Porto becomes Hub of Innovation for over 450 young entrepreneurs again

More than 450 students from 50 universities worldwide are taking part in the European Innovation Academy, taking place until August 2 at the Faculty of Economics, University of Porto. This event represents yet another opportunity to position the city as a hub for technology and entrepreneurship.

For the third consecutive year, Porto has become the European capital of innovation by hosting a new edition of the European Innovation Academy (EIA), the largest academy dedicated to technological and digital entrepreneurship in Europe.

Until early August, this event brings together more than 650 participants, including students from the world's most prestigious universities, experts and mentors from various fields, academic leaders, and investors.

With the Municipality and the University of Porto as hosts, the EIA offers participants a unique opportunity to turn ideas into feasible startups, as they will be able to take part in workshops, mentoring sessions, and networking events designed to foster the next generation of innovators.

Alongside other programmes dedicated to digital transformation - driven by the Municipality of Porto, under the coordination of Porto Digital, and the University of Porto - this event not only highlights the municipal commitment to innovation, but also strengthens the city's position as a hub for technology and entrepreneurship in Europe.

'Epicentre of European innovation'

'EIA is a very important event and moment to showcase Porto's innovation ecosystem. I'm certain that this will be another edition with many projects and ideas that, inspired by everything Porto has to offer, can help think about and solve some of the challenges cities will be facing in the future, in social, economic, scientific, and environmental terms', said the Deputy Mayor of Porto, Filipe Araújo.

The Councillor for Innovation and Digital Transition also added: 'More than being the epicentre of European innovation this summer, we are committed to continuing to position the city as a top innovation territory, developing ongoing efforts and initiatives with results that we are very proud of.'

'This event represents a unique opportunity for hundreds of students worldwide, but it is also an opportunity for the university and the city to promote Porto's innovation ecosystem internationally. Through the EIA, we are strengthening our international position as a benchmark in supporting the transformation of ideas into successful business projects', said António de Sousa Pereira, Rector of the University of Porto.

Fostering networking

Among the main speakers and mentors at this EIA edition are prominent figures from global technology giants, venture capital firms, and successful startups, providing insights and inspiration to the participants.

For the most promising startups, the programme will culminate in a pitch where they will have the opportunity to present their ideas to a panel of esteemed investors from around the world.

The EIA fosters networking and lasting collaborations that drive innovation and economic growth in the region. Previous editions have resulted in some successful startups , such as BreastScreening AI, led by Francisco Calisto, and Clynx, led by Joana Pinto.