The work that Empowered Startups has been developing in Portugal is one of these cases, helping to position the country as a relevant destination for international talent, innovation and qualified investment.
The recent partnership with the Polytechnic Institute of Tomar is another step in this journey. Integrated in the HQA® program, this agreement reinforces a strategy that has been growing consistently: connecting highly qualified professionals from all over the world to Portuguese institutions to develop research and innovation projects funded by foreign investment. The concept is simple but effective. Instead of waiting for the investment or talent to appear in isolation, a direct bridge is created between the two.
Today, with more than 50 higher education institutions involved, Portugal is beginning to consolidate a true open innovation ecosystem. This model not only attracts knowledge and capital, but also creates concrete opportunities for students, researchers and national companies. More than that, it allows us to transform academic knowledge into solutions with a real impact on the economy.
One of the most interesting aspects of this model is its ability to decentralise. By integrating institutions such as the Polytechnic of Tomar, the program contributes to taking innovation and investment outside the large urban centres. This is particularly relevant in a country where geographical concentration remains a challenge. By retaining talent and creating new economic dynamics in less central regions, this type of initiative has a multiplier effect that goes far beyond the project itself.
The partnership with KIPT CoLAB, in the Algarve, reinforces this logic of connection between knowledge and practical application, especially in strategic sectors such as tourism. It shows that innovation is not limited to pure technology, but can transform traditional areas, making them more competitive and sustainable.
What Empowered Startups is doing in Portugal is building a network. A network that connects universities, companies, international talent and investment, creating an environment conducive to innovation at scale. In an increasingly competitive world, where talent and knowledge are central assets, this ability to connect is fundamental.
Portugal has talent, quality institutions and has more and more international visibility. What was often missing was this bridge between potential and execution. Initiatives such as HQA® show that it is possible to shorten this distance and position the country more strategically in the global economy.
Without much media prominence, but with concrete results, this is one of the clearest examples of how Portugal is evolving. Not just as a destination. But as an innovation platform with global impact.