Brazil launches call for new technologies to combat Zika Virus

Credit: Stock image

Finep and Fapesp launch call for new technologies to combat Aedes aegypti

FINEP and the Foundation for Research Support of the State of São Paulo (FAPESP) launched on Tuesday (11TH) joint call in the amount of R$15 million to select research projects aimed at the development of products or technological processes for the fight Aedes aegypti and diseases such as yellow fever, zika, dengue fever and chikungunya fever.

"With these economic subsidy resources, companies can take more technological risks, which increases the possibility of seeing truly innovative solutions for the fight against arboviruses and their vectors," says Finep Scientific and Technological Development Director Wanderley de Souza.

According to Finep, the projects should focus on the development of:

• Technologies related to rapid diagnosis and low cost of arbovirus
• Monitoring and control of transmitting mosquitoes
• Insecticides and antiviral substances of biological origin
• Release of sterile mosquitoes or biological larvicides
• Monitoring and control platforms to predict the spread of emerging and re-emergent pathogens capable of anticipating intervention measures.

"This is an important challenge for public health in Brazil and in many other countries, and an opportunity for the creation and supply of innovative technologies of global reach," says Fapesp's scientific director, Carlos Henrique de Brito Cruz.

Small businesses or medium-sized companies based in the state of São Paulo, with a gross operating revenue of between R$360,000 and R$10.5 million, may participate in the call. Research proposals can be submitted by July 14 and the selection results are expected to be published in December 2017.