New FAPESP calls for proposals cover the full cycle of deep tech funding

By Elton Alisson | FAPESP Innovation R&D – In a strategic move to strengthen São Paulo’s innovation ecosystem, FAPESP launched three new integrated calls for proposals covering the full cycle of support for deep tech companies – technology-based startups that tackle complex engineering or scientific challenges.

The first call, under the Regular Innovation Grant (RIG) program, supports the initial phase by enabling the transformation of exceptional academic research into practical solutions. The PIPE Technological Journey, on the other hand, accelerates the market entry of these technologies, and the incubator accreditation program provides the necessary support and mentoring for companies to survive and scale up.

These mechanisms aim to bridge the gap between the laboratory and the commercial sector, creating a continuous flow of technology transfer. Marcio de Castro, scientific director of FAPESP, highlighted this objective during an online event held on March 24 to present the new calls for proposals.

“The announcement of these three new calls marks yet another strategic step in consolidating São Paulo’s innovation ecosystem. FAPESP has always understood that the knowledge generated in our laboratories has transformative potential that needs to spill over into the market. We have extremely high-quality research at universities and research institutes in the state of São Paulo, and our focus is on ensuring that this excellence is not restricted to academia,” Castro said.

Bridge to the market

The RIG is the first step in this direction. This new form of innovation support is aimed at researchers affiliated with public or private universities and research institutions in the state of São Paulo who wish to transform an idea conceived in the lab into an applied solution.

“The idea is for the RIG to serve as a bridge for technology to leave the university and reach the market. We want to promote and facilitate knowledge transfer to give rise to new companies that may eventually be supported by PIPE [Innovative Research in Small Businesses], PITE [Research Partnership for Technological Innovation Program], or the ARCs [Applied Research Centers],” explained Rodolfo Azevedo, coordinator of the Foundation’s Technologies and Innovation Partnerships area.

Selected projects may receive funding of up to BRL 600,000 and must be completed within three years. The principal investigator must have a Ph.D. or equivalent, as well as demonstrated competence in innovative research. Proposals must be submitted through the Management Support System (SAGe) by June 15 (more information at fapesp.br/18067).

PIPE Technological Journey

The PIPE Technological Journey was created to accelerate the market entry of technologies developed by deep tech companies. This new program streamlines the process, enabling startups to validate technological challenges and develop final products. It transforms mature university projects into viable business models.

The program’s initial call will support research focused on developing products or processes with applications in agribusiness, food systems, or the bioeconomy. Projects must be carried out by small companies in São Paulo within one year. Selected proposals will receive support under PIPE Phase 1, with funding of up to BRL 500,000.

Other calls are planned for the health sector (biopharmaceuticals and precision medicine), digital sovereignty (artificial intelligence and quantum computing), energy transition (green hydrogen and decarbonization), education, Industry 4.0, and new materials. “This new modality doesn’t replace the traditional PIPE, which continues to operate on a rolling basis. Projects not approved in the thematic calls may be submitted through the normal process,” emphasized Paulo Schor, the Foundation’s Research for Innovation Manager.

Scientific dissemination and social impact

A cross-cutting innovation in the PIPE Technological Journey will be the incentive for scientific outreach. FAPESP is seeking projects that use innovative strategies, such as artificial intelligence and journalistic tools, to communicate the social and economic impact of these technologies to the public.

“Society is clamoring to know what results it gets in return for the taxes it pays,” Schor emphasized. Preliminary proposals for the Technological Journey must be submitted by April 22 (more information at fapesp.br/18064).

Support and mentoring

To expand support for new companies, FAPESP will accredit incubators to provide infrastructure, mentoring, and connections with investors. A key advantage is that supported startups may use PIPE project funds to cover the costs of using this infrastructure.

The call for proposals requires in-person incubation within the state of São Paulo; virtual models will not be accepted. Additionally, institutions must demonstrate a track record of supporting at least ten companies. “Documentary proof will be required through official records, photos of infrastructure, contracts, and certificates of technical capacity,” said Patricia Tedeschi, Innovation Manager at FAPESP. Proposals must be submitted by email by April 15. Details are available at fapesp.br/18038.