Momentum builds toward 2026 as multi-year investments lock in
Good news for innovators: 2026 is shaping up to be a standout year for science and technology in Latin America. A wave of multi-year funding already approved by governments, development banks, and international partners is scheduled to land across the region, bringing an inspiring mix of research investment, digital infrastructure, and startup support. At the EU–CELAC summit in Brussels, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen confirmed the EU–LAC Global Gateway Investment Agenda—up to €45 billion by 2027—covering digital, green and innovation projects. Within that umbrella, the EU-backed BELLA II program is expanding high-capacity links to research and education networks, a positive step that will help universities share data faster and collaborate on climate science, health, and AI. It’s an uplifting outlook for labs, founders, and students preparing proposals for 2026 calls.
Brazil offers an optimistic example. The federal government’s Novo PAC, launched in 2023, plans large-scale investments through 2026, including a dedicated track for science, technology, and innovation infrastructure—modernizing laboratories, supporting strategic projects, and strengthening connectivity. The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MCTI), led by Minister Luciana Santos, has also restored full use of the National Fund for Scientific and Technological Development (FNDCT), unlocking resources for competitive grants and mission-driven initiatives. Combined with Brazil’s national research and education network (RNP), which connects campuses and labs nationwide, these measures place universities and startups in a strong position to scale research from astronomy and biotech to quantum and advanced manufacturing. The message for 2026 is clear: prepare high-quality projects and partnerships that can convert this funding into real-world impact.
Research networks and development banks scale up regional collaboration
Regional connectivity is getting a major boost. The original BELLA project delivered the EllaLink transatlantic cable between Sines, Portugal, and Fortaleza, Brazil, directly linking Europe’s GÉANT network with Latin America’s RedCLARA. BELLA II now builds on that success, extending high-speed capacity to more countries and research centers by the mid‑decade. Through national networks such as RNP (Brazil), CUDI (Mexico), RENATA (Colombia), and REUNA (Chile), thousands of researchers will benefit from faster, more reliable data exchange—ideal for telescope arrays, genomics, climate modeling, and space missions. This is not just technical infrastructure; it is an uplifting enabler for open science, joint PhD programs, and industry partnerships. Expect more joint workshops, call announcements, and cross-border projects as these links mature heading into 2026.
Development banks are also stepping up in a positive way. CAF—Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean—approved its largest capital increase in 2021 to expand financing capacity, including programs for digital transformation and innovation that run through the middle of the decade. The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and IDB Lab continue to fund GovTech, digital skills, and deep-tech entrepreneurship, with operations scheduled into 2026 across the region. National science agencies—from Chile’s ANID to Brazil’s CNPq and CAPES—are aligning proposals and scholarships with these opportunities, helping local teams turn ideas into market-ready solutions. For universities, startups, and public labs across Mexico, Colombia, Chile, Brazil, and beyond, the outlook is inspiring: 2026 is set to deliver more calls, better connectivity, and stronger partnerships. It’s optimistic, uplifting news—and a timely signal to get projects, consortia, and proof-of-concept pilots ready now.
