangement. Calls for Horizon Europe can be consulted here: https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/calls-for-proposals.

Service:

Horizon Europe calls: [click here]
Fapes guidelines: [click here]
General inquiries: internacional.confap@gmail.com / parcerias@fapes.es.gov.br

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