Build a stronger ecosystem

Hello everyone,

September marks the return of one of the most dynamic periods for the Portuguese  entrepreneurial ecosystem. What stands out this year is the growing decentralisation of activity: Algarve, Braga, Viseu, Coimbra, Leiria and others are stepping forward with ambition, proving once again that innovation in Portugal is not a two‑city story.

Strong local communities build a stronger ecosystem. They create density,  attract talent, and give founders the confidence to start and to keep going. That’s why all these initiatives matter: they connect people, accelerate ideas, and set the tone for  the months ahead. 

The calendar is already packed, and Adamastor will continue to curate the best  initiatives across the country, highlighting the work, achievements, and momentum of  our founders. Week after week, your feedback helps refine this space and keep it useful, relevant, and honest and for that, I’m genuinely grateful.

It’s good to be back. Let’s make the most of what’s coming.

See you at the next event.

Quote of the week

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world”

Margaret Mead

Highlights of the week

• Applications open for the Founder Institute Portugal next cohort

• 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. 

• Investor Talks next September 12 & 13 in Portimão. Agenda and tickets available here.

• Hospitality Open Innovation Program powered by Turismo de Portugal, Grupo Pestana, and Feel Group is accepting applications until Sep 13. They are looking for startups with pilot ready solutions capable to address the following challenges: Customer Relationship & Experience; Marketing Intelligence, Digital Content & Data; Automation & Productivity – Daily Operations; Automation & Productivity – Backoffice; Physical Space Smart Sensing.

• 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.

• 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.

• Portugal Fintech Report 2026 marks 10 years of Portugal Fintech. This special edition of the Report tells the story of the ecosystem we built together, and it sets the stage for the next one. By answering this form, you are applying your Fintech to be featured in the report as one of the top fintechs in Portugal. Fill the form until Sep 15.

• 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

• The EU-Japan Centre invites European companies and clusters to apply to the Nanotech Business Mission in Japan in December 2026. The application deadline is 24 September with the mission including participation in nano tech 2026, a leading Japanese trade fair for advanced materials, processes and enabling technologies. Apply until Sept 24.

• Are you set to make an impact in biotech for planetary health? Biotope Ventures want to hear from you. With our program, you’ll be able to turn your innovation into a viable business. 350k early-stage funding and a tailored growth journey for biotech startups in planetary health. Applications close on Sep 25

• 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.

• 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.

• Start From Knowledge be the right program for your project? SFN supports the creation and development of knowledge-based startups, helping turn scientific and technological knowledge into solutions with market potential. The program is aimed at projects connected to higher education and research, supporting the journey from knowledge generated within R&D institutions to the creation of new businesses. More info here.

• Web Summit 26 first speakers and agenda announced

Congrats

• Zeropact listed as TOP50 startups selected for the 7th edition of the European Startup Prize for Mobility.

• Sword Health acquires Headspace

• Tekever acquires Flowcopter

• London Quantum Group (Junitec alumni) raised +1M

• The startups going to San Francisco with Startup Portugal: Enline (Energy/SaaS); Octo Health (Healthtech); ExpertGrain (AgriTech/SaaS); Lampsy Health (Healthtech); noticed (AI/ML); VeriCasa (PropTech/SaaS); FRANK (InsurTech/AI); CodePlatform (AI/ML); Savearth (Hospitality/Deeptech); and C-MORE (SaaS/Enterprise)

• Hope Care raised 6M

Something to read, listen and watch

📚Casa do Impacto: o hub de empreendedorismo social da Santa Casa

📚How Universities Should Prepare Founders by Paul Graham

📚Here is the Rebuild letter calling for a new generation of social platforms.

📚The Second Language of Belonging: Eleven years in Portugal, and what a decade of learning a country does to a mind by Anel Imanbay

📚Building a competitive Europe: the role of startup and scaleup ecosystems

📚TIME100 AI 2026: Meet the innovators, leaders, and thinkers reshaping our world through groundbreaking advances in artificial intelligence.

🎧James Clear: The Secret to Building Daily Habits.

🎬The Founder Mindset with Tim Ferriss

🎬YOU CAN SEE EVERYTHING, a documentary by Nathan Fielder and Lance Oppenheim. Featuring Elizabeth Holmes. (Teaser)

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.