The Embraer and Finep partnership will focus on sharing the costs and risks associated with low and medium Technology Readiness Level (TRL) research and development.
Embraer, the Brazilian aerospace manufacturer and the Financiadora de Estudos e Projetos (Finep), a government agency that promotes the country’s social and economic development through public funding for science, technology, and innovation, have signed a deal to jointly develop new aeronautical technologies. The partnership will focus on sharing the costs and risks associated with low and medium Technology Readiness Level (TRL) research and development.
The deal was signed during the ceremony marking the 30th anniversary of the Aerospace Industries Association of Brazil (AIAB) in São José dos Campos, in the state of São Paulo. The event was attended by Luciana Santos, the Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Felício Ramuth, the Deputy Governor of São Paulo, and other dignitaries.
The project, which is valued at more than R$ 180 million (USD 36 million), will receive a non-reimbursable contribution of R$ 120 million (USD 24 million) from Finep over the next three years. The remaining funding will come from Embraer and five co-executors, Alltec, Equatorial, Eleb, Motora, and TecCer. The development work will include the creation of ground test benches (RIGs), software, and a remotely operated modular aircraft for real flight testing. The aim of the project is to raise the TRL of new technologies.
“We are very happy to continue our long-standing partnership with Finep and to be able to contribute to the advancement of technologies and the spillover of knowledge to other sectors of the Brazilian economy, advancing the planet’s decarbonization agenda and generating socioeconomic benefits for Brazil, through innovation, science and technology,” said Henrique Langenegger, Chief Engineer, Embraer.
The project will involve collaboration with Institutes of Science and Technology, including the Technological Institute of Aeronautics (ITA), the Mauá Institute of Technology (IMT), the Institute of Technological Research (IPT), and the School of Engineering of São Carlos, part of the University of São Paulo (USP). The partnership will further strengthen the relationship between the government, academia, and industry, known as the triple helix, which drives the socioeconomic development of the country.
Elias Ramos de Souza, Director of Innovation, Finep said, “The project with Embraer establishes a type of arrangement between the executors that offers great potential for innovation. It is a model to be followed in several areas to solve technological orders led by anchor companies, and one that involves partnerships with companies of various sizes and Institutes of Science and Technology.”
The government subsidy for innovation in companies is a widely used policy instrument in developed countries, and its application adheres to the norms of the World Trade Organization. The aim is to promote a significant increase in innovation activities, increase the competitiveness of companies, and boost the country’s economy.
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The agreement between Embraer and Finep represents an important step for Brazilian aerospace technology development, and the project is expected to generate positive results for the country’s economy and technological advancement.
