Portugal Calls for Startups Using Nanotechnologies

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StartupNano opens its doors to entrepreneurs around the world working with nanotechnology based solutions. From the North of Portugal, startups have access to support to go from idea to global markets, to unique laboratories and expertise in nanotechnology, and to incubation in a unique international infrastructure for nanotechnology built by Portugal and Spain governments. Besides access to a specialized nanotech network of mentors and experts, startups have access to awards and up to €100k direct investment.

StartupNano is promoted by the International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL) and the Centre for Nanotechnology and Smart Materials (CeNTI), in partnership with Startup Braga. The program is leveraged by an ecosystem for nanotechnology in the North of Portugal, where is located INL’s high-tech research environment formed by state-of-the-art infrastructure equipped with the latest technologies, built by Portuguese and Spanish governments in the city of Braga in 2010. The program is ready to support startups at any stage of development from all around the world and is looking for applications until Nov 20. 

From an innovation workshop agenda, running during November, researchers and entrepreneurs can explore and further develop business ideas based on nanotechnology with international guest speakers experienced in entrepreneurship in markets such as USA or EU. 

Launchpad stage is the entry point for teams with an idea, looking to validate their technology and market before creating a company. 6 ideas will be selected and supported during 3 weeks trough one-to-one mentoring with nanotechnology and business experts, the chance of winning free incubation at INL, more than 40.000€ in awards and perks and a road show trip to meet investors in the USA, among other awards. 3 teams will be selected to move into acceleration stage. Submissions for 2016 are open until Nov 20, and the program starts on Nov 25.

“From medicine to IT, from the environment to cosmetics, from the aeronautical or space industry to food and water, nanotechnology may be the key to solving many challenges in our society, and we want to support the wave of startups doing that.” says Lars Montelius, Director General of INL.

Startups already with a prototype can join directly the Acceleration stage, a 4-month intensive program with training across business validation, product development, and the essentials of entering into complex markets, such as healthcare. Startups will be prepared to reach their first clients, move to global markets and present to a panel of investors in a final demo day. Application for the 2017 edition, starting in January, is also open until Nov 20. Startups will have the chance to be selected to a roadshow trip to the USA and receive up to €100k in investment that is reserved for teams in the Acceleration program promoted by Startup Braga.

Incubation at StartupNano will give Startups access at lower cost to the unique laboratories and expertise in nanotechnology from INL, CeNTI and the business experience of Startup Braga, with 70+ startups supported, plus a network of industry partners, making it a one of a kind ecosystem around nanotechnology innovation in the world.

“People back in Boston were fascinated when I told them about the amazing equipment and laboratories for nanotechnology they can find condensed in one place. INL allow entrepreneurs to develop all kinds of new nano products and then prototype them for commercial production.” says Adam Pool, one of the mentors.

Braga – national third biggest city – is one of the cities leading the Portuguese vibrant startup ecosystem, along with Lisbon and Porto, contributing to the North of Portugal to be a region where startups can find a pool of talented people, with a global mindset and a lower cost of living, spurred by a national government that has entrepreneurship support on its top priorities.