Are we back? Not yet

Hello everyone,

Hope you’re having a great summer; whether you unplugged completely, travelled, or finally caught up on some long‑overdue sleep. I’m making a brief August appearance because there are a few events and calls worth your attention. Even in the heat, the ecosystem is showing early signs of gearing up for a strong September.

If you’re still looking for what to read before the break ends, take the summer suggestions from João Silva, Gabriela Faria, and Rui Quinta; here and here.

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

See you in September at the next event.

Quote of the week

“What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness.”
John Steinbeck

Highlights of the week

Last call for Tourism Advance applications. Powered by Fábrica de Startups and supported by Turismo de Portugal, Tourism Advance is an open innovation programme that connects startups with hospitality companies seeking innovative solutions to address real business challenges. Applications close 23 Aug.
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.
Fall Batch ’26 of the Unicorn Factory Lisboa Incubation Program is looking for early-stage startups. Apply until Sep 6.
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.
apply for the Lisboa’s Community Fund. The community fund is a shared basket of money and resources that local communities can draw on to carry out their activities or organize events. Administered by 351 Startups, the Community Fund will allow several smaller communities in Portugal to develop and become more active.
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

Congrats

Tekever kicks off 500M funding round for a 5.5B evaluation
Neuraspace raised 15,6M
OPNOVA won Startup Spotlight na Black Hat

Something to read, listen and watch

📚Ecossistema portugues by Carlos Resende

🎧Max Hodak explains how the company buys things and hires people, and why those systems determine how fast it can move.

🎧How to Design in the Agent Era

🎬Your startup will take everything you give to it. Make it count | Yan Simard

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.