“A path that never ends”: building and growing at Incubator Go-On

In this edition of #IncubXdiscoveries, we head to the Azores to learn more about Incubator Go-On, created in the context of NONAGON to support entrepreneurial projects and technology-based startups in the Região Autónoma dos Açores.

This content is available in Portuguese.

– How did Incubator Go-On come about? What kind of projects do you incubate?

Incubator Go-On was created in the context of NONAGON, as a response to the need to support entrepreneurial projects and technology-based startups in the Autonomous Region of the Azores.

We work mainly with projects linked to Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), applied to strategic areas for the region, such as tourism, the sea, agriculture, data, and science. We look for ideas with growth potential, capable of creating economic value and impact from the Azores for broader markets.

– Do you have an area of specialization?

Our specialization is ICT, approached in a transversal way. We don’t limit innovation to closed sectors: we support technological solutions applied to different challenges, as long as they make sense from a market and business model perspective.

– What does your incubation model look like?

It includes an initial phase of idea maturation, an incubation phase focused on product development and market entry, and a business growth phase. Throughout the entire journey, startups have access to close support, capacity-building, networking, infrastructure, and decision-making support.

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

One of the projects that most marked the history of Incubator Go-On was one of the first to join the incubator, linked to the development of serious and educational games. From the beginning, it stood out for its international ambition and its commitment to the edutainment concept, with a strong connection to education, culture, and creativity.

Incubation was decisive for the project’s structuring and growth. Along the way, it benefited from close support, access to adequate infrastructure, and the framework needed to develop its products, validate its business model, and gain visibility with the market and investors. This support helped strengthen its growth capacity and consolidate a strategy oriented toward broader markets.

After completing the incubation cycle, the project moved into a business development phase at NONAGON, becoming one of the first cases of graduated companies at the São Miguel Science and Technology Park. This journey shows how incubation can be decisive in transforming an innovative project, born in an insular context, into a globally competitive company.

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

We know that a good idea or technology isn’t enough. Team alignment, market validation, and the ability to adapt are decisive.

We are increasingly demanding in the continuous follow-up of projects and more focused on testing early, correcting quickly, and making realistic decisions.

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

The combination of context, proximity, and concrete conditions to grow.

The Azores offer a relevant tax differential, more competitive operating costs, and strong digital connectivity, enabling work for global markets from the Region.

In addition, there is very close support and a partner network that supports startups throughout all phases of their growth, which we want to continue developing.

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

Incubator Go-On is starting a new incubation cycle, which aims to follow projects in a structured and continuous way throughout all their phases.

Strategically, we are looking for projects with international ambition, capable of operating from the Azores for global markets, as well as external startups that see the Region as a strategic base to test, develop, or scale their products and services, contributing to the dynamization of the regional ecosystem.

– Community is one of the factors that distinguishes an incubator from an office center. How do you nurture yours, and what plans do you have to make it more cohesive and fertile?

The NONAGON community is diverse, including companies at different stages of maturity, which makes proximity a natural challenge.

More than forcing a community logic, we seek to create conditions for collaboration to emerge organically. Strengthening these dynamics is a priority, with the goal of promoting an ecosystem that is increasingly connected, collaborative, and conducive to innovation. It’s a path that never ends.

– What are the main challenges for incubation in your specific context (region, vertical, size, etc.)?

The main challenges are linked to an increasingly global world, which forces startups to think about the market from the very first moment.

At the same time, this framework contributes to more resilient and disciplined projects. Go-On’s role is to support entrepreneurs in turning these characteristics into a competitive advantage, positioning their projects in broader markets.

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

We are preparing the launch of a new podcast dedicated to innovation and entrepreneurship, and we will resume the “NONAGON goes to School” initiative, bringing these topics closer to younger audiences.

We invite everyone to follow our social media, @nonagonpark, where we will share all news, events, and initiatives throughout the year.

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 Incubator Go-On, 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.