The São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP) and the Funding Authority for Studies and Projects (FINEP) opened in September a call for proposals for public selection of companies based on São Paulo State that are interested in participating in the development of Sirius, the Brazilian new synchrotron light source.

Conceived and designed by the Brazilian Synchrotron Light Laboratory (LNLS), Sirius will be a state of the art fourth generation machine, designed to be one of the most advanced in the world. Its ultra-low emittance and thus high brightness will open up new perspectives for research in many fields, with potential to bring important advances in strategic areas.

The announced call aims to encourage micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises from São Paulo State to develop innovative products, processes and services for Sirius construction. Twenty “technological challenges” were identified by LNLS during the project design. They correspond to equipment, devices and highly complex systems that cannot be found on the market or even custom manufactured, but may be developed by Brazilian companies interested in expanding their technological potential.

These challenges include the manufacturing of ultra-high vacuum chambers and the development of ultra-stable mechanical bases that sustain the components of electron accelerators, among other devices. The complete list of challenges for Sirius can be found in this link.

Approximately R$40 million will be directed to the initiative, through two economic subsidy programs: PIPE (Pesquisa Inovativa em Pequenas), from FAPESP, and PAPPE (Programa de Apoio à Pesquisa em Empresas), from MCTI and FINEP. Each funding agency will contribute with 50% of these resources.

According to the public notice, the funding agencies will grant up to R$1.5 million for each approved proposal. Interested companies must submit their proposals until November 7, 2014.

If you are interested in participating or need more information about this call of proposals, please contact us by e-mail: duvidas.sirius@lnls.br

The complete call of proposals is available here (only in Portuguese)