MCTI announces R$ 280 million for science and technology institutes - ISTOÉ DINHEIRO

The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Marcos Pontes, said today (21) during an interview with the program No Censorshipgives TV Brazilthat the National Institutes of Science and Technology (INCTs) will receive around R$ 280 million in funds for research.

According to Pontes, the amount is part of the more than BRL 1 billion invested in the sector in 2022. The minister also revealed that another BRL 250 million will be made available to finance various lines of study at the Research Productivity (PQ) level. In total, the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MCTI) has 130 INCTs, which were 30% behind their budget. “We need to have this. It sounds like a lot, but we need to have a lot more,” he said.

During the interview, the minister stated that there are more than 70,000 idle vacancies in activities related to information and communication technology (ICT), and that the MCTI offers courses and workshops to specialize those interested in joining the sector.

The minister also discussed the national production of vaccines, medicines and medical supplies. Pontes stressed the importance of the autonomy of national production and the promotion of scientific research in Brazil. “We put as a strategy to leave the country independent in the production of vaccines. To summarize: if the planet doesn’t sell vaccines to us, we can sell vaccines to the planet. And also reduce our dependence on drugs.”

Marcos Pontes also announced that he invited billionaire Richard Branson, from Virgin Galactic – a company that offers orbital flights to tourists – to set up a launch center in Brazil.