The federal government announced the final version of the Brazilian Artificial Intelligence Plan (PBIA), which is expected to invest up to R$23 billion by 2028. Coordinated by the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (MCTI), the initiative seeks to consolidate the country as a leading player in the sector, encompassing areas such as infrastructure, training, governance, and regulatory support. Among the planned goals is the acquisition of one of the five most powerful supercomputers in the world, which could significantly expand the country's data processing capacity and advanced AI research.
This movement is part of the global technology race, but according to Lucas Mantovani, partner and co-founder of SAFIE, a specialist in new business for SMEs and startups , it also exposes internal challenges. He believes that while China has accumulated over a decade of billion-dollar investments and public-private sector integration to gain leadership in AI, Brazil still faces regulatory hurdles, excessive bureaucracy, and legal uncertainty that could reduce the strategy's effectiveness.
In this scenario, Lucas Mantovani highlights the importance of simplifying rules and reducing barriers to entry for entrepreneurs and startups. "The success of the PBIA depends less on the volume of resources and more on creating an environment conducive to innovation. The PBIA is a positive sign; it defines guidelines, allocates resources, and organizes stakeholders. But the reality is that if entrepreneurs remain trapped by the regulatory 'Brazil cost,' with multiple licenses, overlapping agencies, and legal uncertainty, innovation won't scale," he states.
The lawyer points out that streamlining bureaucracy must go hand in hand with investment. "Simplifying processes is as strategic as injecting capital. This is what attracts investors, retains talent, and ensures that new products reach the market competitively," adds Mantovani .
