Global Health Accelerator

WHY BRAGA?

Portugal: Your Gateway to Entrepreneurial Success

Why Entrepreneurs Choose Portugal as a Launchpad for Global Innovation

Portugal has emerged as a top destination for entrepreneurs and innovators, offering a dynamic environment that blends opportunity, support, and lifestyle. Startups worldwide are setting their sights on this thriving European hub — and here’s why:

A Vibrant Innovation Ecosystem

Portugal offers a thriving startup ecosystem, supported by a growing number of innovative startups, research institutions and strategic partnerships. Startups thrive in a networked environment where collaboration between academia, industry and the public sector flourishes. According to the Startup & Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Report (2024), developed by Startup Portugal in partnership with IDC, Informa D&B and Dealroom.co.:

#

4,719 startups were active in Portugal in 2024

#

Generated €2.6 billion in revenues and €1.5 billion in exports

World-Class Infrastructure and Funding Opportunities

Portugal offers world-class infrastructure to support businesses, from coworking spaces to cutting-edge incubators and accelerators. European funding mechanisms and government-backed grants are easily accessible, ensuring that startups have the resources to scale. Initiatives such as the European Union's structural funds, tax incentives for R&D, and Portugal’s “Startup Visa”, streamline access to capital and talent.

A Lifestyle that Inspires Innovation

Portugal offers a superior quality of life, making it an attractive destination for entrepreneurs and their teams. Renowned for its mild climate, stunning landscapes, and rich cultural heritage, the country also offers a high level of safety and an affordable cost of living compared to other European hubs. Its strategic location in Europe provides seamless access to major markets in the EU, Africa, and the Americas.

Startup-Friendly Legislation

Portugal has strengthened its reputation as a global startup hub with the introduction of the 2022 Startup Law. This forward-thinking legislation defines clear criteria for what qualifies as a startup and provides tailored support to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship.

Under the Startup Law, a company will be considered a startup if it:

  • Has been in operation for less than 10 years;
  • Has an annual turnover of less than €50 million;
  • Is not the result of a merger or division of an existing company;
  • Is focused on developing innovative products, services, or business models.

The Startup Law exemplifies Portugal's commitment to creating a supportive environment for innovative businesses, helping them to scale and compete on a global stage.

Braga: The Perfect Ecosystem for Startup Development


Why Braga is the ultimate destination for Entrepreneurial Success

Braga, a city that seamlessly blends rich history with cutting-edge innovation, is fast becoming one of Europe's top destinations for startups. With its deep-rooted historical heritage, modern infrastructure and expanding technological landscape, Braga offers the ideal environment for entrepreneurs to grow and thrive. Here's why Braga is the place to be for global startups:

A Historic City with a Vision for the Future

Founded by the Celts in 300 BC, Braga is one of the oldest cities in Portugal, known as the 'City of Archbishops' and 'Heaven's Potty' for its historical significance and climate. Today it's the third largest city in Portugal and one of the youngest in Europe, with a vibrant, active population. Around 70% of Braga's population is of working age and the city boasts a thriving academic scene, including the University of Minho, Portuguese Catholic University and Polytechnic Institute of Cávado and Ave, hubs of knowledge and innovation.

Braga: A Rising City of Innovation

Braga is quickly establishing itself as an emerging city of innovation. Its fast-growing technology landscape is fuelled by strong partnerships between academia and industry, providing startups with an excellent environment to scale and innovate. With a strong presence of leading research centres such as the International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL) and the 2CA-Braga (Clinical Academic Centre of Braga), the city is at the forefront of groundbreaking research and technological advancement. These institutions promote collaboration and knowledge transfer between academia, research and business, and help startups turn innovative ideas into reality.

Recognized on the Global Stage

Braga’s continued commitment to innovation has earned it recognition in several national and international rankings:
  • 1st European City and Region of the Future - fDi Strategy 2023 (Financial Times)
  • 1st Best European Destination 2021 (European Best Destination)
  • 4th National Position as Best Place to Do Business, Visit and Live in Portugal 2022 (Bloom Consulting)
  • 5th Best City and Town for Retirees in the World 2020 (International Living Magazine)
  • 5th Best City for Quality of Life in Europe 2020 (European Commission)
  • 20th Best City for Americans to Live, Invest and Work in Europe 2020 (Forbes)
Braga also participates in numerous international city networks, including:
  • Eurocities
  • European Youth Capitals Network
  • European Climate Pact
  • Urban Economy Forum
  • City Climate Leadership In Action
  • UNESCO Creative Cities Network
  • Resilient Cities Initiative – UNISDR
  • UNESCO Global Network Of Learning Cities
  • The Portuguese Network Of Intercultural Cities
  • Network Roma Atlantica
  • Global Parliament of Mayors
  • Local Governments for Sustainability
#

Braga: A European Leader in Innovation

Braga's status as a European leader in innovation was confirmed once again when it was awarded the prestigious title of European Rising Innovative City 2024 at the 10th edition of the European Innovation Capital (iCapital) Awards. This prestigious award recognises Braga's exceptional efforts in promoting sustainable innovation, fostering collaboration and consolidating its role as a global hub for startups.

Startup Braga: The Epicenter of Innovation

At the heart of Braga's thriving startup ecosystem is Startup Braga, a key initiative to support the development of new businesses. This incubator and accelerator network provides startups with vital resources, including mentoring, workspace, and networking opportunities.

Now is the time to join the ecosystem of the hub of innovation! Startup Braga — From Braga to the World!

Startup Braga: More than just an incubator and an accelerator…

We're not just an incubator. We're a launchpad for bold ideas and disruptive tech startups that want to change the world. Whether you're building the next big thing in digital economy, health tech, biotech, nanotech or sustainability, Startup Braga is the place to make it happen.
Whether you're starting out or scaling up, our pre-acceleration, acceleration and incubation programs will guide you from concept to market success. With support from experts, mentors and partners, we provide the ideal environment to turn innovative ideas into impactful ventures.

… a thriving community supporting startups since 2014!

Portugal offers a thriving startup ecosystem, supported by a growing number of innovative startups, research institutions and strategic partnerships. Startups thrive in a networked environment where collaboration between academia, industry and the public sector flourishes. According to the Startup & Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Report (2024), developed by Startup Portugal in partnership with IDC, Informa D&B and Dealroom.co.:

#

Ranked 7th out of 125 European incubators and accelerators (3rd among their peers in the European Union) in Europe's Leading Start-Up Hubs 2024, a ranking conducted by Statista in partnership with the Financial Times and Sifted

#

+250 supported startups

#

129 accelerated startups

#

+120 incubated startups

#

+450M€ of investment raised

#

7 exits

#

+2200 jobs created

#

+200 mentors

#

+100 corporate friends

Programs

Startup Braga Incubation Program

Startup Braga Acceleration Program

SCB Innovation Hub

iTech Tourism

Startup Point

Empreender@Braga

And what's new for 2025 is the Global Health Accelerator!


APPLY NOW