Programa Centelha 3
MCTI / Finep / CNPq with state research foundations (FAPs) · Startup grant (economic subsidy)
$17KState calls give up to ~R$85,400–89,600 per project in economic subsidy (e.g. Goiás, Espírito Santo), plus technical-support scholarships, training and partner services; R$155M across the 3rd edition.
Brazil's national first-funding program for innovative ideas, run state by state; selected teams get non-repayable subsidy, scholarships and training to turn ideas into startups.
Key terms
- Run separately in 26 states + DF; values, dates and rules differ per state call
- No CNPJ needed to apply; a company must be formed to receive funds
- Multi-phase selection (idea, project, pitch)
- Includes impact/socio-environmental track elements
Eligibility
- Where
- Brazil
- Stages
- idea, pre-seed
- Needs VC/accelerator backing
- No
- Needs partner referral code
- No
- Must be incorporated
- No
- AI focus required
- No
- Students / researchers
- Not eligible
- Nonprofits
- Not eligible
Also required
- Must reside in the state of the call
How to apply
Pick your state on programacentelha.com.br, read the Participant Guide and the state edital, and register your idea when that state's call is open (Alagoas open at verification).
- Benefit
- mixed
- Equity-free
- Yes
- Decision time
- —
- Credit validity
- —
- Deadline
- Varies by state
- Status
- Open
Verified 2026-10-23 · source