Finep provides reimbursable and non-reimbursable funding to Brazilian research institutions and companies. Finep's support covers all stages and dimensions of the scientific and technological development cycle: basic research, applied research, innovation, and the development of products, services, and processes. Finep also supports the incubation of technology-based companies, the implementation of technology parks, the structuring and consolidation of research processes, development and innovation in already established companies, and market development. Furthermore, since 2012, Finep has also begun offering support for the implementation of a first industrial unit, as well as mergers, acquisitions, and joint ventures.

It is worth noting that Finep's actions are aligned with the concepts established by Oslo Manual, an international reference for the topic of innovation and prepared by the OECD.