UT Austin Portugal Program

What makes TechLaunch 2026 different?

This year’s edition includes an enhanced support structure for selected teams, helping them carry out the activities needed to test the market potential of science- and technology-based solutions.

Selected teams may access an indicative budget to support eligible expenses related to customer discovery, validation activities, prototyping, and participation in the program’s immersive components, including the Opening Week in Portugal and the Closing Week at The University of Texas at Austin.

This support does not constitute direct funding or a fixed allocation. It is managed through approved eligible expenses, in line with the program’s rules and applicable funding requirements.

Over seven weeks, teams will be guided through a hands-on process modeled after the NSF I-Corps™ approach, engaging directly with potential customers, users, and stakeholders to refine their value proposition and explore pathways toward real-world impact.

Deadline for submissions: June 19, 2026

Learn more and apply: https://utaustinportugal.org/calls/techlaunch-from-invention-to-impact-2026-edition/

Two Portuguese deep-tech companies have now joined Startup2Scaleup 2026.

We are pleased to announce that StratioBD and Enline are the first two companies selected for this year’s cohort.

Their selection reflects the level of ambition, technological maturity, and international readiness that Startup2Scaleup is designed to support: Portuguese companies prepared to scale internationally and engage with the U.S. market in a focused and strategic way.

Delivered by The University of Texas at Austin’s Global Innovation Lab through the UT Austin Portugal Program, Startup2Scaleup is a highly selective, ex*****on-driven initiative designed to help deep-tech companies convert innovation into real commercial traction in the U.S.

Over the next 12 months, these companies will work closely with the GIL team to validate and execute a U.S. go-to-market strategy, engage with prospective customers, partners, and potential investors, and build long-term connections with the Texas and broader U.S. business and innovation ecosystem.

Applications remain open for the current cohort, with two additional places still available, learn more: https://utaustinportugal.org/s2s/