A newsletter covering all things startup in Portugal

When I think of innovation hubs in Europe, the spotlight often lands on flashy startups and tech giants. Yet, according to the study, “Spin-offs: The Hidden Drivers of Innovation in EU-27”, academic and corporate spin-offs are quietly reshaping industries across the continent.

Spin-offs leverage deep research, proprietary knowledge, and specialized talent to create disruptive solutions. From university labs to corporate R&D departments, these ventures bridge the gap between theory and practice, transforming complex ideas into market-ready products.

In countries like Portugal, where academia and industry increasingly collaborate, spin-offs have the potential to boost economic growth, create high-skilled jobs, and tackle pressing global challenges.

Portugal has fostered numerous successful spin-offs that have significantly impacted various industries. Here are a few notable examples: Veniam originating from a collaboration between the University of Porto, and the University of Aveiro, Veniam has been at the forefront of the “Internet of Moving Things.”; Cellmabs emerging from NOVA University, Cellmabs achieved a landmark in Portuguese biotechnology by licensing its proprietary cancer treatment technology to BioNTech. This deal is considered one of the largest technology transfers by Portuguese start-ups in the life sciences sector; Sea4Us is another notable spin-off from NOVA University, Sea4Us focuses on developing novel marine-derived compounds for therapeutic applications; Clynx emerging from JUNITEC, the Junior Enterprise of Instituto Superior Técnico, Clynx focuses on enhancing physiotherapy experiences through gamification. The startup was recognized among the top 25 European startups in the EIT competition. There are many other remarkable examples, but it would be impossible to close this editorial without mentioning two of the most notable spin-offs from Instituto Pedro Nunes: Perceive3D, Critical Software, and Feedzai. These companies have not only achieved international success but have also showcased the immense potential of translating academic research into impactful, market-ready solutions.

Such examples highlight Portugal’s dynamic landscape of successful spin-offs, demonstrating how a strong commitment to innovation can transform research into ventures that drive economic growth and industry disruption.

It’s time to give these hidden drivers of innovation the recognition they truly deserve!

• 📣 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 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)

• 📍 Are you a Recognized Startup under the 🇵🇹 Startup Law? This is your moment to shine and connect at the SIM Conference in Porto on May 8-9, 2025. Apply to the Startup Showcase Area until March 30

Week highlights go to:

• 🔷 Founder Institute & Uptec Meet the Startup Ecosystem Porto Edition next March 27 Join for an exclusive in-person event where you’ll have the opportunity to connect with key representatives from leading entrepreneurial organizations and startups

• 🔷 EIT Health lança call InnoStars SPICE: apply until March 20

• 🔷 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

• 🔷 “Welcome Aboard: Meet the Lx Startup Ecosystem” event, Startup Grind Lisbon’s first-ever full-day event! This is your chance to explore, connect, and celebrate the vibrant communities that make Lisbon a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. this Friday!!!

• 🔷 Coworking Thursdays this week on Friday

Congrats:

• 👏 The Newsroom took 3rd place award in the European Social Innovation Competition

• 👏 PFx Biotech Secures 9.5M

• 👏 JUNITEC is the Junior Enterprise of the Year in Europe

Meet the Startup Ecosystem Porto Edition (In-Person Networking Event) - March 27

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

Great execution is at least ten times as important and a hundred times harder than a great idea

Sam Altman

📚 🎧 🎥

• 📚 The Founder’s Guide to Positioning and Differentiation by Carlos Mendes

• 📚 Maze Impact Report

• 📚 Spin-offs: Driving innovation across the EU-27

• 📚 How Many Emails Does it Take to Get a Meeting?

• 📚 FTSG’s annual Tech Trends Report

• 📚 Future of AI: Perspectives for Startups

• 🎧 Ilusões de Grandeza by Sword Health

• 🎥 RTP Inovadores w/ Granter ai

• 🎥 UWU Talks: Tomas Caeiro, do desporto motorizado… até ao Money Talks!

Plan your week 📅 Mar 18>>

Mar 18

Women In Web3 · To celebrate Women’s Month, we’re thrilled to invite you to a special gathering honoring Women in Web3. ❤️🚀 Rebecca Turner will share her journey navigating a… Read more.

Kick off your Marketing Plan in an hour with (ethical) AI | Virtual FieldTrips | CreativeMornings

Understand the steps in constructing a marketing plan. Practice prompting an AI tool to build your marketing plan. Explore which tools are more … Read more.

AI & Marketing Roundtable: Tools, Trends, and Practical Insights How is AI really transforming marketing? And which tools can you start using today to make a real impact? Join us for an interactive roundtable designed for mark Read more.

inNOVAetors’ Academy: Zero to Hero · From Zero to Hero! Learn how to get your startup idea off the ground and turn it into a successful project! In this workshop, we will share case studies of… Read more.

Legora Meet & Sip at Mama Shelter · Join us and the Legal Design Institute for a Meet & Sip designed to help build connections within our community while exploring the changing landscape of legal… Read more.

Mar 19

MVP Funding Program - Mar 19

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

webinar: Info Session - Digital Product Management. Info Session da 9º edição do Programa Digital Product Management da CATÓLICA-LISBON | Executive Education em parceria com o Técnico+ Formação Avançada e a PRODUCTIZED. Conheça tudo sobre o Programa “Digital Product Management” com a Direção de Progama e esclareça as suas dúvidas com a Program Manager. Read more.

Mar 20

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

XR North Round Table - INESC TEC Porto 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.

Developing Responsible AI Products Join us on March 20th in Lisbon for the next Productized Talks, where product leaders and enthusiasts come together to connect, explore, and share insights. This editi Read more.

CV Labs Ecosystem Meetup - Join CV Labs Lisbon for our first ecosystem meetup of 2025! CV Labs Lisbon, now located at the Sitio AIhub by Unicorn Factory Lisbpa, will host an evening… Read more.

A ANI mais uma sessão de partilha de boas práticas no âmbito do projeto SKALE2CT, que visa fortalecer os recursos e capacidades de organizações públicas e intermediárias na aceleração de empresas. Esta edição contará com a participação do parceiro Fomento San Sebastian, que apresentará os seus serviços e boas práticas, nomeadamente a Local Network for Specialized Business Centers e os Funds for Innovative Projects Growth. Read more.

Making sense of AI in 2025 | Insights from TechRadar by Devoteam | LinkedIn

Making Sense of AI in 2025: Emerging Technologies, Use Cases, and Strategies . Read more.

Mar 21

Welcome Aboard - Meet the Lx Startup Ecosystem | Startup Grind In-person Event - Building a business can be a lonely endeavor. That’s why it’s important to surround ourselves with others to learn and socialize. At this event, we’ll showcase how vibrant Lisbon’s entrepreneurial community is and how it is structured - highlighting the organizations and initiatives that connect the dynamic startup ecosystem in Lisbon. Read more.

Creative Mornings. Partners in Parallel: Filmmaking, Food, and the Immigrant Hus CreativeMornings Lisbon and Impact Hub Penha de França present ImmigrantFoodie! ​ ​Sergio an Read more.

Mar 22

Women & Wealth 2025 - 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.

Mar 24

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.

Networking and Relationship Strategy: Connecting with the right people Join us for an insightful event on “Networking and Relationship Building: Connecting with the Right People”! In this workshop, we’ll dive into the importance of forming ge Read more.

Mar 25

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.

COREangels Investing in the Next Big Thing – A European Startup’s Path to Unicorn Status

Join Marcelo Lebre, founder of the unicorn startup Remote, for a fireside chat where we dive deep into Investing in the Next Big Thing Read more.

🇵🇹 Shaping the Future: AI Innovation in Product Development | Product People x tb.lx by Daimler Truck · in-person and invite-only event. We’ll spend the morning networking and sharing knowledge with peers. Read more.

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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.

The FinAI Conf · Showcasing real use cases to implement in your financial journey Agenda Check-in & Startup Demos 0. Setting the Stage for AI’s Transformative Journey - João… Read more.

FoodHack Lisbon: Embracing the future of AI in the food industry · Mar 27 As we embark on the journey of AI for the food industry, we witness a sector transforming itself, ready to cater to a world that demands… Read more.

Meet Up LISPOLIS c/ João Carreira, CEO e Co-founder Critical Software

No dia 27 de março, a Lispolis está a organizar o sexto Meet Up para a sua comunidade! Read more.

First steps on how to formally start a company Workshop | Whether you’re at the idea stage or ready to launch, this session will provide valuable guidance to help you start on the right foot. Read more.

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.

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.

Meet the Startup Ecosystem Lisbon Edition (In-Person Networking Event) - Apr 10 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

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Finance Academy: Online Workshop for Founders

Learn how to use convertibles, different equity classes, debt, shareholders’ agreements, and much more. Join Leapfunder’s online Finance Academy (Online Workshop for Startup Founders), rated 4,7/5. Learn more.

Register here!

⏳ 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: 

• 📌  CEEI Bahía de Cádiz has launched NEXOMAR, an entrepreneurship program designed for startups from Algarve and Alentejo with innovative solutions in the logistics and maritime-port sectors. Co-funded by the European Union, NEXOMAR provides participants with access to industry-leading companies, specialized mentorship, and support resources to help implement their proposals. Applications here

• 📌   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

• 📌   Ahead Start, a program by Grupo Brisa, in partnership with Plug and Play Europe, supports startups in the fields of road safety, efficiency, employee well-being and training, as well as security and travel experience for customers. Applications Open – until Mar 31

• 📌   até 11 de abril estão a decorrer as candidaturas à 5ª edição do Prémio Best Thesis Award! A Axians Portugal volta a patrocinar esta grande iniciativa! Queremos premiar a inovação dos estudantes do Ensino Superior. Se concluíste um mestrado no ano letivo de 2023/2024 numa das três áreas elegíveis - TIC, Telecomunicações e Media – e numa das escolas do CEE ou das Academias aderentes do Programa UPskill, é de ti que estamos à procura!

• 📌   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