CNPq PIBITI scholarships introduce undergraduate students to technological development and innovation through participating institutions. Applicants need a suitable supervised project and must follow their institution’s selection process. The student deadline comes from the local call, not a single nationwide individual application date.
Official sources checked: October 3, 2026. Independent guide by Excelsior Scholarships; applications go to the official sponsor.
How PIBITI differs from general research funding
The official PIBITI page emphasizes the practices and methods of technological development and innovation. Its student guidance directs undergraduates to a researcher willing to integrate and supervise them. Institutions establish the selection procedure and practical requirements.
| Project element | Useful question |
|---|---|
| Problem | Who needs the proposed improvement? |
| Development | What will the student build, adapt or investigate? |
| Evaluation | How will performance or usefulness be assessed? |
| Training | Which skills will the student learn? |
Identify a practical problem and a feasible task
Start with a problem that the research group understands and can investigate responsibly. A technological project might involve a process, tool, material or service, but the application should explain the specific task you will undertake. Avoid presenting an entire business or product launch as a small undergraduate project.
Distinguish a proposed solution from evidence that it works. Discuss how the group would test the result and what limits the evaluation would have. For a prototype, clarify what a first version needs to demonstrate. For a process improvement, identify the baseline you will compare against.
Find supervision and the right institutional call
Read the institution’s research and innovation pages. Identify researchers whose work connects to your interests and ask whether the current PIBITI selection includes a suitable project. The CNPq program directory helps distinguish this route from PIBIC and other initiatives.
When you meet a potential supervisor, discuss the available facilities, technical support and time commitment. Ask which parts you will perform and which require specialist assistance. That prevents the proposal from relying on resources the institution cannot actually supply.
Prepare a development plan that can be reviewed
Break the work into stages: understanding the problem, preparing the method, development, evaluation and reporting. Write down the output expected at each stage. The schedule should fit both the award period and your undergraduate timetable.
If the project involves a company, community organization or another partner, ask the supervisor how access and collaboration will be arranged. Discuss intellectual-property or confidentiality questions through the institution’s proper process. Do not promise a partner rights or deliverables on behalf of the research group.
- Read the current local PIBITI notice.
- Confirm eligibility and find a suitable supervisor.
- Agree on a practical research-and-development task.
- Prepare the required project and academic documents.
- Submit through the institution and track the result.
Understand the award and your learning responsibilities
The CNPq page refers to the current scholarship value table and describes the institutional award framework. Check the implemented award’s period and payment terms. The scholarship’s purpose is research training; it should not be treated as funding for every expense associated with building a product.
Keep a development record showing decisions, tests and results. Document unsuccessful attempts as well as improvements, because they can explain how the work developed. Ask the institution what final report or presentation is required and plan the supporting evidence throughout the project.
Compare the PIBIC scientific research route, our Brazilian scholarship overview and academic document checklist.
Frequently asked questions
Is PIBITI only a general academic research scholarship?
Its stated focus is technological development and innovation. Choose a project that fits that purpose.
Can I apply without involving my institution?
Follow the participating institution’s selection process and supervision arrangements.
Does every project need a commercial product?
Do not assume that. Ask how your proposed development or innovation task fits the current local call.
Where is the student deadline published?
In the institution’s current selection notice. National institutional funding dates are a separate stage.