UT Austin Portugal Program

TechLaunch 2026 is now open for submissions.

Developed under the UT Austin Portugal Program in collaboration with ANI | Agência Nacional de Inovação S.A, TechLaunch supports research-based teams in exploring the market potential of science- and technology-driven ideas.

Through a hands-on program inspired by the NSF I-Corps™ model, selected teams will work on customer discovery, value proposition refinement, and market validation, while engaging with experienced instructors and The University of Texas at Austin innovation ecosystem.

The 2026 edition is designed for researchers, PhD students, faculty members, and early-stage teams based in Portugal who are ready to test assumptions, listen to potential users and stakeholders, and take practical steps from invention to impact.

Submissions by: June 19, 2026

Learn more on the TechLaunch 2026 page: https://utaustinportugal.org/calls/techlaunch-2026-from-invention-to-impact/

On this Earth Day, we are reminded that caring for the planet begins with understanding it better.

From monitoring environmental change to advancing cleaner energy systems, the path toward more resilient futures depends on knowledge, scientific ambition, and the ability to turn research into meaningful action.

This is why areas such as Space–Earth Technologies and Clean Energy are so important. They help generate the insight, tools, and solutions needed to respond more effectively to complex challenges, from environmental monitoring and risk prevention to the long-term transition toward more sustainable systems.

At the UT Austin Portugal Program, we see this not as a symbolic gesture, but as part of a broader commitment to supporting research and collaboration that can contribute to more informed decisions, stronger resilience, and a better future for people and planet.

On , we recognize the role of science, cooperation, and long-term commitment in helping build that future.

Many startup programs focus on mentoring and pitching.

Startup2ScaleUp (S2S) focuses on ex*****on.

Through UT Austin’s Global Innovation Lab, Portuguese deep-tech companies work directly with U.S. experts to develop and implement a real market entry strategy.

Selected companies receive:

• Hands-on support to engage with U.S. customers and partners
• Weekly business development guidance
• Strategic positioning in the U.S. innovation ecosystem
• A structured pathway to validate commercial opportunities

The program is designed for companies that are beyond early R&D, have strong technology or IP, and see the U.S. as a priority market.

Applications remain open for the Startup2ScaleUp 2026 cohort.

Learn more and apply: https://utaustinportugal.org/s2s/