What FAPERJ does

FAPERJ (Fundação Carlos Chagas Filho de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro) is a state government research funding foundation established in 1980 and headquartered in Centro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It is the sole state-mandated body for disbursing public funds for scientific research, technological development, and innovation in the State of Rio de Janeiro. The foundation operates a portfolio of more than 40 programs covering merit-based fellowships (scientific initiation, master's, doctoral, post-doctoral, visiting researchers), research aid grants (APQ series for research projects, events, publishing, infrastructure), and technology development programs (ADT, INT, Tecnova, Centelha, HUB RJ Startup). It serves three primary beneficiary segments: academic researchers and students, technology-based companies and startups, and research institutions (18 fluminense institutions including UFRJ and UFF). Specialty programs target women in science, refugee researchers, agricultural innovation, geographical indications, university hospital infrastructure, and racial-ethnic diversity studies.

FAPERJ's core technology consists of web-based funding management platforms — SisFAPERJ (proposal submission, project management, reporting) and the Sistema de Prestação de Contas (financial accountability) — integrated with SEI-RJ for digital document signing. The foundation distributes program information through a weekly online bulletin (Year XXIII), a multi-platform social media presence, and the Rio Pesquisa magazine. As a public nonprofit, FAPERJ does not charge for its grants; its operations are funded through state government allocations and co-funding partnerships with federal agencies (FINEP, CNPq), CONFAP, and international bodies (Fundo Amazônia, EU-LAC, UK Science and Innovation Network). The organization has 51-100 employees and operates exclusively within the State of Rio de Janeiro, with international cooperation extending its reach via researcher mobility programs.

Name

FAPERJ

Legal name

Fundação Carlos Chagas Filho de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro

Website

https://faperj.br

Company type

Private

Founded year

1980

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

FAPERJ is a state-mandated research funding foundation for Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, operating merit-based fellowships, research grants, and innovation programs to support academic researchers, startups, and research institutions across the state.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Public Research Funding Foundation

NAICS

Grantmaking Foundations (813211), Grantmaking and Giving Services (81321)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Research & Science Grantmaking Foundations (BPAGAKAI)

akta.pro secondary industries

Research Administration & Grants Management Support (Pre/Post-Award, Compliance) (EDAEALAO), Scholarship, Financial Aid & FAFSA Support (EDAMAKAF)

Keywords

• Research funding foundation
• Scientific grant programs
• Research fellowship awards
• Technology innovation grants
• Academic scholarship programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Rio De Janeiro

HQ country

Brazil

HQ region

Latin America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Others

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

FAPERJ is the state-level research funding foundation of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It disburses public funds to support scientific research through merit-based fellowships and scholarships (undergraduate through postdoctoral), research aid grants (APQ and ADT series), and innovation/entrepreneurship programs for startups and companies. The foundation operates digital platforms — SisFAPERJ for proposal submission and grant management, and the Sistema de Prestação de Contas for financial accountability — through which all applications and reporting are processed.

Product overview

FAPERJ (Fundação Carlos Chagas Filho de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro) is a public research funding foundation that operates as a portfolio of interconnected grant programs, digital service platforms, and specialized research support initiatives. The organization is not a single unified technology product but rather a comprehensive ecosystem of funding instruments. The core offerings include merit-based scholarships (Iniciação Científica, Iniciação Tecnológica, Mestrado/Doutorado Nota 10, Pós-Doutorado), research aid grants (APQ 1-5 series for research, events, publishing, and infrastructure), and technology development programs (ADT series, INT, Tecnova). These are complemented by digital platforms — SisFAPERJ for proposal management and the Sistema de Prestação de Contas for financial reporting. The portfolio also encompasses startup and entrepreneurship programs (HUB RJ Startup, Centelha RJ, Doutor Empreendedor), industry-academia linkage (Pesquisador na Empresa), digital transformation (Prioridade Indústria RJ 4.0), and international cooperation initiatives. The foundation also publishes the Boletim Online weekly newsletter and the scientific magazine Revista Rio Pesquisa.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Iniciação Científica (IC) Scientific initiation grants for undergraduate students to introduce them to research activities in Rio de Janeiro.
• Iniciação Tecnológica (IT) Technological initiation grants for undergraduate students focused on technology development.
• Mestrado (MSC-10) e Doutorado (DSC-10) Nota 10 Master's and doctoral scholarships under the Nota 10 program for high-performing graduate students at Rio de Janeiro institutions.
• Doutorado Sanduíche Sandwich doctoral grants enabling doctoral students to conduct part of their research at foreign institutions.
• Doutorado Sanduíche Reverso Reverse sandwich doctoral grants supporting foreign doctoral students to conduct research at Rio de Janeiro institutions.
• Pós-Doutorado (PD) Postdoctoral fellowships for recent PhD graduates to conduct advanced research in Rio de Janeiro.
• Bolsas de Bancada para Projetos (BBPs) Bench grants for project-based research support, providing funds for equipment and supplies.
• Pesquisador Visitante (PV) / Pesquisador Visitante Emérito (PVE) / Bolsa de Bancada BAPV Visiting researcher grants and bench support for recognized scientists (including emeritus) collaborating with Rio de Janeiro institutions.
• Inovação Tecnológica (INT) and Treinamento e Capacitação Técnica (TCT) Technological innovation grants for researchers developing technological solutions, and technical training/capacity-building grants for technical staff.
• Auxílio à Pesquisa (APQ 1) Research aid grants supporting research projects across all scientific disciplines.
• Auxílios APQ 2 to APQ 5 (Event, Publishing, Archival Conservation, Scientific Meeting Participation) Research aid grants for organizing scientific events (APQ 2), scientific journal editing and book publication (APQ 3), preservation of research collections and archival infrastructure (APQ 4), and researcher participation in scientific meetings and conferences (APQ 5).
• Auxílio a Pesquisador Visitante (APV) and Auxílio ao Pesquisador Recém-Contratado (ARC) Aid grants for hosting visiting researchers at Rio de Janeiro institutions, and grants for recently hired researchers to establish their labs and research programs.
• Auxílios ADT 1 to ADT 4 (Technology Development and Innovation) Aid grants for technology development and innovation projects (ADT 1), technology transfer and market insertion of new technologies (ADT 2), infrastructure creation and modernization for research facilities (ADT 3), and technological innovation specifically for agricultural and rural sector projects (ADT 4).
• SisFAPERJ Web-based system for submitting funding proposals, managing grants, submitting progress reports, and processing financial accountability for all FAPERJ programs.
• Sistema de Prestação de Contas Financial accountability system integrated with SisFAPERJ for tracking and reporting grant expenditures to FAPERJ and government oversight bodies.
• SEI-RJ (Sistema Eletrônico de Informações) - External User Module Electronic information system for external users, enabling digital document signing and processing of grant agreements with the State of Rio de Janeiro.
• Programa HUB RJ Startup Program supporting technology startups in Rio de Janeiro through mentorship, funding, and infrastructure access; 143 proposals advanced to Phase 3.
• Programa Centelha RJ Program to transform research ideas into technology-based companies, providing seed funding and entrepreneurial training (Centelha 3 RJ edition active).
• Programa Doutor Empreendedor Program supporting PhD holders in creating technology-based companies from their research; 36 proposals approved.
• Programa Pesquisador na Empresa Program placing researchers in companies to conduct innovation projects, bridging academia and industry; 118 innovation projects and 139 fellowships granted under Edital 44/2025.
• Programa Prioridade Indústria RJ 4.0

Quantifiable outcome

• 236 master's and 184 doctoral fellowships awarded in the 2026 first enrollment window of Bolsa Nota 10 program
• +8 more outcomes

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• CONFAP (Conselho Nacional das Fundações de Amparo à Pesquisa)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 July 2026FAPERJ announced participation in 3 international cooperation calls in partnership with CONFAP and international institutions on July 16, 2026. FAPERJ also announced its adhesion to the 'Desafios da Amazônia' program, a partnership between Fundo Amazônia and CONFAP, aimed at supporting innovative solutions in the Amazon region.
• Firjan (Federação das Indústrias do Estado do Rio de Janeiro)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 2 July 2026FAPERJ partnered with Firjan to launch the Programa Prioridade Indústria RJ 4.0, announced on July 2, 2026. The program aims to drive digital transformation in fluminense industry. FAPERJ presented the program details at a Meet Up event at Casa Firjan, bringing together entrepreneurs and managers to discuss innovation and market challenges.
• MP/RJ (Ministério Público do Estado do Rio de Janeiro)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 2 July 2026FAPERJ partnered with MP/RJ to launch the 'Programa Raízes: Estudos sobre a Diversidade Étnico-Racial e Religiosa no Estado do RJ' (Edital 16/2026), announced July 2, 2026. The program supports studies on ethnic-racial and religious diversity in the state of Rio de Janeiro.
• UK Science and Innovation Network / International Science Partnerships Fund (UK)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 May 2026Queen Mary University of London's academic delegation to Brazil, supported by the UK's International Science Partnerships Fund, met with FAPERJ alongside FAPESP and FINEP. The visit explored research collaboration in areas including responsible AI, genomics, public health, sensing technologies, sustainable development, and social inclusion.
• FINEP (Financiadora de Estudos e Projetos)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 7 May 2026FAPERJ partnered with FINEP for the Tecnova III program (Edital FAPERJ 32/2025), announced May 7, 2026. The program funded 43 companies addressing priority themes for the state of Rio de Janeiro. FAPERJ also collaborates with FINEP on various innovation funding initiatives.
• EU-LAC (European Union – Latin America and Caribbean)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 27 February 2026FAPERJ announced support for cooperation calls with EU-LAC, Mobility CONFAP Italy, and CDTI Spain on February 27, 2025. These are international cooperation initiatives with CONFAP and European institutions, strengthening ties between the EU, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
• Fundo AmazôniaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFundo Amazônia partnered with FAPERJ through CONFAP for the 'Desafios da Amazônia' call, aimed at supporting the development of innovative solutions in the Amazon region.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• CAPES (Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior): Federal agency that funds graduate-level scholarships and fellowships nationwide. Operates at greater scale than FAPERJ at the federal level and overlaps in graduate student funding, making it a broader incumbent in the same funding ecosystem.
• FINEP (Financiadora de Estudos e Projetos): Brazilian federal innovation funding agency that co-funds technology-based innovation programs with FAPERJ (e.g., Tecnova III). Comparable in innovation funding scope but operates federally with much larger resources than state-level players.
• CNPq (Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico): Brazil's primary federal research funding agency, operating nationally with a broader mandate than FAPERJ. CNPq provides research grants, fellowships, and innovation funding across all states, frequently co-funding initiatives with state FAPs including FAPERJ.

Direct peers

• FAPESB (Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado da Bahia): Bahia state research funding foundation following the same FAP model. Provides scholarships, research grants, and innovation support programs directly comparable to FAPERJ's portfolio across research career stages.
• FAPEMIG (Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais): Minas Gerais state research funding foundation operating the same grantmaking, fellowship, and innovation-support model as FAPERJ. Directly comparable in mission, structure, and program portfolio across research career stages and innovation support.
• FAPESP (Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo): Brazil's largest state-level research funding foundation, operating under the same FAP model as FAPERJ. FAPESP funds research, scholarships, and innovation in São Paulo state, serving as the closest structural counterpart and the benchmark for state-level R&D funding in Brazil.
• FAPEAM (Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Amazonas): Amazonas state research funding foundation operating the same state-level grantmaking model. Comparable in mission and structure, with additional focus on regional Amazon-related research that aligns with FAPERJ's "Desafios da Amazônia" program participation.
• Fundação Araucária (Paraná): Paraná state research funding foundation following the same FAP model. Comparable in program offerings including undergraduate/graduate fellowships, research aid, and innovation support grants.
• FACEPE (Fundação de Amparo à Ciência e Tecnologia do Estado de Pernambuco): State-level research funding foundation in Pernambuco, directly comparable to FAPERJ in scope (scholarships, research grants, innovation programs) and structure. Provides a regional benchmark for Northeastern Brazilian state science funding.

Emerging players

• CONFAP (Conselho Nacional das Fundações de Amparo à Pesquisa): National council of state research foundations representing all Brazilian FAPs including FAPERJ. Acts as both a coordinating body and a convener for international cooperation calls, partially overlapping with FAPERJ's international cooperation function.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/faperj
• YouTubeyoutube.com/c/FAPERJoficial
• Facebookfacebook.com/faperj
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/fundacao-carlos-chagas-filho-de-amparo-a-pesquisa-do-estado-do-rio-de-janeiro-faperj
• Instagraminstagram.com/faperjoficial

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments2 records

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about FAPERJ