Brazil Approves Major AI and Climate Tech Investments With New FNDCT Programs for 2025

FNDCT Board Approves New Investment Lines for Artificial Intelligence

On May 28, 2025, the Board of Directors of Brazil's National Fund for Scientific and Technological Development (FNDCT) met at the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MCTI) in Brasília. The meeting marked the approval of two new strategic programs: IA Brasil and SOS Clima Brasil.

The FNDCT's budget for 2025-2029 is projected at R$96 billion, with approximately R$14.66 billion allocated for 2025 alone, as confirmed in the current Annual Budget Law (LOA). Half of these funds will support non-reimbursable projects, while the other half will back reimbursable initiatives. Funding will be distributed among companies, universities, research institutions, Finep, the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq), and other MCTI-linked entities. Finep serves as the fund's executive secretariat.

In addition to approving these new programs, the board ratified the Annual Investment Plan for 2025 and a multi-year strategy through 2029. The existing 10 FNDCT programs are set for review, marking a comprehensive update after two and a half years.

IA Brasil Program

The IA Brasil program represents a focused step in Brazil's Artificial Intelligence public policy, building on the Brazilian Artificial Intelligence Plan (PBIA). Previously integrated across various FNDCT initiatives, PBIA now has a dedicated program emphasizing implementation.

Key investment areas include:

• Digital, computational, and research infrastructure
• AI education and training from basic school to postgraduate levels, including professional requalification
• Public awareness campaigns on technology impacts
• Promotion of digital inclusion through AI
• Application of AI to improve public services

SOS Clima Brasil

The SOS Clima Brasil program will concentrate on monitoring and responding to natural disasters. It plans to develop tools for forecasting, vulnerability identification, and integrated scientific and risk data platforms. These resources will support territorial and sectoral planning.

Additional activities include preventive disaster management, technological solutions to boost resilience in vulnerable communities, and fostering international cooperation. This initiative builds on efforts made after the climate crisis in Rio Grande do Sul last year.

Repatriation and Retention of Researchers

The council expanded the Conhecimento Brasil program to not only repatriate talent but also retain young researchers and recent PhDs, minimizing dropout rates. There is also a plan to attract leading global researchers facing constraints in their home countries.

A new focus on the popularization and defense of science will be developed by CNPq in collaboration with Research Support Foundations (FAPs).

Current FNDCT Programs

• Pró-Infra: Recovery and expansion of scientific and technological infrastructure in universities and ICTs
• Mais Inovação Brasil: Innovation for sustainable industrialization
• Conecta & Capacita Brasil: Digital transformation dissemination and support
• Pro-Amazônia: Integrated sustainable development of the Amazon region
• Conhecimento Brasil: Talent repatriation and retention
• Política com Ciência: Support for public policies based on scientific knowledge
• Identidade Brasil: Recovery and preservation of national scientific, historical, and cultural collections
• Projetos Estratégicos: Support for national strategic projects
• Área da Defesa: Technology promotion in defense
• Segurança Alimentar: Science and innovation for food security and hunger eradication with socio-productive inclusion

These programs collectively reinforce Brazil's commitment to advancing science, technology, and innovation, especially in AI and climate resilience.

For professionals interested in AI training aligned with such initiatives, exploring courses on Complete AI Training can offer practical skills and knowledge to contribute effectively.