Tech Foundry Portugal – Deep Tech Edition
Tech Foundry Portugal – Deep Tech Edition is a national program designed to help scientific and technological teams move from the lab to market validation. It offers 4 months of intensive acceleration and access to a global network of deep tech investors and experts.
Turning deep tech into real-world solutions
Startup Portugal and Hello Tomorrow, Europe’s largest deep tech community, bring together the tools, network, and expertise to accelerate market entry.Applications open in June 2026.
In short
Duration: 4 months, from September to December 2026
Format: Hybrid, with in-person sessions in Porto and online sessions
Selected teams: Up to 40 teams, across two tracks of up to 20 teams each
Focus: Industrialisation and market entry
International partner: Hello Tomorrow
Technology stage: TRL 4-5, technology demonstrated in laboratory or relevant environment
Maturity: Scientific team, with no company incorporated, or early-stage startup
Applications: June 2026
Timeline
- Applications: June 2026
- Results: end of July 2026
- Program Start: September 2026
- Demo Day: December 2026
What the program offers
An intensive programme combining dedicated mentorship, expert workshops and direct introductions to Hello Tomorrow’s global deep tech network.
🚀 Workshops, mentoring & support
- Expert workshops on the key challenges of market entry, with tailored follow-up for each team after each module.
- Dedicated 1:1 mentoring with deep tech experts, including researchers, founders, investors and corporate executives.
- Assessment meetings: onboarding, mid-point check-in and final meeting to track progress and adjust each team’s roadmap.
- Continuous support from a dedicated program manager throughout the program.
👥 Activities & Demo Day
- Corporate visit to a national industry player.
- Peer learning with Portuguese deep tech startup founders.
- Demo Day with investors and industry stakeholders.
🌍 Hello Tomorrow Global Network
- Access to a community of 5,000+ deep tech startups across 100+ countries.
- Connection to 1,300+ investors specialised in deep tech.
- Network of 5,000+ corporates and experts in deep tech.
Who it’s for
The program is open to teams and startups based or conducting R&D in Portugal, ready to industrialise and bring their technology to market.
🎯 University Teams & Spinoffs
Teams with scientific research developed at a university or R&D centre, ready for the industrialisation and market validation phase.
🎯 Early-Stage Science-Based Startups
Early-stage startups with proprietary technology in deep tech areas such as biotech, advanced materials, clean energy or quantum computing.
🔎 Eligible sectors
- Biotech
- Healthtech
- Advanced Materials & Nanotech
- Ocean & Marine Tech
- Climate & Clean Tech
- Advanced Computing & Electronics
- Space & Aeronautics
- Robotics & Autonomous Systems
- Artificial Intelligence
- Dual-use technologies
- GovTech
🌱 Stage
Teams with a validated proof of concept or initial prototype.
TRL 4-5: technology demonstrated in laboratory or relevant environment.
Hello Tomorrow
Hello Tomorrow organises Europe’s largest annual deep tech event and has supported hundreds of startups in the transition from lab to market, connecting them with specialised investors and industrial partners.
What teams will achieve
After 4 months, teams will have a deeper understanding across 3 dimensions: technology to market, commercial & business readiness and investment readiness.
👉 A clearer path to turning technology into a market solution.
👉 Defined real-world applications and first conversations with customers, partners or industry players.
👉 A structured development and growth roadmap.
👉 Stronger positioning for fundraising and strategic partnerships.
👉 Critical decisions made: timing, pivots, partners and business model.
👉 Integration into a global deep tech network with ongoing access after the program.
What comes after the program
Participants join a global deep tech community with ongoing access to opportunities and strategic support.
✅ Post-program follow-up
3 x 90-minute sessions over 3 months for roadmap review and defining next steps.
✅ Introductions
Ongoing introductions to investors and corporate partners in the Hello Tomorrow network.
✅ Hello Tomorrow Summit 2027
Presence at Europe’s largest deep tech event, with 1 free ticket per team.
✅ Corporate opportunities
Ongoing access to innovation challenges and partnerships with companies in the Hello Tomorrow network.
✅ Global alumni community
Access to a network of deep tech founders from around the world, curated content and expert webinars.
✅ Investment opportunity
Be considered for investment by DeepBright Ventures, with potential co-investment from its network.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tech Foundry Portugal is open to two profiles: university or R&D centre teams with developed scientific research ready to explore the industrialisation and market validation of their technology; and early-stage deep tech startups with proprietary technology.
Having a registered legal entity is not a requirement to apply.
To be eligible, your team must be conducting R&D in Portugal or be a Portuguese company.
We give preference to teams at TRL 4 or TRL 5, as the program is specifically designed to address the challenges of these stages. Teams at a different stage of maturity may be considered if spots remain available.
Your solution must fall within one of the following domains: Biotech, Healthtech, Advanced Materials & Nanotech, Ocean & Marine Tech, Climate & Clean Tech, Advanced Computing & Electronics, Artificial Intelligence, Space & Aeronautics, Robotics & Autonomous Systems, Dual-use technologies and GovTech.
The program is delivered entirely in English, including the application process. The project champion and participating team members must be fluent enough to engage actively in workshops, mentorship sessions and networking.
TRL, Technology Readiness Level, is a scale from 1 to 9 used to assess the maturity of a technology.
TRL 4 means your technology has been validated in a laboratory environment. You have experimental results demonstrating that the core concept works under controlled conditions.
TRL 5 means your technology has been validated in a relevant environment. Testing has moved closer to real operating conditions, with results that demonstrate performance beyond the laboratory.
Up to 40 teams are selected across two tracks of up to 20 teams each.
All applications are reviewed by a panel against four criteria.
Technological innovation: we assess the underlying technology, what makes it distinctive and whether it represents a meaningful advance over existing solutions. We also consider how difficult it would be to replicate. Strong applications clearly explain what the technology does, why it matters and why this team is uniquely positioned to build it.
Market potential: we look for a clear understanding of the problem being addressed and the users or customers who would benefit from the solution. A fully validated go-to-market strategy is not expected at this stage, as developing market understanding is part of the programme itself. What matters is that the team can clearly articulate the need they are addressing and demonstrate early awareness of the competitive landscape.
Team: we assess the technical capabilities of the team, as well as their awareness of the skills and expertise still needed to succeed, whether commercially, operationally or otherwise. A fully complete team is not required. The programme is designed to help teams strengthen areas where gaps exist. What matters is whether the team has the core foundations to execute and the self-awareness to recognise where support is needed.
Stage and readiness: we assess whether the team is at the right stage of development to benefit fully from the programme. Preference is given to teams at TRL 4 or TRL 5, with a validated proof of concept or an initial prototype, and a genuine readiness to begin the transition from technology to market. Teams at other stages of maturity may also be considered, subject to availability.
Benefits do not end in December. In the three months following Demo Day, teams have 3 follow-up sessions of 90 minutes each for roadmap review and next steps.
Teams also maintain access to the Hello Tomorrow network, including ongoing introductions to investors and corporate partners, and exclusive eligibility for the Hello Tomorrow Challenge outside the standard application window.
In 2027, each team receives one free ticket to the Hello Tomorrow Summit, Europe’s largest annual deep tech event. Teams are also considered for investment by DeepBright Ventures, with potential co-investment from its network.
Each team designates one project champion who attends every session, handles follow-up and acts as the main point of contact throughout the program. The champion remains constant from start to finish.
Up to two additional team members may join individual workshops as subject-matter experts relevant to each topic.
The program is delivered entirely in English. All participating team members must be fluent enough to engage actively in workshops, mentorship sessions and networking.
Teams must be available and committed for the full program duration, from September to December 2026. The program is demanding by design, and the outcomes depend directly on the work put in.
Access to Demo Day and the complimentary ticket to Hello Tomorrow Summit 2027 is conditional on participation in all program moments, with the exception of the corporate visit and the networking event.
All startups participating in the program are required to submit an application for legal startup recognition during the program. This process is managed and operationalised by Startup Portugal. This requirement applies to incorporated entities only.
The program is free for selected teams. Accommodation costs for in-person sessions are also covered.
Access to Demo Day and the complimentary ticket to Hello Tomorrow Summit 2027 is conditional on participation in all program moments, with the exception of the corporate visit.