A newsletter covering all things startup in Portugal

Last Saturday, the world celebrated International Women’s Day, honoring women who have shaped history and continue to drive change for a greener, more just future. While March 8 has passed, the mission of uplifting and empowering women never stops. IWD is a reminder to celebrate progress, acknowledge challenges, and support women in all spaces—especially in entrepreneurship, where visibility is crucial. Startup Digest Portugal deeply appreciates the resilience and courage of women entrepreneurs who push forward despite obstacles. Your contributions matter, and we celebrate your achievements today and always. At Startup Digest Portugal, we are committed to supporting women’s success—not just on IWD but daily. Let’s keep championing equality, advocating for change, and empowering one another.

On that note, I’m thrilled to share that I have the privilege of partnering with an incredible woman in our ecosystem, Elisa Tarzia, alongside the equally inspiring Fernando Jardim, to bring a chapter of The Founder Institute to Portugal. Stay tuned for more details in future editions, or follow us on LinkedIn!

The journey continues—let’s build the future together 🚀

• 📣 sign up & spread the word via this link: https://read.letterhead.email/techstars-portugal

• 📍 After two successful editions in Porto and Lisbon, Techstars Startup Weekend is set to make an exciting return to three cities: Coimbra (Mar 14), Albufeira (Apr 04), and Évora (May 09)

• 📍 MONEYTALKS with the noble mission of improving financial and economic literacy in Portugal, this event will take place in Evora next March 29 & 30. We have a promo code for our readers. Apply here with 10% discount (STARTUPDIGEST)

• 📍 Sage Corps is bringing 30 top U.S. university students 🎓 (Harvard, MIT, Stanford etc.) to intern with Lisbon-based startups this summer (June 10 – Aug 1). There’s no cost for startups, and students can add real value in areas like sales, growth, marketing, data, software dev, and more. More info here or contact me. Startups should sign up until March 21

• 📍 WomenTechEU - Call#3 is open: Supporting women leading deep tech startups from Europe

Week highlights go to:

• 🔷 Founder Institute & Uptec Meet the Startup Ecosystem Porto Edition Join for an exclusive in-person event where you’ll have the opportunity to connect with key representatives from leading entrepreneurial organizations and startups

• 🔷 351 has launched 351 Startups Member Hub a portal to facilitate collaboration amongst 351 Startups Portugal community members. The access is free

• 🔷 all students at Universidade Católica Portuguesa!! Apply at forward-startup.com and take your business idea to the next level! This program will give you the tools, mentorship, and hands-on support to turn your first napkin sketch into a real, validated venture. Don’t miss this opportunity

• 🔷 Business Abroad! w/ Startup Portugal. Applications are open until this week!

Congrats:

• 👏 Jenny Romano has been named among the Top 33 global leaders in responsible AI by the She Shapes AI Awards 2024/25

• 👏 SEAentia raised 16M from Indico Capital Partners and Project Mar2030

• 👏 Granter.ai is one of the 12 Startups selected for Techstars Transformative World Torino class - the 6th Techstars class from the Torino program

• 👏 Unlockit was one of 10 startups selected to pitch at the Real Estate Evolution Space Initiative by the Dubai Land Department

• 👏 André Aragão Azevedo, João Trigo da Roza, Paulo Andrez, and Ricardo Greenfield are the Portuguese members of the ESNA new Advisory Board

• 👏 Cristina Salsinha named among the Top 100 Women Leaders & Innovators in Travel by Future Travel

• 👏 Portuguese Government will implement a new Startup Competitiveness Incentive System

Meet the Startup Ecosystem Porto Edition (In-Person Networking Event)

Portugal boasts a vibrant and rapidly growing startup ecosystem, offering a wealth of resources for aspiring entrepreneurs. However, many individuals are unaware of the various resources available, their unique benefits, or how to choose the right ones for their specific needs. Join us for an exclusive in-person event where you’ll have the opportunity to connect with key representatives from leading entrepreneurial organizations and startups Read more.

✍ Quote of the Day

To all women, don’t short yourself. Think big. Take risks.

Christine Lagarde

📚 🎧 🎥

• 📚 FT’s: Europe’s Leading Start-up Hubs

• 📚 The Startup Nation Standards (SNS) Report 2024

• 📚 STEPUP STARTUPs latest report highlights the crucial role of spin-offs in driving innovation across all 27 EU Member States

• 📚 How Innovation ecosystems foster citizens participation with emerging technologies in Portugal, Spain and the Netherlands

• 📚 The 7 Deadly Startup Sins: Avoid These Mistakes w/ Andre Groschel

• 📚 Which Jobs Are Using AI the Most?

• 📚 Generative AI’s Act #1 by Sequoia

• 📚 INESC-ID is leading Responsible AI with the CRAI Project

• 🎧 Ricardo Marvão, cofundador da Beta-i: “Mais importante do que a pessoa saber o que faz bem, é perceber o que não é bom a fazer” Expresso 'CEO é o limite’

• 🎥 Empreendedorismo com Prof. Marco Lamas - Podcast 'da Ideia ao Resultado’

Plan your week 📅 Mar 11>>

Mar 11

Ask Me Anything - New Business Angels Information Session The A\-Z of Angel Investing: An Investor’s Ask Me Anything Are you curious about angel investing but unsure where to begin? Join us for an in-depth session co Read more.

Business Talks – GovTech – Justiça debate essencial sobre como a tecnologia está a transformar e modernizar a Administração Pública, com foco na Justiça. Esta é uma oportunidade única para explorar novas abordagens tecnológicas e fortalecer a colaboração entre o setor público e privado, criando um ecossistema mais eficiente e centrado nos cidadãos. Às 08h30 nas instalações da APDC – Av. João XXI, 78, Lisboa Read more.

How to start creating your own apps using no-code | Virtual FieldTrips | CreativeMornings Turn your app idea into reality—without writing a single line of code! Learn the power of no-code tools to turn your ideas into fully functional native apps… Read more.

Mar 12

1.5ºC Community Kick-Off Are you ready to share and build your knowledge on staying within planetary limits? Then come and find your new crowd 🌍 ​🔍 What’s happening? A community kick-off e Read more.

Power Hour #8: Building Brands with Smart Design - Mar 12 Join us for the next Power Hour at UPTEC, where you’ll discover how to apply key graphic design principles to enhance your brand. Read more.

Covilhã Innov Summit 2025

Vem ao Covilhã Innov Summit 2025 para descobrir as últimas tendências e inovações no mundo dos negócios! Read more.

PW Webinar #3 - “Future-proof your PM Career” with Diana Stepner Online Event by Product Weekend 4:30 PM - 5:15 PM - What does it take to thrive as a product manager in today’s fast-evolving landscape? The role of product management has changed dramatically, for the better—no longer defined by outdated principles, but by empowerment, collaboration, and the ability to adapt to emerging technologies like AI. Read more.

LISBON: Monetization Done Right: Why Ads Aren’t the Enemy Are Ads Really Ruining Apps, or Are We Looking at Them the Wrong Way?** Ads in mobile apps often get a bad Read more.

LongevityWednesdays X SheSapiens: Empathy Building Sprint - The Investment Case for Women’s Health. · Healthtech investors, entrepreneurs and operators, this is your chance to uncover untapped opportunities in the $1 trillion women’s health market! Join us for… Read more.

Mar 13

Lisboa Innovation Tours - Gaming at 5:00 PM, Lisboa Innovation invites you to an exciting tour at the Gaming Hub of [Unicorn Factory Lisboa] Read more.

Techstars Startup Weekend Coimbra

Learn how to think, work, and build like a startup in 54 thrilling hours. Read more.

(Porto) SITIO Gaia | Coworking Thursdays A workspace that extends over eight floors, located in the heart of Gaia. This coworking space is designed to promote collaboration, creativity and productivity. Read more.

Unlock Web3 Sales: The Founder’s Guide to Revenue Growth🤑 · Crack the code to sales - it’s hard to find product-market fit and generate the sales needed to move business forward in a segment as new as web3. Understand… Read more.

SIXT Leadership Perspectives on Innovation: Is Design Thinking dead? SIXT Hub Lisbon opens its doors for Executives to discuss the success of innovation methods. Key speeches include: ✨ Daniela Marzavan, Researcher (TEDex Read more.

AI Academy · Each person can register for the preferred session. A follow-up e-mail will be sent to evaluate preferences on a second session (each person will have access… Read more.

FuckUp Nights Lisbon | https://buytickets.at/fuckupnightslisbon/1602385 It is MARCH and it is International Womens’ Day on 8th March. This year is about **'Accelera Read more.

Coworking Day + Beat Procrastination Workshop Have you missed our Coworking Days? We are coming back! Join us in the heart of Lisbon, in a vibrant Fintech House with cool vibes, for a day of productivity and personal Read more.

Mar 14

Crypto Friday @ The Block Lisboa This is not just a Friday night spent relaxing with colleagues and friends at yet another terrace in Lisbon. It is also The meeting point for the BLOCKCHAIN com Read more.

Mar 15

“Wake Up Club” by Espressolab Portugal x Tripnly feat. DJ Brandi Perl - 2nd Edition · After the huge success of our first edition, we’re back for another unforgettable morning! 📅 On March 15th,… Read more.

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Meet the Startup Ecosystem Porto Edition (In-Person Networking Event) Join us for an exclusive in-person event where you’ll have the opportunity to connect with key representatives from leading entrepreneurial organizations and startups, including João Afonso (UPTEC), Sara Gonçalves (Founder of Actif), and Alexandre Santos (Investor - Partner & Founder at Chamaeleon). They will share invaluable insights into local resources and provide practical tips for successfully launching and growing your startup in Portugal. Read more.

Meet the Startup Ecosystem Lisbon Edition (In-Person Networking Event)

Join us for an in-person event featuring key representatives from leading entrepreneurial organizations and successful startups, including Ana Teresa Maia and Joana Pinto, VC investors Carolina Amorim and Tomás Penaguião, and ecosystem expert João Nunes Rosado. They will share invaluable insights and practical tips on leveraging local resources to successfully launch and grow your startup. Don’t miss this opportunity to empower your entrepreneurial journey—attend and discover the support you need to succeed! Read more.

(Porto) DeHouse Downtown | Coworking Thursdays | Mar 17 We are a space where ideas manifest, grow and build. We act as an accelerator of creative potential and new ideas. Read more.

MVP Funding Program - Mar 19

Get to know more about Claranet and the MVP Program for startups! Read more.

Embrace:AI: Evaluating LLMs + Red Teaming GenAI Applications Mar 20 18h: Welcome and networking 18h30: *Evaluating LLMs: From RAG Pipelines to Advanced Reasoning** (Abi Aryan) 19h00: *LLMs Under Siege: Red Teaming GenAI Read more.

XR North Round Table - INESC TEC Porto - Mar 20 Extended reality (XR) is currently one of the main ways to redefine the future of digital interaction, opening doors to new business models, innovation and competitiveness. But how can Portugal position itself as a leading player in the European XR and Virtual Worlds ecosystem? Read more.

Women & Wealth 2025 - Mar 22 - Portuguese Women in Tech 3rd edition of the 💸 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧 & 𝐖𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 💸 workshops covering essential topics like investing, budgeting, saving, housing credit, accounting, and more. Read more.

LisboaUX #3 · Mar 24 - Welcome to LisboaUX! We’re preparing a very special third event for you, featuring the Head of Design for Enterprise for Miró, the Head of Design at… Read more.

DemoNightLx March ’25 ·

Demo night from canopy Format for the evening Fireside chat featuring ground capital Three startup demos Networking, Pizzas and drinks All welcome — Huge… Read more.

Hangout #38 | How to Pitch to Media | Mar 26

The monthly Hangout for the Portuguese entrepreneurial ecosystem, where we gather all level players to talk about the community’s challenges Read more.

Startup Funding in Portugal, featuring Plug and Play & Antler - Apr 29

Looking for funding for your startup? Join our interactive, online fundraising workshop to gain practical, step-by-step advice on how to raise capital successfully. Read more.

⏳ Local & International Applications

Deadlines coming up soon:

• 🔔 Canopy Community, the innovative startup ecosystem builder, kicked off its first 2025 Founder Program, on February 17, as a groundbreaking remote accelerator. This five-day intensive program is empowering early-stage entrepreneurs from diverse countries including Pakistan, Zambia, Spain, and Madagascar with the tools and connections needed to thrive in today’s competitive startup landscape. For those interested in joining this thriving global startup community, registration is open for upcoming cohorts. Visit https://www.canopy.community/2025-founder-programs to learn more and apply.

• 🔔 Lisboa Innovation takes startups to the global stage and aims to support and foster the city’s innovation ecosystem by ensuring the free participation of Lisboa’s startups in international programs, propelling the city’s startups onto the global stage. Participation on the following program includes free entries for the team, exhibitor presence, and networking opportunities at one or more of the events. Apply here

• 🔔 Media Open Call 3 AMCC Test Bed, integrada na rede nacional de test beds, é um consórcio formado pelo PCI- Creative Science Park Aveiro Region (PCI), NOS Comunicações e NOS Technology (NOS Group) em parceria com a Universidade de Aveiro (UA), Aveiro Media Competence Center (AMCC) e Google, que consiste num conjunto de infra-estruturas, equipamentos, serviços e conhecimento especializado disponível para as PME e start-ups do setor dos media, para o desenvolvimento e teste de novos produtos e serviços, possibilitando a aceleração do processo Go To Market. Candidaturas aqui

• 🔔 CESAR Europe is looking for innovative startups to join the Test Bed Program, in partnership with MC Sonae, the largest retail group in Portugal. Startups with solutions for retail and wellness now have an opportunity to develop and test their technologies, with the potential to roll-out through the Test Bed. By joining this pilot, companies gain access to expert support and experience for developing a Proof of Concept (PoC) and advancing their TRL. To participate, the company must have a Portuguese Tax ID (NIF) and SME Certificate.

Know someone who could benefit from this opportunity? Spread the word!

and not so soon: 

• 📌   EIT Urban Mobility Your guide to 2025 mobility funding opportunities is here! We’ve just released our Call Programme for 2025 – a key document outlining our strategic priorities and the roadmap for upcoming funding calls over the next year. ✅ Key dates for upcoming calls

• ✅ Essential information for applicants. Access the Call Programme here (Mar 26)

• 📌  EIC Service Catalogue to Accelerate Deep-Tech Innovation Exciting opportunity for deeptech innovators! If you’re a deep-tech startup or SME, this is your chance to access up to €60,000 in funding to scale your innovation with specialised services from the EIC Service Catalogue.Take the chance to accelerate your growth and overcome scaling challenges. Apply today and make an impact

• 📌   Grupo Brisa, in partnership with Plug and Play Europe, is launching the open innovation program Ahead Start, with an open call for startups on the mobility space. We are looking for startups in various categories focused on enhancing road safety for workers and clients. For workers, categories include Worker Safety in Work Zones, Efficiency and Process Improvement, and Worker Well-being and Training. For clients, categories focus on ensuring a Smooth and Safe Travel Experience, Information and Communication to Clients, and Enforcement and Driver Education. Why should you join us? 🔹 Pilot and Business Development opportunities 🔹 Access to ecosystem events 🔹 Access to an International Network of Opportunities 🔹 Potential Partnership Opportunities Applications Open – until Mar 31

• 📌   NOS Open Innovation Program Estão abertas as candidaturas para a Tourism Open Call Com o intuito de apoiar empreendedores no desenvolvimento de soluções inovadoras, o NOS Open Innovation Program pretende dar o suporte necessário às startups para escalarem o seu negócio. Este programa, integrado na Test Bed 5G & Digital Transformation, garante que as startups selecionadas têm suporte técnico e de negócios bem como acesso a uma rede de especialistas para desenvolverem soluções inovadoras. Candidaturas abertas até ao dia 21 de abril

• 📌   Building a Community and need help to grow? The Product Folks have your back with everything you need, with mentorship, funding, and everything else. Apply here

• 📌   Netmentora Lisboa by Réseau Entreprendre for women entrepreneurs. Take a look @Wom’Energy

• 📌   Baby VC Venture Capital has little to no transparency. It is difficult to know the skills required to do the job and it’s even harder to build a network, especially if you have a non-business background. Baby VC exists to bridge this gap. We want to help people from all backgrounds get the insights and connections that are typically hard to access when you are not an insider. unite young and ambitious talent from diverse backgrounds, offering them opportunities to connect and learn from leading investors and entrepreneurs in the two ecosystems. Apply here

• 📌   Sogrape, in partnership with Beta Capital, is investing in high-potential start-ups that present innovative solutions within the value chain of the wine and beverage sector. Innovators, entrepreneurs, and start-ups are invited to present their projects. Apply to Sogrape Ventures

• 📌   BioHackathon Europe is an annual event that brings together life scientists from around the world. It is organised by ELIXIR Europe, and offers an intense week of hacking, with over 160 participants working on diverse and exciting projects. The goal is to create code that addresses challenges in bioinformatics research. This year at Campus Belloch near Barcelona, with remote access available if you cannot attend in person. Apply here

• 🚩  INOVA Quality HUB, incubadora promovida pelo Instituto Português da Qualidade, I.P. (IPQ), tem por objectivo incentivar a criação de negócios inovadores e o desenvolvimento de startups, através da disseminação de uma cultura empresarial para a Gestão da Qualidade. enfoque nas áreas prioritárias da Saúde, Energia e Ambiente, promovidos por empreendedores individuais, estudantes (mestrandos ou doutorandos), startups e spinoffs de empresas. Apply here

• 🚩  Startup Wise Guys Web3 Accelerator Program: Elevate your Web3 startup to the next level, transform your business, and discover your potential. Apply here

• 🚩  Future Innovators Program is looking for university students who want to develop a problem-solving mindset to join this journey through a 3-stage Innovation Program that takes you from real-world challenges to developing your business idea. The 1st phase - the Online Academy - is available here

• 🚩  The Collider Venture Builder – Call for Technologies: Are you a researcher or part of a research team with promising results? Do you want to bring these results to the market so they can have a positive impact on society? The call for technologies is your chance to be considered for The Collider Venture Builder programme. Apply here

• 🚩  IH Sensor Tech Partnering with the Instituto Hidrográfico from the Portuguese Navy, this open innovation edition drives maritime innovation across five areas: augmented reality software, hydrographic data consolidation, GNSS-denied navigation, real-time data processing and decision-making. Apply here

• 🚩 consolid8 Deep & inclusive social innovation ecosystems

Please submit your event as early as possible so that we can communicate timely

Techstars Startup Digest Portugal newsletter is curated by:

Carlos Resende

• 📭 [email protected]

@ LinkedIn