The NAVE Program – an initiative of the National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP) managed by iUP, the innovation hub of the Brazilian Institute of Oil and Gas (IBP) – moved forward on Monday (11) to its acceleration phase with the signing of contracts with 21 startups selected to address 19 oil and gas (O&G) industry challenges. The program will invest around BRL 28 million in projects aimed at solving critical technological challenges for the energy industry, reinforcing the synergy between open innovation and the sector. With the contracts signed, the projects officially enter the development phase, expected to conclude in June 2026.

The formalization took place during the Warm Up NAVE Program event, held at IBP’s headquarters, which promoted integration between startups, mentor companies, and ANP. The 21 selected companies, from different Brazilian states, were chosen through a competitive process that attracted 264 applicants. Each selected project will receive investments ranging from BRL 500,000 to BRL 1 million and will be supported by one or two companies over the course of a year.

The proposed challenges seek solutions for themes such as increasing operational efficiency, developing low-carbon fuels, applying Industry 4.0 technologies such as AI and IoT, as well as operational safety and environmental protection.

“We will only overcome the enormous challenges of decarbonization and energy transition through technology and innovation. NAVE embodies this vision, connecting the agility of startups with the expertise and investment capacity of our industry. It’s not just about financial resources, but about building a technology-based future for more efficient and decarbonized energy,” said Roberto Ardenghy, president of IBP.

“Being here today, gathered with startups, science and technology institutes (STIs), oil companies participating in the Program, and IBP, materializes a vision built with much dialogue, courage, and technical work. Our premise is that regulated innovation can – and must – be a vector of transformation for the Brazilian energy sector,” said ANP Director Fernando Moura.

The program is funded by resources from the Research, Development & Innovation (RD&I) clause, present in exploration and production contracts. Among the companies supporting the initiative with resources and mentorship are industry giants such as Petrogal Brasil, TotalEnergies, China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), Shell, ExxonMobil, Equinor, Repsol Sinopec, China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC), and Petrobras.