Why accredit ICTs with CAPDA?

By Nathália Gabriel e Priscilene Silva

The Importance of ICT Accreditation

The accreditation of a Science and Technology Institution (ICT) with CAPDA (Committee for Research and Development Activities in the Amazon) is essential for the institution to be officially recognized as qualified to execute innovation and Research and Development (R&D) projects with access to tax benefits and government support. This accreditation brings several important advantages for ICTs, such as:

Participation in R&D Projects: Accredited ICTs can collaborate with private companies and the government on R&D projects, contributing to the creation of innovative solutions in various fields of knowledge, from information technology to biotechnology.

Promotion of Strategic Partnerships: Accreditation facilitates the formation of public-private partnerships, as well as international alliances, expanding the capacity to develop new technologies and innovations that can boost business competitiveness and scientific advancement.

Strengthening the Innovation Ecosystem: Accredited ICTs play a key role in strengthening the innovation ecosystem, generating a virtuous cycle of technological development that benefits the economy, society, and scientific research, promoting lasting impacts on sustainable growth.

Main Legal and Technical Requirements

Qualification as an ICT: The institution must be formally recognized as a Science and Technology Institution (ICT), public or private, non-profit, that conducts continuous scientific and technological research activities.

Proof of Technical Capacity: The ICT must be aligned with the objectives of the Informatics Law (Law 8,387/1991), which encourages companies from the Manaus Free Trade Zone and the Western Amazon, and must also prove its technical and scientific capacity to carry out R&D projects, with appropriate infrastructure, qualified staff, laboratories, and equipment for the development of the proposed projects.

Activities Focused on R&D: The ICT must identify the field of knowledge in which it operates to develop its projects, according to the classification adopted by CNPq (National Council for Scientific and Technological Development – Table of Knowledge Areas), demonstrating that its main activity is the execution of research and development.

Accreditation Process

In addition to meeting the minimum requirements, the ICT must follow a set of procedures defined by CAPDA. The process involves:

Submission of Documentation: The ICT must present supporting documentation, such as bylaws, an R&D plan for the next two years, proof of employment relationships, among others.

Evaluation by CAPDA: CAPDA evaluates the documentation and may request additional information or clarifications if necessary.

Publication of Accreditation: After approval, the ICT is officially accredited and its name is published in the Federal Official Gazette (DOU), becoming eligible to enjoy the benefits.ação, a ICT é oficialmente credenciada e seu nome é publicado no Diário Oficial da União (DOU), estando apta a usufruir dos benefícios.