AI startups and SMEs operating in Portugal have a new opportunity to access specialised support, advanced computing resources and mentoring through the BSC AI Factory Incubation Programme.
Promoted in Portugal by the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) and the National Centre for Advanced Computing (CNCA), the free programme will run from 5 October 2026 to 30 March 2027 at UPTEC Asprela II in Porto. It aims to accelerate AI innovation in Portugal and strengthen links between businesses and advanced computing infrastructure.
What does the programme offer?
The programme is designed for companies developing AI projects and provides selected participants with:
- technical support and mentoring;
- training;
- access to advanced AI and high-performance computing resources;
- connections to a wider European innovation ecosystem.
Participation is free.
Who can apply in Portugal?
Applicants must generally:
- be established in the European Union;
- have a Portuguese tax identification number;
- have been operating for no more than 10 years;
- have fewer than 20 employees;
- be developing an AI project.
Companies selected for the Porto programme are expected to use the UPTEC Asprela II incubation space three days per week.
Why is it relevant for startups in Porto?
For early-stage AI companies, specialised expertise and computing infrastructure can be expensive to access independently. The programme gives selected businesses a way to develop and test AI projects with technical support and advanced resources, while connecting with Porto’s technology ecosystem. For startups and SMEs already developing AI solutions in Portugal, it is a practical opportunity to accelerate development and access resources that may otherwise be difficult to obtain.
