“We offer a complete ecosystem”: straight from AIRV Business Incubator

In this edition, we visited the AIRV Business Incubator to learn more about its model and long-standing impact on the Viseu region. With over two decades of experience and a strategic focus on supporting early-stage companies, the incubator is a vital link between local entrepreneurship and regional development. We spoke with Paulo Sousa, General Director at AIRV, to understand how they nurture innovation and build community.

This content is available in Portuguese.

– How did the AIRV Business Incubator come about? What kind of projects do you incubate?

The AIRV Business Incubator, created by AIRV – the Business Association of the Viseu Region, has over 20 years of activity. It was established to fill a significant gap in the regional business ecosystem: the absence of a dedicated space for welcoming and supporting new business projects, regardless of their sector or maturity level.

Since its inception, the AIRV Incubator has offered a comprehensive set of services, infrastructure, and specialized human resources aimed at supporting entrepreneurs in the early stages of their projects. This support is provided in a close and personalized manner, promoting the sustainability and growth of incubated initiatives.

The increasing demand from entrepreneurs and emerging companies over the years has reinforced the relevance and impact of this service. In response, the Incubator has progressively expanded its capacity by allocating new spaces within the Expobeiras building, allowing it to host an ever-growing number of business projects.

– What does your incubation model look like?

Our incubation model is based on a comprehensive set of strategies and support services designed for entrepreneurs and startups, mostly in the early stages, with the goal of fostering sustainable and successful business development.

We offer both Virtual and Physical Incubation. Physical Incubation includes 34 fully equipped offices of various sizes with services such as internet, cleaning, technical support, and specialized consulting. We also provide access to local and regional networks with strong connections to the Polytechnic Institute of Viseu, companies, public institutions, and other regional stakeholders — in a collaborative, dynamic environment that promotes idea sharing, cooperation, and innovation among incubated companies.

– Tell us the story of a startup that left its mark on the incubator. And where did incubation make a difference?

It’s not easy to pick just one startup that has left a mark on our incubator, as we’ve had several. Today, we’ve chosen to highlight Endovis – Engenharia Lda, an inspiring example of innovation, resilience, and sustained growth. The company aims to develop innovative solutions in industrial automation, robotics, and electrotechnical engineering.

In its early years, Endovis joined the AIRV Business Incubator — a strategic move that deeply influenced its growth and consolidation in the market. Incubation was crucial: they benefited from fully equipped physical space, technical support and specialized consulting, a dynamic business environment, shared resources and services, and increased credibility and visibility.

With our support, Endovis became a solid and recognized company, always committed to technical excellence, continuous innovation, and personalized customer service. Today, with over a decade of experience, it continues to grow without forgetting the vision of its founders and the support of our incubator.

– Failure is also part of the journey. What is the biggest lesson from something that didn’t go well?

Mistakes, failures, and obstacles are natural and inevitable components of any entrepreneurial or institutional journey. They make us more prepared, resilient, and capable of doing better. Over the years, our incubator’s own strategy and management have faced challenges that required adaptation to new realities.

One of the most important lessons was understanding the need for strategic alignment with key regional stakeholders — such as municipalities, academia, investors, and partners. Only through this alignment is it possible to build a cohesive, sustainable, and truly transformative innovation ecosystem.

– What makes your incubator stand out? In other words, what do you offer that helps startups succeed?

Located in the Expobeiras Building – Coimbrões Industrial Park, our incubator is part of a Multipurpose Business Center that offers much more than just office space. We have training rooms, an auditorium, dedicated incubation offices, a kitchen area, lounge, meeting rooms, a restaurant/bar, a post office, and a large parking lot.

In addition, we host regional offices of IAPMEI and AICEP, making it easier for startups to access investment and internationalization support services.

Another key differentiator is the involvement of AIRV – the Business Association of the Viseu Region, which manages the incubator. As an association made up of local companies, there is a close and collaborative relationship between entrepreneurs and incubated startups. This connection fosters networking opportunities, mentorship, strategic partnerships, and a deeper understanding of real market needs.

In short, we offer a complete ecosystem that supports sustainable growth and long-term startup success.

– What kind of projects or startups are you looking for right now?

Our incubator is especially geared toward supporting projects with strong ties to the Viseu region and central inland Portugal.

We are looking for startups and entrepreneurs developing innovative solutions that have a direct impact on the local and regional economy, while valuing endogenous resources, sustainability, and creating value in the country’s interior.

In terms of development stage, we welcome projects ranging from idea to growth phase, with particular attention to local entrepreneurs or those looking to establish themselves in the region, contributing to territorial cohesion and sustainable economic development.

– Community is one of the key elements that separates an incubator from a shared office space. How do you nurture yours, and what plans do you have to make it even stronger?

At the AIRV Business Incubator, community is a central pillar of our mission. More than just a physical space, we foster a true ecosystem of collaboration, sharing, and collective growth.

By joining the incubator, companies automatically benefit from all the services and initiatives of the association. This includes close contact with the regional business fabric, easy access to information, training, and technical support, as well as active participation in collaborative projects and open innovation dynamics.

We believe that a strong and cohesive community is the best foundation for sustainable startup growth — and that’s why we continue to invest in human relationships, trust networks, and shared opportunities.

– Is there any news, event, or initiative you’d like to share with us?

Yes — we have some great news that all entrepreneurs in the region should mark in their calendars! This September, the AIRV Business Incubator will launch the second edition of its Acceleration Program, designed specifically to support early-stage startups and business projects that want to grow in a structured and sustainable way.

The program includes mentorship with experts, practical bootcamps and workshops on key topics such as business modeling, marketing, funding, and internationalization, networking sessions with investors and partners, and privileged access to AIRV’s services and growth opportunities.

It’s a unique opportunity to turn ideas into viable businesses or accelerate the development of active startups with the backing of a solid, experienced network. Stay tuned to our social media and website for more details and registration.

ABOUT #INCUBXDISCOVERIES

#IncubXdiscoveries is Startup Portugal’s monthly feature that will help you discover Portuguese incubators. What projects they incubate, how they manage their community and what success stories they’ve had and future projects are some of the topics covered in these interviews.

If you’d like to find out more about AIRV Business Incubator, either because you’d like to see your project incubated in this region or because you’d like to establish a partnership, contact the Startup Portugal team at incubadoras@startupportugal.com.