National Open Call · Portugal · 2026

START
Rise™
Challenge.

A national platform for bold AI founders to gain visibility, sharpen their ideas, and move closer to real-world pilots — powered by Start Campus.

Apply Now → Explore the Program
4
Regional Challenges
1
National Final
May
2026 Edition
An initiative by
Start Campus
Porto Business School
Innovation X Hub
Challenge Structure

Three stages.
One clear path to rise.

The START Rise™ Challenge is designed as a high-signal founder journey — from regional visibility and expert guidance to national exposure, sharper positioning, and real market pathways.

01
Discover · Regional

Regional Challenges

High-energy regional sessions designed to surface promising founders and sharpen early-stage ideas. Each stop combines coaching, keynotes, networking, and live pitches in front of judges.

Output: Visibility + stronger applications + regional shortlist
02
Build · Focus

Founder Labs

Selected teams move into a more focused working stage, where they refine the problem, strengthen the product logic, and clarify their route to market with mentor support.

Output: Sharper positioning + stronger pitch + founder readiness
03
Rise · National

National Final & Beyond

Top teams reach the national stage, gain ecosystem exposure, and position themselves for what comes next — from strategic introductions to future pilot pathways and broader visibility.

Output: National exposure + ecosystem access + growth momentum
Value Proposition

What founders gain —
and what the ecosystem gains with them.

For founders
Real-world pilot pathways
A rare opportunity to move beyond demo mode and get closer to real infrastructure, real constraints, and real market relevance.
Expert guidance
Access to experienced mentors across product, engineering, security, and energy-aware AI development.
Visibility that matters
Regional exposure, national-stage recognition, and proximity to decision-makers across the ecosystem.
Academic recognition
A learning layer backed by Porto Business School, adding credibility and progression to the experience.
For the ecosystem
Stronger founder pipeline
A more visible, better-prepared pipeline of AI ventures aligned with real market and infrastructure opportunities.
Talent activation
A practical route to identify, engage, and accelerate future talent connected to AI and critical infrastructure.
A stronger public narrative
A clearer story around Start Campus as a platform that enables innovation, talent, and real-world AI progress in Portugal.
Institutional relevance
An initiative with the potential to generate content, partnerships, academic visibility, and longer-term ecosystem value.
Strategic Infrastructure · Sines, Portugal

Where ambitious AI ideas
meet real infrastructure.

Start Campus brings together renewable power, advanced cooling and world-class connectivity in one of Europe's most strategic digital locations. It is this combination that gives The START Rise™ Challenge its edge: founders are not building in abstraction — they are building closer to real infrastructure conditions, real operational logic, and real market relevance.

"Portugal has the infrastructure to play a defining role in the future of sustainable AI. What matters now is connecting that advantage to the right founders."

Diogo Vieira da Silva — Head of Innovation X Hub, PBS
1.2GW
Total Planned Capacity
100%
Renewable Energy
Sines
Strategic Atlantic Location
Roadshow 2026

Four regional stages.
One national final.

4 May · Sunday
Porto
Porto Business School
11 May · Sunday
Braga
Venue to be confirmed
18 May · Sunday
Algarve
Venue to be confirmed
19 May · Monday
Lisbon
Venue to be confirmed
29 May · National
Lisbon — National Final
Portugal AI Innovation Factory @ AIhub by Unicorn Factory
Final Event

How the challenge unfolds

30 Apr
Applications closeFounder applications are reviewed and allocated to the relevant regional stage.
4–19 May
Regional challenge circuitFour regional events across Portugal surface the most promising AI founder teams through live coaching, stage exposure, and competitive pitching.
29 May
National Final — LisbonThe strongest teams come together for the final stage of the challenge in one of Portugal's most symbolic AI venues.
FAQ

Frequently Asked
Questions.

Everything you need to know before applying to The START Rise™ Challenge.

Who should apply?+
The START Rise™ Challenge is designed for ambitious founders and early-stage teams building AI-enabled solutions with real-world relevance. We welcome applicants from idea stage to early traction, provided there is a clear problem, a credible use of AI, and a strong ambition to grow.
Do I need a finished product to apply?+
No. Applications are open to teams at different stages of maturity, from concept to MVP. What matters most is the strength of the problem, the relevance of the solution, and the team's ability to move forward.
Is the challenge only for AI-native ventures?+
The focus is on ventures where AI plays a meaningful role in the value proposition. This includes solutions in energy, infrastructure, logistics, cities, tourism, health, and other real-world applications.
Do I need to attend every regional stage?+
No. Applicants will participate in the regional stage most relevant to their location or allocation. Teams selected for the National Final will, however, be expected to attend the final event in Lisbon.
What happens after the regional stages?+
Selected teams move forward with greater visibility, stronger positioning, and access to the next stage of the challenge. The strongest ventures will be invited to the National Final, where they will gain further exposure to ecosystem partners, mentors, and decision-makers.
Is there any cost to participate?+
No. Participation in The START Rise™ Challenge is free of charge for selected applicants.
Can I apply as a team?+
Yes, and it is encouraged. Multidisciplinary teams often bring stronger perspectives across product, technology, and market understanding. Individual applications are also welcome.
Applications Open

Ready to rise?

Join a national challenge designed to elevate bold AI founders through visibility, expert guidance, and a path to real-world opportunity.

Applications close on 30 April 2026.

Apply Now → Contact the Team

Program Office · The START Rise™ Challenge · dvsilva@pbs.up.pt · +351 914 901 384