Inovagaia, a technology incubator in Vila Nova de Gaia, has launched "Scale up with us", a free acceleration program aimed at early-stage startups that want to grow in a structured way and expand into new markets.

After having already supported more than six hundred projects of various nationalities, Inovagaia thus reinforces its role as an engine for the development and internationalization of ideas. The program combines nine weeks of intensive training, expert mentoring, and direct access to investors, creating an environment that connects strategy, execution, and community.

In addition to personalized monitoring, participating startups will be entitled to tickets to the Web Summit, the largest technology and innovation event in Europe, as well as prizes that exceed five thousand euros and free incubation periods for the most promising projects.

The initiative is not limited to offering financial support. The real value lies in creating the conditions for founders to acquire the tools and confidence needed to scale sustainably. Each hands-on session is designed to help teams define growth metrics, consolidate execution, and prepare for the leap to international markets.

"Scale up with us" reflects a clear trend in the Portuguese ecosystem: it is no longer enough to create startups, it is necessary to structure them, connect talent and attract investment. The application phase ends on October 30, coinciding with the arrival of the Web Summit in Lisbon, and promises to highlight projects that represent the best of the national entrepreneurial spirit.

Portugal is increasingly consolidating itself as a fertile ground for innovation, where incubators, acceleration programs and global events converge to give visibility to local talent. Initiatives like this show that the country is prepared to take the next step and assert itself as one of the most dynamic hubs of European entrepreneurship.