Hello everyone and welcome back to Adamastor,

Every summer, Portugal faces one of its most dramatic challenges: wildfires. They devastate forests, threaten communities, disrupt industries, and deeply impact the economy and our collective well-being. This is not just an environmental issue, it’s a societal and economic battle that demands innovative solutions.

But what if the entrepreneurial ecosystem could be part of the answer?

Startups thrive where urgency meets opportunity. Across the world, founders are leveraging technology and creativity to address climate-related challenges:

• 🌳 AI & Data: predictive models for early fire detection, risk mapping, and resource allocation.

• 🌳 Drones & Robotics: surveillance, firefighting support, and safety for frontline teams.

• 🌳 IoT & Sensors: real time monitoring of forests and vulnerable areas.

• 🌳 Sustainable Forestry & AgriTech: preventive measures that reduce fuel loads and restore ecosystems.

• 🌳 Community Engagement Platforms: mobilizing citizens, volunteers, and municipalities in prevention and recovery efforts.

From my own experience as a European expert evaluator, I’ve had the privilege to assess startup projects in Central and South America focused on preserving and protecting forests. These initiatives show how innovation can create scalable, impactful solutions, blending technology with community action to safeguard natural resources. The lessons learned there show that Startups could be deeply relevant to Portugal’s own fight against wildfires.

Portugal’s ecosystem, from universities and incubators to municipalities and investors, has a unique opportunity to turn this challenge into an arena for innovation. The fight against wildfires can become a testbed for solutions with global impact.

This week, I want to spark the conversation:

• ❓ what role can startups play in tackling wildfires?

• ❓ how can investors and policymakers support these efforts?

• ❓ which ideas and initiatives already exist and how can they be scaled?

Together, let’s explore how innovation can protect lives, communities, and our future.

I also want to take a moment to acknowledge Paulo Dimas, who is stepping down from his role at Unbabel. His work with HALO has been truly remarkable, showing how technology and innovation can genuinely improve people’s lives. I had the pleasure of meeting Paulo at SIMConf, where I moderated a panel with him, and I was struck by his vision and generosity in sharing knowledge. Innovators like him remind us of the power of our ecosystem to unite talent, purpose, and innovation in ways that make a lasting impact.

See you at the next event

✍ Quote of the week

The world is full of magic things, patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper.”

W.B. Yeats

Week highlights go to:

• 🔷 Guimarães Hosts Techstars Startup Week again in October 2025. All information can be found here

• 🔷 Techstars Community Leader Academy returns in September as a key initiative from the 351 Portuguese Startup Association. This 2-day (Sep 20 & 21), community-led program will bring together 40 selected leaders to receive exclusive training supported by Techstars on building successful startup communities. Learn more

• 🔷 Portugal Fintech is calling out all Portuguese Fintechs and International Operating in Portugal to take part in this publication and apply to be featured. Know more about eligibility and apply until Sep 15

• 🔷 Applications for the next baby vc bootcamp are open until Sep 17

• 🔷 Last spots for Startup Portugal - Road 2 Web Summit

• 🔷 Applications are open until Sep 24 for the Nova SBE Prototyping Fund – Fall 2025

• 🔷 SIMConf is accepting pre-registrations for 2026

• 🔷 The first conference dedicated to combining AI and Ethical Hacking. HackAIcon is bringing together OffSec pros, hackers, and leading researchers to find practical ways of using AI to secure the internet. Adamastor have a discount for our readers, use the code HAICP-TECHSTARS.

• 🔷 Founder Institute Portugal presents Startup Founder Forum with Jon Fath, Co-Founder of Rauva. Hear deep insights from one of the startup community’s top leaders. Next Sep 11 @Fintech House

Congrats

• 👏 351 Portuguese Startup Association was highlighted as one of the top 50 best first-time founder communities to join in Europe by Sifted!

Something to read, listen and watch

• 📚 The AI Whisperer: Vasco Pedro of Halo by Jonathan Littman

• 📚 Unlocking Rural Innovation - OECD Report

• 📚 A simple 2 x 2 for choices by Seth Godin

• 📚 The Magic Behind Bezos and Buffett: Things That Don’t Change

• 📚 And so I felt stuck - Tamim Khalfa is the co-founder and CEO of Toters / Endeavor

• 📚 Why do some companies struggle to keep their purpose alive? by Diogo Moraes and Nick Hellenkamp

• 📚 How to Lead Without Authority: A Product Manager’s Guide by Kinga Magyar

📚 Top 6 Trends for Innovation Management in 2025 by Jesse Nieminen

• 🎧 Tech Refresh: Transformar Ideias em Produtos Reais com João Monteiro (CRON Studio)

• 🎥 André Albuquerque - From Zero to Acquired in 18 Months: Product Lessons Productized

• 🎥 Reconnecting ALS patients with their loved ones Vasco Pedro, Luís, Sumner L Norman (Halo by Unbabel)

• 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.