The Innovation Law, officially known as Law No. 10,973/2004, came to reflect changes in the configuration of Science and Technology Institutions (ICTs) as well as in the university-company relationship. From there came the need to create Technological Innovation Centers (NITs), with the purpose of equating the way in which institutional innovation policies are treated, giving the respective Centers greater autonomy of action. When it comes to innovation in the Campo das Vertentes region in the State of Minas Gerais, it was identified that there is no mapping of innovation in this region, with only general information on innovation in this State and the mapping of innovation in the Midwest region of Minas Gerais. The objective of this study was to map the innovation generated in public and private Higher Education Institutions based in the cities of Campo das Vertentes region of Minas Gerais. That said, a quantitative study was developed, based on the application of a semi-structured questionnaire with 6 (six) NIT managers of public and private Higher Education Institutions, based in the cities that make up the Campo das Vertentes region: Instituto Federal of the Southeast of Minas Gerais - Barbacena campus; Federal University of São João del-Rei (UFSJ) - Campi São João del-Rei; Federal University of Lavras (UFLA); Federal Institute of Southeast Minas Gerais - campus São João del-Rei; Presidente Antônio Carlos University (UNIPAC) - Campus Barbacena; President Tancredo de Almeida Neves University Center (UNIPTAN). The questions were related to the innovation generated only on the HEI campuses and not in the institution as a whole. The results reveal that HEIs based in the Campos das Vertentes region, despite the years, face major challenges with regard to the development of innovation. When comparing the degree of innovation between the HEIs, the data showed a contrast between the institutions. There was a predominance of progress with regard to innovation in public institutions. Furthermore, while one has personnel, structure and a significant number of intellectual protection, it is clear that others are in the process of development. Facing this challenge requires proposals for innovation and more effective public policies, as well as government support to attract qualified human resources and financial resources. It is necessary to build a culture of innovation, with technology diffusion policies that reach the academic community in its entirety, as well as actions aimed at the development and implementation of technology transfer. Simultaneously, decentralization of processes related to innovation to minimize bureaucratic obstacles, optimizing time and granting autonomy to NITs.