Almost back

Hello everyone,

We’re just a few days away from switching back to full power, but the ecosystem is already moving. Even before September officially begins, there’s a growing wave of events, programmes and calls taking shape, early signals that the new season is being prepared with intention.

For those who like to get ahead of the curve, this week brings a handful of opportunities worth noting, as the community quietly warms up for what’s looking like a strong return.

Take a look at the 'Highlights of the Week' with the next deadlines not to be missed.

A mention to José Epifânio da França. His passing leaves a meaningful mark on Portugal’s innovation community.

See you in September at the next event.

Quote of the week

“Well begun is half done.”

Aristotle

Highlights of the week

• Founder Institute’s Pitch Your Ideas to Investors & Experts, Online. Got a startup or idea? Join this interactive online event to get live feedback from top investors and experts. To pre-submit your 3min’ pitch, visit this link and apply until Aug 28 10:00 AM.

• Applications for the Fall Batch ’26 of Unicorn Factory Incubation Program, for early-stage startups, are now open. Receive mentorship tailored to your project’s needs, participate in training sessions, access a network of over 190 mentors, and connect with 150 investors and corporate partners. Apply by September 6 here.

• The 11th edition of Road 2 Web Summit by Startup Portugal is open. Up to 125 Portuguese startups get an intensive bootcamp in Porto and Lisbon, a discount on their Web Summit package, and a shot at the Galp prizes. Apply here.

• The Santander X Awards, are looking for university projects and startups with the potential to grow. Participants gain access to prizes, mentoring, training, and visibility. Applications are open until Sep 11 for startups and university students here. 

• Instituto Pedro Nunes is selecting 12 Startups for Websummit 26. Apply here until Sep 15.

• BSC AI Factory Incubation Programme in Porto supports startups and SMEs in the development of AI products and projects. Running at UPTEC from 5 October 2026 to 30 March 2027, the programme combines free coworking with specialist support, workshops, networking opportunities and connections to the wider European BSC AI Factory ecosystem. Selected companies can also receive support in identifying the technical, software and computing resources most appropriate to their projects. Applications open until Sep 15.

• Gathering Design Sprint is a 4-week virtual sprint teaching founders the craft of designing gatherings people remember, and want to come back to. The next Sprint launches September 14th Enroll here.

• Access to funding is a critical factor for startups looking to scale. OpportunityHub.eu brings together funding opportunities across European countries into a single platform.

• For all AI builders, 20×20, RedBridge’s first PechaKucha-style night. The format is simple and a little unforgiving: 20 slides, 20 seconds each. The deck advances whether you’re ready or not. Apply to present, next Sep 17

• Is expanding to Portugal your next move? Discover how with Launch in Lisbon! That is exactly what Launch in Lisbon is designed to make easier. The Unicorn Factory Lisboa program supports international entrepreneurs and companies looking to launch, establish, or expand their operations in Portugal and across Europe. The program is available in both in-person and virtual formats, although virtual participation provides limited access to the full program. Early Bird and virtual tickets are already available here.

• Applications open for the Founder Institute next cohort, starting in October

• PORTUGAL - EUDIS Hackathon 2026 Autumn, registration for the EUDIS Hackathon 2026 Autumn is now live! We are thrilled that you are ready to innovate and build with us. Please complete the registration form to submit your application.

Congrats

• Insurtech LucidHorizon launched MimicTask.

• Startup Leiria will take the following Startups to Startup Summit in Florianopolis: Enline; Coalex.ai; Deeploy; sheerME ; and Good Casting.

• Startup Portimão celebrates it’s 10th anniversary.

• GreenDash won best project award for 'Empreendedorismo Ambiental, Sustentabilidade e Transição Energética’ powered by 𝗟𝘂𝘀𝗼𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲!

Something to read, listen and watch

📚

🎧Conversas empreendedoras com José Epifânio da França

🎧Hospital da Luz 10 MINUTOS DE INOVAÇÃO, falamos com Bernardo Tavares, CTO da Granter, e com Rita Ramos, a gestora deste projeto na equipa de investigação do Hospital da Luz Learning Health.

🎬why no roi in ai? with Matteo Cassese

Looking for your next spark of inspiration or connection? Discover what’s happening in the ecosystem—check out the Adamastor Events Calendar and find the perfect event that fits your goals, your vibe, and your stage. From founder meetups to investor talks, there’s something for everyone.