Ecosystem Keeps Moving

Hello everyone,

Another week, another reminder of how alive the Portuguese startup ecosystem is. A few days ago I was in Gaia for a Founder Institute session, and it was impossible not to feel the momentum in the room; new founders, new ideas, and a genuine curiosity about how to build in Portugal. That energy, and the desire to bring more people into the community, is a big part why I restarted my biweekly page at SAPO.

Something caught my particular attention: Defence Tech is emerging as a space where Portuguese startups can and should play a role. The Defence Tech Meetup (Sep 22), held during the REPMUS exercise, focused on Autonomy: From Orbit to Maritime Operations; a theme where Portugal has real potential. Organized by Critical Software & Productized, the meetup brought together engineers working directly in the field, experts with firsthand experience from the Ukrainian reality, corporates and startups.

All of this happens at a moment when the Portuguese National Entrepreneurship Strategy 2030 has closed its contribution phase. All inputs are in, and the work now moves to the diagnosis stage understanding what the ecosystem said, identifying patterns, and preparing the ground for the policy agenda that will guide entrepreneurship through the next decade.

See you at the next event.

Quote of the week

“The brick walls are there for a reason. The brick walls are not there to keep us out. The brick walls are there to give us a chance to show how badly we want something.”
Randy Pausch

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.

• 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.

• Defence Tech Meetup (Sep 22) occurs during the REPMUS exercise and is specifically focused on Autonomy: From Orbit to Maritime Operations. Will take place at Critical Software Headquarters in Lisbon for an insightful end-of-the-day with presentations, networking opportunities for Defence, and free drinks and snacks.

• ​LISBON AI 2 days. 32 speakers. 400 builders. Is happening next Sep 23–24. Lisbon AI is the annual summit for people shipping AI in the real world. No hype decks, no rubber-chicken dinners. Just code, talks, and hallway hacking. Join top labs, founding teams, and engineers deploying models in production, to chat about where we are now and what’s next.

• 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

• SKYHACK Lisbon’s one-day hackathon by LX Launch (Sep 26). We put 50 of the sharpest builders in one room and give them 10 hours to turn a rough idea into something that actually runs. You’ll work alongside mentors, founders and engineers from across Lisbon’s tech scene. Apply here.

• Urban Mobility Explained (UMX) Open Call. Apply until Sep 29.

• Founder2Founder by Algarve Evolution will select 𝟴 𝗔𝗹𝗴𝗮𝗿𝘃𝗲-𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮 𝘀𝗶𝘅-𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵 𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺. - A dedicated mentor - One focused growth plan - Three measurable targets - Monthly reviews to sharpen priorities, improve decisions, and turn ambition into action. For companies already in the market, ready to grow, and open to being challenged. Apply until Sep 30.

• Portugal XR Report 2026 - Call for Participation: For the 3rd year in a row, we’re again inviting all organizations to participate in the Portugal XR & Virtual Worlds Report, the reference report for XR, digital twins and converging technologies in Portugal. Thanks to your participation, we’ll be able to identify and analyse the yearly growth of the XR market, talent and investment levels in the country. Participation is open until Sep 30.

• 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.

• Applications are open for the European Prize for Women Innovators is an initiative powered by the European Institute of Innovation & Technology (EIT) and the European Innovation Council (EIC). It celebrates the outstanding achievements of women entrepreneurs from across the EU and Horizon Europe associated countries who are driving positive change for people and the planet through their innovative ventures.

• Web Summit 26 first speakers and agenda announced

Congrats

• Motorola Solutions has acquired AI startup DeepNeuronic.

• Enline, Octo Health, ExpertGrain, Lampsy Health, noticed., VeriCasa, FRANK, CodePlatform, Savearth and C-MORE at San Francisco TechWeek RedBridge program.

• Lampsy Health won the sixth edition of KPMG’s Global Tech Innovator in Portugal.

Something to read, listen and watch

• 📚 Carlos Resende: Muito para lá da Web Summit: o ecossistema empreendedor em movimento

• 📚 Try the Build Up Labs Co-founder Equity Split Calculator .The current version provides a structured starting point based on time commitment, financial investment, relevant experience, and role criticality.

• 📚 100 days to get EU Inc right. Now is the moment. Let’s make it count. Co-sign the open letter.

• 🎧 Bitalk: A primeira IA portuguesa c/ Paulo Dimas

• 🎧 How to turn setbacks into success w/ Amy Shoenthal

• 🎬 Randy Pausch Lecture: Time Management

• 🎬 Founder Tales com Andreia Trigo: Transformou uma doença rara numa startup

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.