Apex-Brasil has the mission to promote the view of an innovative, competitive and sustainable country. In this sense, all our actions have focus on innovation, and in the case of foreign investment attraction, we encourage foreign companies and investors to take advantage of the immense potential Brazil has to innovate in the most diverse areas.

A big player and partner of Apex-Brasil in the innovation scenario in Brazil is the Brazilian Innovation Agency (FINEP), a public corporation attached to the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation which has accumulated vast experience in supporting Brazil’s S&T and innovation ecosystem since it was established in 1967. FINEP’s objective is to provide support at every stage of the innovation process, ranging from basic research through to sales of products, services and processes. FINEP's focus is on strategic activities aimed at  promoting transformative, sustainable economic development in Brazil through innovation.

FINEP provides support to Brazil-based companies, as well as to public and private higher education establishments and research institutes. It works through a number of tools, which can include loans and subsidies to companies, grants to research institutes and direct equity support for companies.

Between 1999 and 2012, FINEP's budget has increased by over 600%, from just under $4 million in 1999 to $3 billion in 2012.

FINEP's current priority areas are:

▸▸ Defense and aerospace

▸▸ Healthcare

▸▸ Information and communications technology

▸▸ Oil, gas and naval industries

▸▸ Renewable energy

▸▸ Social development and assistive technology