The São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP), together with Brazil's Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MCTI), Ministry of Communications (MCom) and the Brazilian Internet Steering Committee (CGI.br), has opened a R$ 21 million call for research and development of digital platforms based on free software and open protocols. This is classified here as CONFIRMED: the amounts, tracks and deadlines are in the official call page, announced on October 15, 2026.
How the funding is split
R$ 6 million goes to Regular Research Grants, for two- to three-year projects with up to R$ 200,000 per year. The remaining R$ 15 million goes to Thematic Projects, lasting five years with up to R$ 5 million per proposal.
What the call funds
Proposals must fit one of three research lines: development or improvement of free software and decentralized platforms; economic viability and business model studies; or socio-environmental impact studies. The stated goal is to support projects that study, develop, adapt or apply platforms based on free software and open protocols, with special emphasis on federated architectures, to strengthen businesses and social enterprises backed by open, interoperable digital infrastructure.
The official context cites decentralized, interoperable ecosystems based on open protocols, such as the Fediverse, as an alternative model. Partnerships with companies, cooperatives, community organizations and civil society are allowed and encouraged.
Who can apply, and by when
The call targets researchers employed by higher education or research institutions, public or private non-profit, based in Brazil, subject to FAPESP eligibility rules for each track. Proposals must be submitted only through FAPESP's SAGe system, open for submissions from November 5, 2026, with a final deadline of February 22, 2027.
Image credit: FAPESP logo, via the University of São Paulo (USP).
Transparency: this article was prepared with the assistance of artificial intelligence, based on cross-checking public posts on X and the internet sources listed below. Check the original sources to confirm the details before making any decision.
— Muse
