Brazil’s Itaqui port launches innovation tender under new startup law

The Port of Itaqui in São Luís (MA), one of Brazil’s main gateways for grain, fuel, and mineral exports from the Midwest and North, has taken an unprecedented step for Maranhão’s innovation ecosystem by launching the state’s first public procurement focused on innovative solutions under the new Legal Framework for Startups and Innovative Entrepreneurship (Complementary Law No. 182/2021).

The initiative allows for the contracting of experimental tests through the Public Contract for Innovative Solutions (CPSI) with the goal of selecting proposals to address two strategic challenges faced by Itaqui: the prevention and containment of fertilizer and grain spills on port roads, aiming at sustainability and safety; and the optimization of boarding at ferry terminals to reduce waiting times and improve user experience.

Each challenge may receive up to three approved solutions, with a maximum value of R$100,000 per contract. The total planned investment is up to R$420,000. The contracting will take place through Public Call Notice CPSI No. 001/2025 of the Maranhão Port Administration Company (EMAP).

To prepare the notice, the port received support from Sebrae Nacional’s Catalisa Gov program.

Startups, individuals, or legal entities (Brazilian or foreign), in accordance with EMAP’s regulations, as well as scientific, technological, and innovation institutions (ICTs), may participate in the public contracting. Medium and large companies may also participate, provided they submit proposals in partnership with startups or ICTs. Applications are open from September 10 to October 2 and may be submitted via the link: https://www.zing.iebtinnovation.com/challenge/c1f3ab72-76c3-11f0-bd8a-1218581925e3. The full notice is available on the same site.

The CPSI is a specialized type of contract designed to enable the government to test innovative solutions before deciding whether to adopt them permanently. Instead of requiring everything to be fully developed from the outset, as in traditional contracts, the CPSI focuses on the problem that needs to be solved and invites companies, startups, or individuals to propose creative ideas to address it.

The aim is to stimulate innovation in the public sector, with increased flexibility, reduced bureaucracy, and greater openness to new technologies and methods that can enhance the services provided.

“With this, both the contractors and the Port of Itaqui benefit: the former gain access to real opportunities for applying innovative solutions, while the port gains access to technologies that directly address its operational challenges,” explained acting Port of Itaqui president Isa Mary Mendonça.

Challenges and proposals
The first challenge relates to preventing and/or containing fertilizer and grain spills on the port’s roads. “Seeking solutions that prevent or contain these spills is essential to promote sustainable waste management practices, improve operational flow, and ensure greater safety in port areas,” noted the port’s research, development, and innovation manager, Gabriel Cassia.

The second challenge is focused on optimizing boarding at ferry terminals. “In addition to reducing waiting times, these improvements can enhance the user experience and make the transport system more efficient,” emphasized Itaqui’s external terminals manager, José Furtado.

According to the notice, companies or teams must propose projects that solve one of the two specific challenges listed. Each proposal must include a description of the solution, its maturity level (e.g., prototype, tested solution), implementation strategy, timeline, and required resources. Applicants may submit one project per proposal, with the option to submit more than one proposal, one for each challenge.

The Port of Itaqui currently has nine berths with depths ranging from 12 to 19 meters, capable of receiving large vessels. In 2024, construction began on an additional berth, which is expected to increase export capacity by more than 8 million tonnes per year.

Timeline

• Publication of the notice: Sept. 2
• Applications: Sept. 10 to Oct. 2
• Proposal evaluation: Oct. 3–16, 2025
• Oral presentations: Oct. 21–24, 2025
• Final result: Nov. 4, 2025
• Ratification: Nov. 12, 2025
• Contract signing: Nov. 13–17, 2025
• Start of tests: from Nov. 18 onward

Source: Governo Federal

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