Centelha 3 Program — São Paulo (Programa Centelha 3)

Programa Centelha 3 São Paulo is the state delivery of the national Centelha 3 initiative, funded by Finep, MCTI, and CNPq and executed by FAPESP in São Paulo. It targets pre-revenue or very early-stage technology ventures, including individual applicants who can incorporate if selected, so the program works as an early entry point for founders before a company is fully formed. The award package is explicit. Up to 47 projects can receive R$128,000 in non-refundable economic subsidy, up to R$50,000 in CNPq training scholarships, and up to R$64,440 in a FAPESP PE-1 research fellowship. The competition also requires 5% co-investment, caps the team at five people, and limits company revenue to R$4.8 million for eligible firms. Selection runs in two phases, with Phase 1 already closed and Phase 2 scheduled for 17 August 2026. Centelha 3 is most useful for small Brazilian teams that need a structured launch package rather than open-ended research support. The program is built for rapid idea validation and development planning, so applicants that can show a clear technology thesis, a lean team, and the ability to match the required contribution are the best fit. Because the route is tied to a national program with a fixed São Paulo execution structure, the cycle is competitive and time-bound rather than continuously open.

Each grant below is a distinct funding opportunity with its own eligibility, scope, and deliverables.