Ignite

Ecosystem Entrepreneurs

Scale Up Now

Scale Up Now 2026 was a program designed to support the internationalization of the Portuguese ecosystem. Promoted by Startup Portugal and Plug and Play, it aimed to prepare startups and scaleups to scale into the United States market.

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Transforming cutting-edge technology into real-world solutions.

Tech Foundry Portugal is developed with the support of Hello Tomorrow, an international partner specializing in deep tech, bringing together the tools, network, and expertise needed to accelerate market entry.
Applications are open!

In short

Duration

4 months, from September to December, 2026

Format

FORMAT
Hybrid, with on-site sessions in Oporto and online sessions.

Selected teams

Until 40 teams, in two track with 20 teams each

Focus

Industrialization and market entry

Technological Phase

TRL 4-5, technology demonstrated in a laboratory or relevant environment.

Maturity

Scientific team, without a formally established company, or early-stage startup.

International partner

Hello Tomorrow

Apply

Untill July 3rd, 2026.

Candidata-te aqui

What the program offers

An intensive program that combines personalized mentoring, workshops led by experts, and direct contact with the international partner’s global deep tech network.

🚀 Workshops, Mentoring & Support

Specialized workshops on the main challenges of entering the market, with personalized support for each team after each module.
Dedicated one-on-one mentoring with experts in cutting-edge technology, including researchers, founders, investors, and company executives.
Evaluation meetings: integration, mid-term meeting, and final meeting to monitor progress and adjust each team’s action plan.
Ongoing support from a dedicated program manager throughout the entire program.

👥 Activities & Demo Day

Visit to a leading company in the sector at the national level. Peer learning with founders of cutting-edge Portuguese technology startups.
Demo Day with investors and industry stakeholders.

🌍 Global network of international partners

Access to a community with over 5,000 cutting-edge technology startups in more than 100 countries.
Connecting with over 1,300 investors specializing in cutting-edge technology.
A network with over 5,000 companies and experts in cutting-edge technology.

Carolina Wais

Partner @ Plug and Play

JURY @ SCALE UP NOW

Carolin has been in the entrepreneurship sector for 11 years. Since joining Plug and Play in 2019, she has led over 100 investments for the company and overseen over 400 since the creation of PnP’s EMEA Investment Committee in 2022. She has supported leading companies and government organizations across EMEA and has worked in over 20 countries. Prior to Plug and Play, Carolin worked for 3 years as a growth stage investor at Next47 (US$2 billion in AuM) and 1 year in a Fund of Funds role at Siemens Global Innovation Partners (€280 million in AuM).

Borja Aznar-Bonilla

Managing Director @ Plug and Play

Speaker @ Scale Up Now

Seed/pre-seed investor in technology startups, with a Master’s degree in Business Administration and extensive international experience in dynamic sectors such as advertising technology, mobile applications, video content, and games. Solid experience in project and people management, as well as strategic partnerships and relationship management. Innovative, a team player, and passionate about technology and games.

Ignacio Monereo

Investor @ Boost Capital Partners

Mentor @ Scale Up Now

FAQ’s

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Testimonials

“I think that Startup Portugal, especially through initiatives like the Startup Voucher or the Startup Visa, is critical for us to be able to get started and to attract talent. These are very important programs and I think they play a good role.”

Rita Ribeiro da Silva

SKOACH

“First of all, what made us move here, especially for my partners, was the fact that they were able to get the visa thanks to the Startup Visa; which was super cool, it was a super quick and easy process.”

Fernando Padovan

DEEPLYO

“I came with the Startup Visa. […] I chose to come to Portugal because of the operational costs and because it is a strategic location in Europe.”

Shivam Dhawan

GETBOARDED

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Made by V-A Studio

Scale Up Now

Transforming cutting-edge technology into real-world solutions.

In short

Duration

Format

Selected teams

Focus

Technological Phase

Maturity

International partner

Apply

Five selected startups

What the program offers

🚀 Workshops, Mentoring & Support

👥 Activities & Demo Day

🌍 Global network of international partners

FAQ’s

Who can apply to the program?

Is there a cost to participate?

What is included in the program?

In what language will the program be conducted?

What is the program’s agenda?

Is the program in-person or online?

When does the program take place?

Testimonials

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