FAPESP announced in partnership with Claro, the launch of a call for proposals for a new Engineering Research Center/Applied Research Center (CPE/CPA) focused on developing 5G connectivity and Generative AI solutions for Smart Cities, Industry 4.0, and Agriculture.
The CPE/CPA program aims to establish centers supported by the Foundation in partnership with companies or government entities. The objective is to promote long-term funding and conduct complex, frontier-of-knowledge research projects that address well-defined challenges and contribute to forming a world-class research center during its existence. Additionally, the Center’s plan should include effective strategies for technology transfer, education, and knowledge dissemination.
Proposals must be submitted via SAGe, in English, by November 18, 2024. The new center must be based at one or more higher education institutions or research institutions—public or private non-profit—in the state of São Paulo. The host institution must commit to the storage and access of materials and equipment, as well as to providing institutional support for the research project.
Claro’s involvement in the Center’s activities includes appointing a scientist who will serve as a visiting researcher at the host institution and act as the Center’s deputy director. The Center is expected to contribute to knowledge transfer to Claro and society, and the research conducted within its scope should support the implementation of projects in partnership with public policy agencies, educational systems, and the creation of small businesses.
The selected CPE Research Plan must include internationally competitive research in the three areas of the call—Smart Cities, Agriculture, and Industry 4.0—maximizing the synergies and complementarities among these topics.
In the Smart Cities vertical, the new center is expected to conduct research focused on integrating connectivity throughout urban infrastructure to enable the planning, operation, and optimization of public services based on real-time data collection and transmission, with a focus on mobility, security, and sustainability.
For the Agriculture vertical, the Center should support research that accelerates the availability of connectivity in the field, enabling communication and active monitoring across the entire agricultural production chain.
In the Industry 4.0 vertical, the Center’s primary goal will be to develop low-cost solutions and applications that optimize processes, increase efficiency, reduce costs, and improve industrial productivity.
FAPESP and Claro will provide up to R$4 million per year to support the Center, with 50% of the funding from FAPESP and 50% from Claro. The funding will last for five years, with the possibility of an extension of up to ten years, totaling a maximum investment of R$40 million.
It is expected that the selected Center, in addition to funding from FAPESP and Claro, will seek other funding sources, which will be considered an added value in the proposal selection process.
