UTEN Portuguese Partners

UTEN was launched by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) and the Portuguese Institute of Industrial Property (INPI) as an informal network of all Portuguese universities and their technology transfer offices, research centers and incubators as well as independent science and technology parks with university research relationships, working with the IC2 Institute at The University of Texas at Austin.


FCT: Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia

FCT started operations in August 1997 following Junta Nacional de Investigação Científica e Tecnológica (JNICT), with the mission to:

  1. Continuously promote the advancement of scientific and technological knowledge in Portugal,
  2. Explore opportunities that become available in any scientific or technological domain to attain the highest international standards in the creation of knowledge, and
  3. To stimulate knowledge diffusion and contributions to improving education, health, the environment, quality of life, and well being of the general public.

FCT mainly accomplishes its mission through the competitive selection and funding of proposals presented by institutions, research teams or individuals in open calls, and also through cooperative agreements and other forms of support in partnership with universities and other public or private institutions in Portugal and abroad. The results of the activities of FCT come from the contributions of individuals, research groups, and institutions who have been awarded FCT financing.

FCT promotes, finances, follows and evaluates science and technology institutions, programs, projects; establishes qualifications of human resources; promotes and supports infra-structures for scientific research and technological development; promotes the diffusion of scientific and technological culture and knowledge especially when relevant for educational purposes in close collaboration with the agency Ciência Viva. FCT also stimulates the update, interconnection, and reinforcement and availability of science and technology information sources. Science and technology are considered in a wide sense including natural and health sciences, engineering, social sciences and the humanities.


INPI: Instituto Nacional da Propriedade Industrial

The Portuguese Institute of Industrial Property (INPI) is a public institution operating under the aegis of the Portuguese Ministry of Justice. INPI’s mission is to ensure the protection and promotion of Industrial Property Rights on both a national and international level. It is INPI’s aim to provide support to IP System end users, by implementing strategies which will enable them to effectively explore their intangible assets.

Considering that universities and the R&D Institutes are two of the most relevant users of the Industrial Property System in Portugal, it is INPI’s intent to make available instruments and measures which will enable these institutions to safely introduce the results of their research into the market. This can only be achieved by applying the best practices of technology and knowledge transfer. INPI considers the UTEN Program an outstanding opportunity to foster the creation of a sustainable network of technology transfer offices in Portugal.


University and institutional partners across Portugal

In order for UTEN to succeed, it is essential for university and institutional partners across Portugal to move further into the international marketplace. The following organizations have joined in this effort.


INESC TEC – Technology and Science

From knowledge production to science-based innovation: INESC Porto is a private, non-profit, public interest institution. INESC TEC – Technology and Science is an association of this institute with several autonomous research units under common research policy and management. It has been recognized by the Ministry of Science with the statute of Associated Laboratory classified as Excellent.

INESC TEC is a center of excellence in several areas, from research in Optoelectronics to applications in Power Systems. Other areas of research include Telecommunications and Digital Media, Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Intelligent Systems, Machine Learning, Computer Science, Information Systems and Innovation Management.

For INESC TEC, incubating and nursing new companies is as natural as creating knowledge. Research projects lead to scientific papers and academic training, but they may also lead to novel technology-based businesses. Researchers at INESC TEC find an environment that supports them in generating tech-based companies. Spin-off launching is a risky but thrilling activity and INESC TEC has successful venture capital partnerships in several new business projects. Since 2000, INESC TEC has incubated around 16 companies, in most cases addressing global markets.

The concept of science-based innovation permeates all the activities in INESC TEC. Transforming knowledge into innovation requires multidisciplinary teams and an effective relationship with economic agents, with patenting and technology licensing becoming increasingly important components of a process aimed at speeding up technology transfer to industry.


IMM, Instituto de Medicina Molecular, University of Lisbon Medical School

The Instituto de Medicina Molecular (IMM) is a research institute with the mission to foster basic, clinical and translational biomedical research – with the goal to better understand disease mechanisms, develop novel predictive tests, diagnostics and therapeutic approaches. Created in 2004 and located on the campus of the University of Lisbon Medical School and the Santa Maria Hospital, IMM has acquired the special status of Laboratório Associado from the Portuguese Ministry of Science and Higher Education. IMM is a non-profit private research institute, supported mainly by national public funds, European Union funds, and private foundations.

IMM hosts 31 independent research groups (circa 350 researchers), whose interests fall within three major IMM research lines: molecular & developmental biology, immunology & infection, and neurosciences. Its physical proximity to both the hospital and the medical school creates opportunities to bridge “bedside” research and promote translational research. In addition, the institute hosts and collaborates with a number of start-up and biotechnology companies in areas of biomedical technologies and sophisticated health care delivery.

UATEC, Unidade de Transf. de Tec., Universidade de Aveiro

The University of Aveiro serves as a public institution to intervene and develop graduate and post-graduate education, research, and society cooperation. Founded in 2006, UATEC provides technology transfer activities to the university including:

  • R&D consortium promotion
  • Technology-based companies creation support (spin-offs and start-ups)
  • Technology-based entrepreneurship promotion
  • Intellectual property promotion and valorization
  • Technology licensing promotion and knowledge valorization
  • Business innovation and university/company collaboration promotion.

After only three years, UATEC’s success metrics include:

  • 170 R&D company contracts
  • Creation of 10 spin-off companies and 12 start-up companies
  • Training of approximately 400 entrepreneur and articulation of 60 business plans
  • Approximately 35 patent license registrations
  • Approximately 15 technology transfer contracts
  • Approximately 150 services-rendered contracts with companies to facilitate innovative products and processes.

TecMinho (includes OTIC-Minho and GAPI), Universidade do Minho

TecMinho is the interface of the University of Minho (UMinho) for the management of its intellectual property and supporting knowledge transfer through licensing, strategic partnerships with industry and the setting-up of knowledge-intensive spin-offs. TecMinho has been active in this field for more than 15 years, with a world-class track record of patent portfolio management and technology marketing. TecMinho was awarded in 2006 “Best Knowledge Transfer Plan from an Established TT Office” by ProTon Europe, the European Association of Tech Transfer Offices from Public Research Organizations.

At the national level, University of Minho ranks third in terms of scientific production, number of scientists and students (graduate, postgraduate), and ranks first in terms of collaborative research with industry. As the knowledge transfer office of University of Minho, TecMinho’s mission is to maximize the valorization of the IP portfolio. With the aim to develop innovative dynamics in innovation and technology transfer, another central action line of TecMinho consists of promoting and participating in national and transnational projects. Finally, in its support services targeting companies, TecMinho offers solutions and consultancy services for companies R&D, innovation and IP needs through a unique access point to its internal services, the universe of knowledge of UMinho through its R&D centers of excellence and its academic spin-offs’ network.

Simultaneously supporting both researchers to exploit R&D results and companies to define their technology needs, TecMinho promotes the establishment of successful strategic partnerships.


UPIN, Universidade de Porto Inovação, Universidade de Porto

University of Porto (U. Porto) is the largest higher educational institution in Portugal. With15 schools and 69 research units, it covers all science fields and generates knowledge across a wide span of educational disciplines.

The Knowledge and Technology Transfer Office of U. Porto supports the link between the academic and private sectors, acting in the fields of intellectual property (IPR), technology transfer (TT), entrepreneurship and spin-off creation, and university-industry relations. UPIN is certified by the National Structural Funds Managing Authority to provide services in the areas of RTD, TT and IPR. It is engaged in national and international networks: OTIC (Portuguese Network of Technology and Knowledge Transfer Workshops); GAPI (Portuguese Network of Industrial Property Promotion Units); TII (Technology Transfer and Innovation Association); ProTon Europe (European Knowledge Transfer Association) and the University Technology Enterprise Network (UTEN), a joint initiative with The University of Texas at Austin(USA), the Portuguese Ministry of Science and Education, and participating TT offices in Portugal.


UPTEC, Associação de Transferência de Tecnologia da Asprela, University of Porto

The UPTEC is a structure that supports and stimulates the creation of advanced technology-based projects. Currently located in the University Campus of Asprela, Campo Alegre and Coronel Pacheco, the UPTEC leads technological entrepreneurship, enabling ideas that pave the way for big business. In UPTEC entrepreneurs can find support to realize their ideas, something that can stimulate the creation of technology-based start-ups. Moreover, existing enterprises can find mechanisms to perform their projects, in order to transfer knowledge and technology from the University of Porto. Currently, the Science Park is in the process of expansion and is expected to create more three associated centers dedicated to the sea, the creative industries and agriculture.


OTIC UC, Oficina de Transferência de Tecnologia e de Conhecimento, Universidade da Coimbra

Founded in 1290, the University of Coimbra has eight faculties with more than 2,000 members and researchers, more than 150 R&D units, and 23,000 students. The most international university in Portugal, UC also has 1,572 students coming from 60 different countries. The university actively supports and invests in facilities and resources to promote innovation and the climate for spin-out company creation while it collaborates with other educational institutions and with business and industry institutions worldwide. IPN, a successful technology business incubator, was established in the early ’90s, and more recently, the Knowledge Transfer Office (GATS.UC) was established in 2003. GATS activities include:

• Technology scouting

• Public private partnerships

• IP management and licensing

• Funding opportunities

• Promoting conferences, seminars and training courses

• Promoting an entrepreneurial spirit within the community

UC promoted the creation of Biocant, a biotechnology science park and R&D center to help serve the emerging biotechnology cluster in central Portugal, and more recently has invested in Coimbra i-Park to serve as technology park to Coimbra.


IN+ Centre of Innovation, Technology and Policy Research, Instituto Superior Técnico

The multidisciplinary activities of IN+ link basic and applied research to technology development that focuses on sustainability issues including environmental issues, management of energy resources, and economic development. Within this context, the center also undertakes interdisciplinary research involving technology policy, to promote sustainable and socially responsible industrial development.

The research component on management of technology and innovation policies has been implemented in close cooperation with advanced education, including the PhD program in “Entrepreneurship and Technical Change,” established in 2007 in close cooperation with the School of Economics of the Portuguese Catholic University and Carnegie Mellon University.

Education activities also include VECTORe (since 2001), an annual “informal” non-degree program that promotes the commercialization of science and technology and the launching of entrepreneurial ideas and projects (“VECTORe “Valorização Económica de Ciência e Tecnologia e Organização de Empresas”). Previous related initiatives include the IMPACT Program in 1998-2000, “Innovation and Internationalization of Companies through the Application and Commercialization of Technology” which was the first international education program delivered in Portugal in the area of entrepreneurship. IN+ provides an online video connection to the Master of Science Technology Commercialization (MSTC) degree program at the IC² Institute, The University of Texas at Austin. Among other awards, in 2005 the center was named one of the “Top 50 global centres of research on Management of Technology”, by the Int’l Association for the Management of Technology, IAMOT.


OTIC-GAPI UTAD, Oficina de Transf. de Inovação e Conhecimento & Gabinete de Apoio à Promoção da Propriedade Industrial, Univ. de Trás-os-montes e Alto Douro

Univ. de Trás-os-montes e Alto Douro has a mission of teaching (8,300 students), research, and extension. Research activities at UTAD are concentrated in eight research centres with 300 researchers. The technology transfer office has been established for only 3.5 years, but has provided strong university support in intellectual property and technology transfer. The different background studies, e.g., biology and engineering, of the technology transfer team results in a higher value for the office.

The Univ. de Trás-os-montes e Alto Douro has a wide portfolio of patents in several areas including ambient and renewable energy, chemistry, agriculture, mechanics, and engineering. One of these patents has been licensed by the technology transfer team, and six others are under negotiation.


UBIACTIVA, Office of Technology and Knowledge Transfer, University of Beira Interior

UBI is involved in many R&D projects and consortiums in the following technology fields: aeronautics, computing, electro mechanics, healthcare, mathematics, optics, telecommunications, textiles and paper materials. UBI helps to analyze new technologies for commercialization potential. UBI also promotes and supports university-company consortia that are necessary for the resolution of concrete company problems. UBI helps to identify key areas for the creation, development and commercialization of new technologies and innovative services, entrepreneurship and technology transfer including spin-offs at national and international levels.


TECMU, Transf. de tecnologia e Conhecimento Madeira/Universidad , Universidade da Madeira

TeCMU facilitates interaction between scientific and technological units and the business world in order to help promote the development of new technology products or services that are adapted to the needs of the regional market. At the same time, the aim is not only to speed up these transfer processes to the entrepreneurial world and to technology-based start-ups or spin-outs, but also to consolidate initiatives for the dissemination of industrial and intellectual property. Some of its specific objectives are to:

  • monitor technologies developed within the University of Madeira for technology transfer potential
  • identify society’s needs that can be met through technology innovation
  • facilitate partnerships and project development between UMa and the business sector
  • increase communication with local businesses in order to increase the university’s ability to provide viable workforce training, lifelong learning, and specialized training in innovative areas
  • protect and managing the intellectual property (IP) developed at UMa, including its partnered projects
  • promote the launch of technology-based companies that begin in the university laboratories (spin-outs)
  • elaborate technology transfer contracts (licensing and/or concession contracts) and confidentiality contracts during the technology transfer process

DPI Évora, Divisão de Projectos Informação, Univ. de Évora

Our Mission is to effectively transfer university technologies to the market so as to generate benefits for the university, the community and the general public. Our team offers a full set of services to ensure effective knowledge and technology transfer:

  • Management of University of Évora’s Scientific Information System – composed by the digital repository of scientific publications; the researcher’s CV management system; the projects management system, as well as the contracts and protocols management system
  • The University of Évora Research Guide and the Annual of Scientific Publications Abstracts
  • R&D and KTT Info – SCC-DPI provides information and supports the applications towards financing programs of researcher mobility, R&D projects and entrepreneurship
  • Promote national and international TTO and LTO networks, fostering effective and efficient technology transfer and licensing; also focuses on the promotion of intellectual property and its management inside the university community
  • Technological scanning – provide the faculty advice about potential knowledge and tech transfer issues during research activities and to assist in the invention disclosure process
  • University to enterprise – regional economical actors count on university as a mean to access to potential opportunities for the creation and development of technologies and businesses

OTIC UNL, Oficina de Transf. de Inovação e Conhecimento e Conh. da UNL, C. Inovação e Criação de Valor

The Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL) is the youngest public institution for higher education and scientific research within the Lisbon metropolitan area. The university has over 14,000 students, 1,400 teachers and 800 employees and is located on three separate campuses. It consists of five faculties, three institutes and one school. It offers 31 graduate courses (1st cycle), 81 masters (2nd cycle) – 3 of which are Erasmus Mundus – and 10 integrated master’s programs, besides doctoral (3rd cycle) and post-graduate courses.

The UNL Entrepreneurship Department’s mission is to develop the entrepreneurship ecosystem across campus and within Lisbon. Entrepreneurship education activities include Techpreneur (a short but intensive entrepreneurship training program), an entrepreneurship MSc course for all UNL students, and entrepreneurship seminars. Other entrepreneurship opportunities include START, a national entrepreneurship contest produced in cooperation with BPI and OPTIMUS; Nova Idea Competition, a university-wide business plan competition that provides integrated learning and multidisciplinary work; and E-Day – Entrepreneurship Day, an annual celebration to involve the local community and UNL students in entrepreneurial activities.


OTIC UTL, Oficina de Transf. de Tecnologia e de Conhecimento da UTL, Universidade Técnica de Lisboa

UTL’s mission and goal is to promote, develop and transfer scientific, technique and artistic knowledge in its specific intervention areas, with quality as a driver for modern thinking and adjusted to the dynamic needs of society. Pursuing this goal, in 2006, UTL created its technology and knowledge transfer office, OTIC|UTL responsible for supporting students, teachers and researchers.

Since 2006, OTIC|UTL has organized five courses in entrepreneurship and intellectual property protection, has helped patent two technologies, and has made two successful technology transfers. Currently OTIC|UTL is negotiating with Angola for technology and knowledge transfer in areas such as agriculture, economics, and entrepreneurship. Parallel to these activities, OTIC|UTL also promotes the Entrepreneurial Creativity Contest to stimulate entrepreneurial activities among UTL researchers and students.

OTIC|UTL is a burgeoning office primarily concerned with establishing a strong relationship with researchers in order promote effective results in technology transfer and commercialization.


Polytechnic Institute of Porto, Centre of Creative and Applied Knowledge

Leading five distinct scientific areas and fully complying with the European Space for Higher Education and the Bologna Declaration, the Polytechnic Institute of Porto integrates more than fifty 1st and 2nd Cycle Degree Courses. Characterized by a teaching team of more than 1,300 highly skilled and trained scholars and researchers, it aggregates seven distinct organic units, integrating more than 35 active research centers, with around 17,000 students, and more than 360 non-teaching collaborators.

Polytechnic Institute of Porto is a role model of success and ambition. Being rated in the first five places of the national access ranking list, the Polytechnic Institute of Porto was, in 2008, the national Polytechnic Institute that received the largest number of new students.


GAPI at Madeira Tecnopólo, Gabinete de Apoio à Promoção da Propriedade Industrial, Madeira Tecnopólo

In recent years, GAPI Madeira has developed strategies for promoting applications for patent protection with the University. These are supported by industrial property (IP) policies, marketing materials and activities, intellectual property policies, staff, and procedures dedicated to achieving that goal. An overall strategy and marketing activities have been carried out – IP tool kit, IP brochures, workshops and seminars, website development, questionnaires, and structured interviews. The approach to IP policy drafting and the different procedures for identification and selection of patentable inventions have been the GAPI´s primary target.

GAPI Madeira is, at first, an interface – an organization that is in the boundary of another (typically, but not limited to, a university) or between two others (university and company). Thus, its mission must be aligned with that of both parties whom it is trying to bring together; specifically, not just the party that often controls the management of the technology – the university – but also the companies.


Taguspark, GAPI, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia (includes GAPI)

Taguspark is designed for the investment of companies and entities creating social development, always supported by the dynamics of knowledge and technological and scientific innovation, where scientific discoveries and applications as well as the 21st century new models move towards a society rooted in well-being, health, and a sustainable environment for all mankind. The three structuring pillars of the Science and Technology Park – universities, R&D institutions and companies – integrate a project where the management and administration of Tagusparque S.A. implements innovation incubators for companies devoted to the commercialization of scientific investigation results and distribution of new technical skills into the labor market. Thus, Taguspark also creates conditions for the development of working skills, innovation, and investigation of both women and man working therein and of all tenants – assuming the role of a social and economic engine for the region.

The park’s concept includes not only the buildings of companies or universities, the working station and inherent working instruments, but also the circumstances in which the producing activity is carried out: certified buildings, natural spaces with little impact on buildings, support for sports activities, catering, cultural and recreation services, transportation networks, and schools for children and teenagers. Access to specialized human resources, specialized R&D services, and information technologies, telecommunications, electronics, multimedia and the internet in an innovative entrepreneurial environment are important advantages in a park that offers one of the most advanced telecommunications technologies in the country, which connects all buildings to three digital plants.


INDEG/AUDAX , Empreendedorismo e Empresas Familiares, Instituto Superior de Ciências do Trabalho e da Empresa

Established in July 2005, the AUDAX Center is committed to supporting and promoting the entrepreneurial spirit, sustainable self-employment, potential entrepreneurs and family businesses that demonstrate an innovative capacity.

AUDAX serves three main objectives: 1) to create post graduate and specialized training courses on entrepreneurship, business start-ups, and family business management; 2) to promote investment vehicles for start-up projects and early-stage businesses that originate in universities and support technology transfer; 3) to provide specialized consultancy services in areas such as corporate finance, marketing, strategy, human resources, technology, and innovation; and 4) to develop and support research projects promoting entrepreneurship and family business management.

In association with FCUL/UTL–Science Faculty, AUDAX provides support across several stages of the technology transfer process: research to explore the idea and proof-of-market for new technologies (concept and partner contacts), market and technology development (product demonstration), product and business development (license agreements, product sales) and exit.


IPN including GAPI, Instituto Pedro Nunes including Gabinete de Apoio à Promoção da Propriedade Industrial

Instituto Pedro Nunes is Coimbra University’s (UC) tech transfer organization, with the mission to leverage strong university/enterprise relationships for innovation and entrepreneurship, acting in three areas: R&D and Consulting services; business incubation; specialized training; and science and technology promotion. IPN has six R&D labs and a business incubator that promotes the creation of technology-based companies. supporting innovative ideas from its own labs, universities and entrepreneurs. As a transversal support, the Innovation Department (VCI IPN) provides services on intellectual property (IP), support to R&D projects, marketing and technology commercialization. With its four dedicated staff members, VCI IPN has a strong record on R&D project management, tech transfer, innovation and IP promotion:

  • 34 Patent applications filed by UC with VCI IPN support
  • 450 Trademarks filed with VCI IPN
  • 10 Designs filed with VCI IPN support
  • 11 IP reports (tech based companies
  • 10 Training events (95 attendees)

IPN recently won 2nd place in the “Best Science Based Incubator” Competition, out of a total of 53 science-based incubators from 23 countries. The award was endorsed during the 7th Annual Incubator Conference held in Paris on December 2008, based on performance indicators and the opinion of a jury. Some interesting figures are a total number of companies supported higher than 100 (80% still active), a 2008 joint annual turnover above 50 M euros, and the creation of more than 1,000 jobs.


INOVISA, Assoc. para Inov. e Desenv. Empresarial, Instituto Superior Agronomia

INOVISA is a private non-profit institution aiming at promoting direct partnerships between the University (Institute of Agronomy / Technical University of Lisbon) and the private sector in the agro-forestry, food, environmental, and biotech areas. INOVISA offers two complementary levels of activities:

  • Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Development: As a university campus integrated unit, INOVISA is committed to putting together abilities with the aim of creating start-ups and spin-offs based on high potential innovative processes or technologies. These activities include a space for the incubation of new technology-based firms.
  • Innovation and Technology Transfer: INOVISA works as a platform to enhance synergies between the University and companies for the development of R&D joint venture projects that involve knowledge and technology transfer. INOVISA also promotes technology valorization of university R&D projects, in order to optimize the Institute of Agronomy’s performance as a technology lead developer in its areas.

Regarding technology transfer processes, INOVISA is involved in establishing several university-enterprise partnerships, namely in the QREN I&DT Program. In 2009, INOVISA has launched an initiative in the AGROTEC exhibition (national exhibition of the Agro-forestry sector), promoting the most promising technologies of all Agriculture Schools of Portugal. INOVISA is also a partner of OTIC/UTL (the TTO of the Technical University of Lisbon) since the very beginning.


AvePark, Science and Technology Park

Situated between Braga and Guimarães, Avepark meets regional innovation concerns. Avepark was incorporated in May 2004 and includes the following entities: Guimarães City Hall, The University of Minho, the Association of Science and Technology Parks of Porto, the Minho Industrial Association, and the Guimarães Association of Commerce and Industrry. Avepark has four buildings: (1) The incubator of the University of Minho called Spinpark, (2) the building of the European Institute of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, (3) the CRH building, and (4) the core building of Avepark. The Center for Business at Avepark has fourteen companies from technology sectors including biotechnology, information systems, technology, video surveillance, and smart textiles.

The Avepark Science and Technology Park’s network includes business management; entrepreneurs and entrepreneurial support, researchers, and college students who operate in the spirit of constant development of new ideas and the implementation of new products and services. Avepark’s model is based on shared risks and goals that lead to commercial success in the global market. Avepark has an annual environment that enables businesses and institutions to operate in an informal and creative environment. Avepark also promotes events that attract different companies, institutions, and talent as well as the larger community by offering advantages in terms of networks and value-added support.


Spinpark, Incubadora de Base Tecnológica, Universidade do Minho

Spinpark is the flagship of the University of Minho concerning entrepreneurship support and development. It is a 3,000 m2 technology incubator that anchors research, industrial services, and activities which outflow from academia. Perfectly integrated in a 320-acre science and technology park, Spinpark is surrounded by a green environment and secure premises. Close to the university campus, R&D centers, historical hubs, an international airport, golf courses and sport facilities Spinpark is the right place for outstanding entrepreneurs with projects of excellence, an ideal platform to launch global ventures.

Spinpark’s mission is in close coordination with the University of Minho knowledge chain and contributes to indigenous development, community prosperity and commercialization of science and technology. It provides physical infrastructures, management services, networking, access to venture capital and business angels, training, and internationalization support as well as shared labs in industrial biotechnology. Spinpark targets academic spin-offs and technology based firms as it pursues the overall goal to accelerate business growth and survival. Main associates include the University of Minho, The science and technology park Avepark, the Association of the Oporto Science and Technology Parks, the Guimaraes Municipality and the Guimaraes Chamber of Industry and Commerce. Spinpark began operating at the end of 2008 and presently hosts companies focused on a large spectrum of activities including new materials, aeoronautics, biotechnology, environment, electronics, health, functional textiles, multimedia and software development.


Parkurbis, Science and Technology Park of Covilhã

Parkurbis, the Science and Technology Park of Covilhã promotes the development of new technology-based activities and fosters a dynamic exchange between the University of Beira Interior (UBI) and local business companies, thus helping the R&D supply meet the demands of Parkurbis-based businesses. Parkurbis supports UBI research projects; works as an interface between UBI and Parkurbis-based companies; promotes activities in the sphere of technological research; provides support services to existing companies (including traditional ones) and start-up companies; supports integrated development in the region and the establishment of highly qualified professionals. Parkurbis facilities comprise outstanding conditions for the formation, setting up, and development of technology-based companies.

Parkurbis has established a number of protocols with financing institutions, namely venture capital societies and a contact network that includes banks and business angels with an interest in supporting projects and companies based at Parkurbis. Besides this contact network, as the major shareholder of Parkurbis, Covilhã Municipality offers a package of incentives for setting up new companies in the region, and at Parkurbis in particular. Additionally, companies that choose to set up their businesses at Parkurbis will benefit from a five percent reduction in corporate income tax and from increases in financing obtained through applications to EU programs.


Sines Tecnopólo

Sines Tecnopólo is a new Portuguese Science Park, located in the South Region, in the city of Sines. Founded in 2007, it was formed by two public universities: the University of Algarve (www.ualg.pt) and the University of Evora (www.uevora.pt); two public tech faculties: Polytechnic of Beja (www.ipbeja.pt) and Polytechnic of Setubal (www.pis.pt), with the local authority support of the Sines City Council (www.sines.pt.)

The project targets tech transfer, entrepreneurship promotion and advanced training oriented to industry needs. Its location provides strategic management orientation for opportunities in both ocean economy and energy technologies. It has pursued several European R&D programs, including:

  • The MED EU program to pursue energy efficiency in buildings
  • The Interreg-Sudoe to pursue development of road pavement materials
  • The Equal Program to promote entrepreneurship

We are proud to be the first Tecnopol with a quality management team oriented toward its clients achieving an ISO 9001:2008 accreditation. We have met the criteria of the European Business Network in Brussels to attain the seal of BIC: a European Community Business Center. Our training unit holds the DGERT accreditation provided by the Labor Ministry, a quality seal needed for training and education programs obtaining public financing.


CPIN-BIC, Centro Promotor de Inovação e Negócios

CPIN is a Business Innovation Center certified by the European Union for innovation and business development. It is a non-profit, private association founded in 1992, with premises at Avenida Manuel da maia 36 c/v D. in Lisbon. CPIN is one of seven Portuguese Business Innovation Centers and one of 163 EU BICs. The main goal is to provide integrated solutions to technology-based entrepreneurship through the adoption of new technologies and innovation for existing and new companies. CPIN is also an active partner in internationalization, facilitating access to new markets through networking with counterparts in Europe.

CPIN provides services to technology-based entrepreneurs by supporting development of company projects (incubation support services), development of European projects to support company internationalization initiatives, and diffusion of entrepreneurship and technological innovation. Technology transfer activities include technology brokerage with Portuguese and European companies, development of business planning tools, entrepreneurial skills assessments, and help with financing negotiations. CPIN provides incubation support such as technology analysis and evaluation, technology management; entrepreneurship promotion; promotion of technology transfer processes; and partnerships with universities and R&D centers.