Inova Cemig.Lab pays up to R$ 1.6 million for the pilot, and supply can reach R$ 8 million

Inova Cemig.Lab opened its fifth cycle with 13 challenges and investment of up to R$ 1.6 million per project, with applications open until 8 November, according to Cemig's post. The project lasts 12 months: three of proof of concept, six of pilot in a real environment and three of deployment, funded by R&D&I resources regulated by ANEEL, according to O Setor Elétrico on 6/10/2026.

The ceiling comes from the law. Complementary Law No. 182/2021, the Legal Framework for Startups, caps the CPSI at R$ 1.6 million and 12 months, extendable for another 12, with payment proportional to what is delivered when there is technological risk. Once the CPSI ends, article 15 allows a supply contract without a new tender, of up to 24 months extendable for another 24, limited to five times the ceiling.

The initial investment comes from the sector's R&D&I resources, not from the startup's cash. The larger gain comes later: those who meet the targets can reach supply contracts of up to R$ 8 million. The six-month pilot in a real environment is the stage that separates one phase from the next.

The call for proposals is the way in. The contract that follows the pilot is what brings scale.