What is the Global Health Accelerator all about?

7 immersive upskilling bootcamps, the opportunity for 6 months pilot / POC development and exclusive mentorship

The Global Health Accelerator empowers early to mid-stage startups to tackle global challenges in health, biotechnology, and nanotechnology. Our hybrid program equips innovators with the resources, expertise, and connections needed to develop, validate, and scale transformative solutions.


With a three-month tailored entrepreneurship training followed by the possibility of a six-month pilot / POC development phase, startups gain access to cutting-edge labs, strategic industry partnerships, and expert mentorship. From product testing and clinical validation to MVP development, we help projects refine their innovations and showcase their progress to a global audience.

The GHA initiative is co-funded by the European Union's RRP - Recovery and Resilience Plan - NextGenerationEU.

Global Health Accelerator

6 Reasons for Joining the Program:

Accelerate your growth with tailored entrepreneurship training. Over three months, gain the knowledge and skills you need to succeed, including workshops on healthcare business models, intellectual property, funding strategies, and regulatory pathways.

Connect with some of the brightest minds in the industry. Through one-on-one mentoring sessions, you'll receive personalized advice from industry leaders, academic experts, and successful entrepreneurs who will help you refine your business strategy and overcome challenges to accelerate your growth.

Take your startup to new heights by connecting with key players in your industry. Connect with corporate partners, investors, and industry experts who can provide crucial partnerships, mentorship, and funding to help you succeed.

Simplify the journey from idea to commercialization with expert guidance on regulatory pathways and market entry.

Gain the chance to refine your product through six months of hands-on development. Gain access to cutting-edge labs, facilities, and industry partnerships for product testing, early clinical validation, and MVP development. With the support of corporate partners, you'll have the resources to fine-tune your innovation and get it ready for the market.

Showcase your startup to a curated audience of investors, corporate executives, and key industry stakeholders at our Demo Day. This is your chance to gain global exposure, build valuable connections, and unlock opportunities to scale your innovation.

Inside the Global Health Accelerator: Program Structure and Format

The Global Health Accelerator Program will follow a hybrid format, combining both in-person and online sessions. In-person sessions will take place at Startup Braga and Forum Braga.

The program, conducted entirely in English, will run from April 10 to September 18 and consists of 7 immersive bootcamps, the opportunity for a 6 months of pilot / POC development, and specialized mentorship.

Every two weeks, there will be Founders' Meetings where participants can exchange experiences, solve challenges, and learn from each other. Additionally, Follow-up Sessions will be held regularly to provide feedback and track progress, ensuring continuous growth throughout the program.

To participate, startups should meet the following conditions:

  • Stage of the Company: Early to mid-stage startups, preferably incorporated as a legal entity by the start of the program.
  • Funding Status: Bootstrapping or seed investment stage.
  • Technology Development: At a minimum proof of concept stage with evidence of market fit or validation.
  • Focus Areas: Solutions related to human health or bio and nanotech for human well-being.

To ensure maximum value and engagement during the Global Health Accelerator Program, the following additional requirements must be met:

  • 80% Attendance to Bootcamps: Active participation is crucial.
  • Team Presence: The C-suite must be present, along with, ideally 2 to 4 additional team members.
  • Commitment to Innovation: Be actively working to innovate ideas and technologies with the potential to make a significant impact on their industry or the world.
Global Health Accelerator

Value Proposition

Tailored Entrepreneurship Training

Ready to turn groundbreaking ideas into market-ready innovations? Our 3-month program equips you with the tools you need to thrive in the Health, Bio & NanoTech industries.

Access to World-Class Mentors

Behind every successful startup is a great mentor! Gain exclusive access to top industry leaders, academic experts & entrepreneurs guiding you every step of the way!

Strategic Networking Opportunities

Innovation thrives on collaboration! Network with industry leaders, corporate partners & investors who can fuel your startup’s growth. Connections that matter. Results that last!

Regulatory and Market Expertise

Turning health innovations into market-ready products can be challenging… We’re here to simplify regulatory pathways and help you access new markets faster. Let’s take your idea from concept to commercialization!

Global Exposure

The stage can be yours! Pitch to global investors, corporate leaders, and key stakeholders at our exclusive Demo Day. Gain visibility, funding, and global scale opportunities. Your innovation deserves a spotlight!

Pilot / POC Development

From idea to impact! Access cutting-edge labs, partner with strategic industry, and bring your innovation to life with the possibility of 6 months of hands-on pilot / POC development. Is your startup ready?

Global Health Accelerator

Timeline

Global Health Accelerator

Mentors

  • Alexandre Barros

    Alexandre Barros

    CEO @Hydrumedical

  • Ana Correia de Barros

    Ana Correia de Barros

    Head of Human-Centred Design @Fraunhofer AICOS

  • Anabela Carvalho

    Anabela Carvalho

    Portuguese and European Patent Attorney, European Patent Litigator @Patentree

  • André Nogueira

    André Nogueira

    PI Integrated Health Solutions Lead @Roche

  • Andre São Marcos Barbado

    Andre São Marcos Barbado

    Healthcare Innovation Lead @Roche

  • Antonio Da Silva

    Antonio Da Silva

    Independent Consultant @da Silva Consulting Services

  • António Murta

    António Murta

    Chief Executive Officer @AI4MedImaging

  • Begoña Espiña Barbeitos

    Begoña Espiña Barbeitos

    Water Quality Group Leader @INL

  • Carla Rocha

    Carla Rocha

    Health Consultant @F3M

  • Carolina de Sampaio Dinis

    Carolina de Sampaio Dinis

    Innovation Lead @EIT Health & Co-Founder @UPIMED

  • Duarte Mónica

    Duarte Mónica

    Healthcare Business Development Lead @Fidelidade

  • Eduarda Correia

    Eduarda Correia

    Clinical Research Assistant @2CA-Braga

  • Filipe Lacerda

    Filipe Lacerda

    Partner @Innoyse Partners

  • Francisca Leite

    Francisca Leite

    Executive Director @Hospital da Luz Learning Health

  • Francisco Guimarães

    Francisco Guimarães

    Business and Strategic Relations Officer @INL

  • Isabel Carneiro Kahlen

    Isabel Carneiro Kahlen

    Senior Lawyer - Team Genesis @Morais Leitão

  • Isabel Rocha

    Isabel Rocha

    Vice-Rector @NOVA University Lisbon

  • João Carlos Sousa

    João Carlos Sousa

    Research @2CA-Braga

  • João Pedro Ribeiro

    João Pedro Ribeiro

    Co-Founder & CEO @PeekMed

  • Jorge Ferreira

    Jorge Ferreira

    Founder and Owner @Care to Beauty

  • Jorge Pedrosa

    Jorge Pedrosa

    President @SPM & @2CA - Braga

  • José Alves

    José Alves

    Co-founder @929 Challenge & Dean of the Faculty of Business @City University of Macau

  • José Mesquita

    José Mesquita

    Business Unit Manager (Strategy Team) @Glintt Global

  • Laura Saldanha

    Laura Saldanha

    Product Manager (Technology Team) @Glintt Global

  • Lorena Dieguez

    Lorena Dieguez

    Research Group Leader @INL & CEO @RUBYnanomed

  • Lorenzo Pastrana

    Lorenzo Pastrana

    Chair of the Research Office @INL

  • Luís Caixinhas

    Luís Caixinhas

    Patent Engineer - Trademark and Patent Attorney @Inventa

  • Luís Roquette Geraldes

    Luís Roquette Geraldes

    Corporate Partner @Morais Leitão

  • Marco Duarte Rizzolio

    Marco Duarte Rizzolio

    Co-founder @929 Challenge & Executive President @AEIMCP

  • Miguel Amador

    Miguel Amador

    Partner & CIO @Complear

  • Miguel Barbosa

    Miguel Barbosa

    Managing Director @NEXT - Innovation & Ventures

  • Miguel Cerqueira

    Miguel Cerqueira

    Staff Researcher @INL | Pastrana Research Group

  • Miguel Deus Barradas

    Miguel Deus Barradas

    Account Technology Strategist @Microsoft | Healthcare

  • Mónica Gonçalves

    Mónica Gonçalves

    Executive Director @2CA-Braga

  • Natacha Fontes

    Natacha Fontes

    Agrifood Advisor | Freelance VC Advisor

  • Nina Patrick

    Nina Patrick

    Founder @ R+ Labs, Nina's Notes & Longevity Wednesdays

  • Nuno Afonso

    Nuno Afonso

    Founding Partner & Business Advisory | Life Sciences & Healthcare Innovation | @HinnovaCare Business Advisory

  • Nuno André da Silva

    Nuno André da Silva

    Deputy Director for Training, Research and Innovation @Hospital da Luz Learning Health

  • Nuno Leitão

    Nuno Leitão

    Co-Founder & CFO @Sea4Us

  • Nuno Oom Sousa

    Nuno Oom Sousa

    Strategy Principal @EY-Parthenon

  • Nuno Sousa

    Nuno Sousa

    President @AICIB

  • Ollie Croft

    Ollie Croft

    Business Development Engineer @eg technology

  • Pablo Fucinos

    Pablo Fucinos

    Staff Researcher @INL | Pastrana Research Group

  • Patrícia Reis

    Patrícia Reis

    Quality, Innovation and Funding Director @F3M

  • Paulo Moura Castro

    Paulo Moura Castro

    Associate Partner @BDO Portugal

  • Pedro Cruz Gonçalves

    Pedro Cruz Gonçalves

    Senior Associate @Morais Leitão

  • Pedro Lima

    Pedro Lima

    CEO, CSO & Co-Founder @Sea4Us

  • Pedro Oliveira

    Pedro Oliveira

    Data Protection Officer @2CA-Braga

  • Pedro Salgado

    Pedro Salgado

    Health Solutions Director @F3M

  • Pedro Salgueiro

    Pedro Salgueiro

    Founder & Principal Consultant @IPTL PTE LTD

  • Pedro Silva

    Pedro Silva

    Head of the Funding and Innovation Office @GIMM

  • Raul Machado

    Raul Machado

    Vice-Executive Coordinator @IB-S

  • Ricardo Encarnação

    Ricardo Encarnação

    Country Medical Director @Roche

  • Ricardo Gaminha Pacheco

    Ricardo Gaminha Pacheco

    Strategic Partnering, Business Development & Licensing Director @Insilico Medicine

  • Rui Rocha Costa

    Rui Rocha Costa

    Partner @Innoyse Partners

  • Sara Abalde-Cela

    Sara Abalde-Cela

    Research Group Leader @INL & CTO @RUBYnanomed

  • Sérgio Costa

    Sérgio Costa

    CEO & Account Manager @Framework Lab

  • Simão Soares

    Simão Soares

    CEO @SilicoLife & President @P-Bio

  • Sofia Bravo

    Sofia Bravo

    International Partnerships and Cooperation &  Tech SMEs and startups support - European funds @ANI

  • Sofia Nunes Mexia

    Sofia Nunes Mexia

    Head of Business Development @ Multicare

  • Tânia Ferreira

    Tânia Ferreira

    COO, Business and Innovation @Sea4Us

  • Telmo Santos

    Telmo Santos

    Technology Transfer @CCG/ZGDV Institute

  • Teresa Alves

    Teresa Alves

    Senior Director, Strategic Alliances @Hovione

  • Vasco Ferreira

    Vasco Ferreira

    Motion & Picture Director @Framework Lab

  • Vasco Stilwell d'Andrade

    Vasco Stilwell d'Andrade

    Partner / Co-Head of Intellectual Property @Morais Leitão

  • Vítor Palmela Fidalgo

    Vítor Palmela Fidalgo

    Legal Director @Inventa

  • Vitor Rodrigues

    Vitor Rodrigues

    Senior Staff Engineering Manager @Google DeepMind

Global Health Accelerator

Promoters

InvestBraga
Startup Braga

Co-Promoters

INL
2CA - Braga

Corporate Partners

929 Challenge
BDO Portugal
Global StartupCities
Innoyse Partners
Microsoft
Morais Leitão
Patentree
P-Bio
Portugal Ventures
Co-Lab Accelbio
Fraunhofer Portugal AICOS
Gulbenkian Institute for Molecular Medicine
Roche
Muroplás
Biovance Capital
EIT Health
Inventa
eg technology
Care to Beauty
F3M
Framework Lab
3xP Global
CCG/ZGDV Institute
Sparkfood
Hydrumedical
Complear
Glintt Life
Fisiminho

Frequently Asked Questions

Startup Braga is the innovation hub of the Municipality of Braga. It was designed to support the creation of technology-based projects with global ambitions and the potential to reach international markets. Startup Braga works in the promotion of entrepreneurship and in the creation, incubation and acceleration of startups.

The Global Health Accelerator empowers early to mid-stage startups to tackle global challenges in health, biotechnology, and nanotechnology. Our hybrid program equips innovators with the resources, expertise, and connections needed to develop, validate, and scale transformative solutions.
With a three-month tailored entrepreneurship training followed by the possibility of a six-month pilot / POC development phase, startups gain access to cutting-edge labs, strategic industry partnerships, and expert mentorship. From product testing and clinical validation to MVP development, we help projects refine their innovations and showcase their progress to a global audience.

To participate, startups should meet the following conditions:

  • Stage of the Company: Early to mid-stage startups, preferably incorporated as a legal entity by the start of the program.
  • Funding Status: Startups should be at the bootstrapping or seed investment stage.
  • Technology Development: Your technology should be at a minimum proof of concept stage with evidence of market fit or validation.
  • Focus Areas: Solutions related to human health (pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, medical devices, digital, diagnostic solutions) or bio and nanotech for human well-being, including cellular agriculture.

These conditions ensure that participants are well-positioned to benefit from the program's resources and accelerate their innovation journey.

To ensure maximum value and engagement during the Global Health Accelerator Program, the following additional requirements must be met:

  • 80% Attendance to Bootcamps: Active participation is crucial.
  • Team Presence:: The C-suite (CEO, CTO, etc.) must be present, along with, ideally 2 to 4 additional team members.
  • Commitment to Innovation: Companies should be actively working to innovate ideas and technologies with the potential to make a significant impact on their industry or the world.

The program is completely cost and equity free, ensuring that startups can focus on innovation without financial or ownership concerns.

In - Person Bootcamps - April 10 and 11 , May 8 and 9 , June 26 and 27 , July 17 and 18
Online Bootcamps - April 23 and 24 , May 22 and 23 , June 5 and 6

The pilots / POCs will run from April to September.

  • Potential execution of the idea;
  • Degree of innovation of the project;
  • Market potential;
  • Team (skills and commitment to the project);
  • Presentation of the business idea.

GHA presents an inviting value proposition:

  • Gain the knowledge and skills you need to succeed, including workshops on healthcare business models, intellectual property, funding strategies, and regulatory pathways.
  • Connect with some of the brightest minds in the industry.
  • Connect with corporate partners, investors, and industry experts who can provide crucial partnerships, mentorship, and funding to help you succeed.
  • Simplify the journey from idea to commercialization with expert guidance on regulatory pathways and market entry.
  • Refine your product through six months of hands-on development.
  • Gain access to cutting-edge labs, facilities, and industry partnerships for product testing, early clinical validation, and MVP development.
  • Showcase your startup to a curated audience of investors, corporate executives, and key industry stakeholders.

To speak to the organization, simply send an email to info@startupbraga.com with the subject "More information about GHA".

Application Form

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Global Health Accelerator

Latest News

January 23 2025

Innovating in Health, Bio and Nanotech: Applications Now Open for the Global Health Accelerator

The Global Health Accelerator, a pioneering acceleration program designed to empower early to mid-stage startups in the health, biotech, and nanotechnology startups, is now accepting applications.

With three months of tailored entrepreneurship training and a six-month pilot / POC development phase, startups will gain access to cutting-edge labs, strategic industry partnerships, and expert mentorship. From product testing and clinical validation to MVP development, it will help projects refine their innovations and showcase their progress to a global audience.

Running from April 10 to 18 September, the Global Health Accelerator will offer:

  • Three months of tailored entrepreneurship training
  • Possibility of six months of pilot / POC development
  • Bi-weekly Founders’ Meetings
  • Regular Follow-up Sessions

Six reasons to join the Global Health Accelerator:

  • Master The Essentials For Scaling Your Startup
  • Gain Expert Guidance On Your Innovation Journey
  • Unlock Valuable Partnerships And Funding
  • Navigate Complex Markets With Confidence
  • Transform Your Ideas Into Market-Ready Solutions
  • Showcase Your Startup To The World

Are you or do you know of an early to mid-stage startup, at a bootstrapping or seed investment stage, whose technology is at least at a proof-of-concept stage with evidence of market fit or validation, and which is addressing solutions related to human health (such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, medical devices, digital and diagnostic solutions) or bio and nanotechnology for human well-being, including cellular agriculture? Join the movement! Applications open until 28 February!

InvestBraga Logo

Check out some of our success stories in health, biotech and nanotechnology!

Startup Milestones

  • Participated in the 1st Startup Braga Acceleration Program
  • 2015: Founded
  • 2016: The Digital Therapist became the first FDA-cleared technology of its kind
  • 2019: Raised an $8M Series A led by Khosla Ventures
  • 2020: Raised a Series A extension of another $9M from Khosla Ventures and Founders Fund
  • 2021:
    • Raised a $25M Series B
    • Raised a $85M Series C
    • Raised a $163M Series D
    • Signed their 1st Fortune 50 client
  • 2024:
    • Raised $30M and allowed employees to sell $100M worth of equity to new and existing investors
    • Achieved a valuation of $3B, a 50% increase from its $2B value in 2021

website: swordhealth.com

Participated in the 1st Startup Braga Acceleration Program

  • 2015: Founded and secured its first round of investment
  • 2016: Won 3rd place in the Zimmer Biomet Connected Health Innovation Award
  • 2017: Expanded distribution to Europe
  • 2018: Entered the US market
  • 2020: Authorised to operate in Brazil
  • 2023:
    • Secured a €3M Series A investment led by Grosvenor House of Investments and Portugal Ventures
    • Won a €2.3M grant from the European Innovation Council (EIC) accelerator program
    • Received certification under the European Union's Medical Device Directive (EU MDR Directive)
    • Established a US subsidiary
  • 2024:
    • Recognised as a Rising Star in Deloitte's Technology Fast 50 Portugal
    • Won a €2.3M grant from the European Innovation Council (EIC) accelerator program
    • Awarded the Healthcare Technology Startup Award 2024 by Portugal Ventures

website: www.peekmed.com

Participated in the 2nd Startup Braga Acceleration Program

  • 2015: Founded
  • 2016:
    • Won of the Young Entrepreneurs Award in the SpinUM competition at the University of Minho
    • Closed its first round of investment, supported by PRIMAVERA BSS
  • 2017: Raised €575K in a seed investment round led by Portugal Ventures
  • 2020: Secured €4.25M in a Series A funding round led by Indico Capital Partners
  • 2023: Closed €2M Series A bridge investment round

website: nutrium.com

Participated in the StartupNano Program and the 4th Startup Braga Acceleration Program

  • 2018:
    • Founded
    • Won 1st place in AdMaCom
    • Semi-finalist in Everis (Top 20 out of 1000 entries)
  • 2019:
    • Partnered with Connectem for HER2 mBC demonstration
    • Won the Royal Society of Chemistry Emerging Technologies Competition (Health category)
  • 2020:
    • Launched the European PERSIST project
    • Secured an exclusive licence from INL for the Caixa Impulse CTC-OD project
    • Developed EU project BIOCELLPHE (chip scale technology, automated prototype)
    • Won 1st place in the Elevator Pitch Competition (EPiC)
    • Received the INL Industry Award ? Received the IPA4SME Seal of Excellence for EIC funding calls
  • 2021: Won the European Innovation Council Women Innovators Prize
  • 2022:
    • Won the Prémio Exame de Informática 2022
    • Entry into the RUO market and EIC Accelerator funding
  • 2023: Selected in the Call Innov-ID, raising €100M
  • 2024: Won the Net Zero Health Systems acceleration program

website: rubynanomed.com

Participated in the 4th Startup Braga Acceleration Program

  • 2017: Founded
  • 2019: Won the EIT Health Startup Meets Pharma programme
  • 2020: Finalist of the Reuters Events Pharma Awards Europe 2020 Entrepreneur Award: Health Solution)
  • 2021:
    • Won the 4th edition of the Entrepreneur XXI Awards (€5K prize, international training in Silicon Valley, and specialized mentoring)
    • Won the Woman Entrepreneurship Award
    • Won the Woman Entrepreneurship Award
  • 2022:
    • Raised a investment round, led by Lince Capital
    • Awardee of the Johnson & Johnson Nurses Innovate QuickFire Challenge: Healthcare Transformation through Nurse-led Tech! – Adhesive ID
  • 2024:
    • Selected for funding in a combined grant and equity round of the EIC Accelerator program
    • Won the 3rd place in the INOVA+ Award 2024 (Business Innovation category)

website: besthealth4u.pt

Winner of the first edition of Empreender@Braga

  • 2021: Founded
  • 2023:
    • 2nd place in the She Loves Tech Southern Europe region final
    • Semi-finalist in the EIT Health Innostars Awards
  • 2024:
    • Winner of the Premios EmprendeXXI - Northern Region Award
    • Selected as one of the top 100 startups for Slush 2024
    • Selected for the first cohort of the EmpoWomen programme
    • Won the 929 Challenge
    • Winner of the III Global Graphene Call
    • Recognised by AICEP as one of Portugal's top 10 technology companies disrupting industries worldwide

website: iplexmed.com

Part of Startup Braga’s Incubation Program since its foundation

  • 2021: Founded
    • Winner of the Forward Pre-Acceleration Program by CTIE Católica-Lisbon School of Business and Economics
    • Top 10 Nova Startup Competition by Nova School of Business and Economics
    • National winner of the WSA in the category Health Well-Being by APDC
    • Top 4 in the Hintt Award by Glintt
    • Winner in the student category of the H-Innova Health Innovation Award
    • Winner in the Startup category of the Altice International Innovation Award
    • Winner of the Best Digital Transformation Idea at the 2021 Portugal Digital Awards by IDC Portugal and Axian Portugal
  • 2022:
    • 2nd place Stem4Health 7.0 by Bayer Portugal
    • Winner of the Rise for Impact by Casa do Impacto
    • Winner of the Get in the Ring by Vodafone Power Labs
    • Winner in the Startup category of the Digital Health Summit Madeira Award by H-Innova Health Innovation Hub
  • 2023:
    • Raised €333K in a round led by BPF
    • 1st place in the 929 Challenge
    • 1st place at the AstraZeneca Sustainability Summit
    • Selected in the Call Innov-ID, raising €100M
  • 2024:
    • Received a €690K grant from the European Regional Development Fund
    • Named Startup of the Year 2024 by Exame Informática
    • Recognized in WIRED’s list of The Hottest Startups in Lisbon in 2024

website: glooma.pt



Sword Health, PeekMed, Nutrium, RUBYnanomed, BestHealth4U, IPLEXMED, and Glooma are paving the way for innovation.
Are you ready to join them?

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