Opportunities & Events
Stay up to date with programs, calls, and moments that bring the Portuguese startup ecosystem together. From funding opportunities to workshops and conferences, this is where you’ll find everything happening across the ecosystem — and how you can take part.
OPPORTUNITY RADAR
JUNITEC | APOLLO ACCELERATION PROGRAM | waitlist available
This acceleration program is looking for tech-driven projects from university students who want to validate ideas, develop prototypes, and work with mentors from industry. The program offers support in engineering, design, and business development to help turn early concepts into real solutions.
HADDAD ENTREPRENEURSHIP INSTITUTE | CHECK-IN | 23 February
Check-In is an open innovation program that connects visionary startups with Portugal’s leading tourism and hospitality partners to co-create seamless, AI-powered travel experiences. Whether you’re a startup building next-generation AI travel solutions or a tourism SME ready to innovate, Check-In is where ideas become real impact.
SICE – SME INTERNATIONALIZATION | 31 March
This call for proposals under COMPETE 2030 supports individual SMEs’ internationalization efforts—from market prospecting and export marketing to digital presence and brand creation. The new call for proposals aims to strengthen Portugal’s export capacity and help SMEs integrate into global value chains.
MORE OPPORTUNITIES
- Berkeley | SkyDeck – Applications open
- Startup2ScaleUp Program 2026 – Applications open
- StartUP Voucher – 30 January
- UT Austin Portugal Training Academy 2026 – 16 February
- AI4Agrifood – 20 February
- SICE | SME Internationalization – 31 March
- InovIA | Vouchers for Innovation – 31 December 2026
- COMPETE 2030 | Open Calls for Internationalization – several calls
- Smart Home Hub – open call
- Portugal Community Fund – open call
- 351 Mentorship Programme – open call
- European Entrepreneurship Academy – open call
- Indico Founders Program – open call
- Sogrape Ventures – open call
- CESAR Europa | Test bed – open call
EVENTS FOR YOUR AGENDA!
TÉCNICO INNOVATION SUMMIT | 3 February
The annual innovation summit of Instituto Superior Técnico brings together R&D units, PRR and European projects, spin-offs, and industry partners for a full day focused on applied science, knowledge transfer, and tech entrepreneurship.
WOMAN SUMMIT | 6-8 March
A three-day empowering event focused on women-driven entrepreneurship and the growing role of the female economy. The Woman Summit brings together founders, investors, and voices shaping the future of inclusive business. Use the code PARTNER20 for 20% discount!
BUILDING THE FUTURE | 12-13 March
Building the Future returns with two days of talks, workshops, and networking focused on innovation, sustainability, and resilience across industries. Join founders, investors, corporates, and ecosystem builders in Porto to explore how technology and people shape tomorrow’s world.
MORE EVENTS!
- Web Summit Qatar – Doha, Qatar – 1-4 February
- TechArena – Stockholm, Sweden – 11-12 February
- Female Innovation Index 2026 | Official Launch – 2 March
- Tech_Edu – 11-13 March
- SINFO – 20-24 April
- Data Makers Fest – 4-6 May
- SIM Conference – 14-15 May