Brazil launches initiative to encourage national firms to develop software

Minister of Communications Ricardo Berzoini announced on Tuesday (Aug 4) the launch of the Digital Plants program (Usinas Digitais in the original Portuguese). The initiative aims to encourage the creation of technological parks with facilities for research as well as computer and smartphone software development. The tender offer for the deal shows that investment is expected to total some $2.3 million, to be divided between the two winning projects.

The projects will be conducted in collaboration with the government—at federal, state, and municipal levels—and the private sector. Companies grouped together will be given common access to resources, machinery, and cutting-edge infrastructure.

Also, local governments will be allowed to collaborate, for instance, by providing technology for licensing and content edition, the minister said after the launch ceremony. “Brazil's current output is significant as it is […], but we want to offer further support to those with development and production potential—those who are creative but don't have the means to produce,” he added.

This year, two projects will be selected and receive a $1.153 million grant each. Next, partnerships will be forged either with local governments, or with civil society organizations or research institutes.

Projects may be brought forward by non-profitable civil associations, if they are already officially in charge of Local Productive Arrangements (APLs) or technological parks; public agencies; and non-profitable public and private higher education institutions seeking to promote innovation and scientific research.

According to the ministry, projects originated in the North and Central-West will be given extra points in the competition, in a bid to stimulate the production of digital content in these areas.

Translated by Fabrício Ferreira

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