Finep and BNDES launched a public call to select the manager of a Fundo of Investimento in Participações aimed at artificial intelligence startups. The initiative is part of Plano Brasileiro of Inteligência Artificial and seeks to expand the number, revenue and global presence of Brazilian companies that have AI as a central element of their business model.
The fund will have a minimum capital of R$160 million. BNDESPar, a subsidiary of BNDES, will contribute between R$40 million and R$125 million. Finep, through Fundo Nacional, Desenvolvimento Científico and Tecnológico, can contribute up to R$80 million. Cada institution will observe a limit of up to 25% of the total committed capital. The rest will come from other investors.
AI investment fund objective
The FIP will direct resources to startups that develop intensive artificial intelligence solutions. Essas Companies need to have AI at the center of value generation, and not just as an auxiliary tool. The measure aims to strengthen research, development and innovation activities in the sector.
The president of Finep, Luiz Antonio Elias, stated that the launch of the fund is part of a strategy to develop solutions in artificial intelligence. Ele highlighted the objective of increasing research, development and innovation activities and significantly improving the population’s quality of life.
According to Elias, the initiative serves a purpose set out in Plano Brasileiro of Inteligência Artificial. The plan seeks to position the country as a global reference in innovation and use of AI.
Public call details
The public call was published on April 9, 2026. Gestores Interested parties must send proposals by 6 pm on May 28, 2026, through BNDES’s Portal or Cliente, in searchable PDF format.
Proposals will be evaluated based on criteria such as the manager’s history, team qualifications, investment thesis, fundraising strategy, fund costs and startups’ adherence to the defined profile. The notice accepts proposals for funds not yet constituted or already operational, as long as they can adapt to the rules.
- Manager’s history and experience in venture capital or technology funds
- Composition and qualification of the team responsible for management
- Clear definition of the AI-focused investment thesis
- Plan to raise additional funds from other investors
- Fund cost and remuneration structure
- Commitment to alignment with Plano Brasileiro of Inteligência Artificial
Contribution from anchor institutions
BNDESPar and Finep act as anchor shareholders. Juntos, can commit up to R$205 million to the fund. The minimum capital of R$160 million guarantees initial scale for relevant investments in startups.
The fund must comply with the rules of Comissão and Valores Mobiliários. The participation of public institutions is limited to allow the entry of private capital and diversification of the investor base.
Alignment with the national AI plan
The action connects to Ação Estruturante 43 of Plano Brasileiro of Inteligência Artificial 2024-2028. Esse The plan defines the central challenge as expanding the AI startup ecosystem in the country.
Investments will prioritize companies with potential impact in different sectors. The expectation is that the fund will contribute to the development of technologies that generate economic value and social benefits.
How to participate in the selection
Those interested in managing the fund should access the complete notice and proposal script on the Finep and BNDES websites. Dúvidas can be sent to the specific email created for the call.
The documentation includes details about the fund structure, investment strategy and governance. The process seeks to ensure transparency and professionalism in the management of public resources involved.
What changes for the startup ecosystem
The creation of the fund represents another instrument to promote the artificial intelligence sector at Brasil. Ele complements other programs at Finep and BNDES aimed at technological innovation and entrepreneurship.
Selected startups will be able to receive contributions that accelerate product development and market expansion. The focus on AI as a central element seeks to stimulate innovative solutions with practical application.
Finep and BNDES hope that the chosen manager will be able to attract additional capital. Isso would increase the total volume available for investment and reinforce Brasil’s positioning on the international technology scene.