An information session on the HiTech programme took place today in a university auditorium, bringing together students and early-career researchers to discuss pathways for the valorisation of scientific research, technology transfer, and the development of business opportunities grounded in deep-tech innovation.

The initiative, promoted by HiSeedTech, is designed for research teams in Portugal developing advanced technological projects. Over 18 weeks of training, workshops, and mentoring, the programme equips participants with competencies in knowledge commercialisation, strategic communication for business and investment audiences, and the evaluation of pathways to move technologies from laboratory settings to market applications, while aligning research outputs with the objectives of Horizon Europe.

Since its launch, more than 900 researchers have taken part in HiTech, leading to the creation of 63 start-ups and contributing to the trajectory of 44% of Portuguese EIC Accelerator–funded start-ups, demonstrating its relevance within the national innovation ecosystem.

HiTech 2026 Edition

The 2026 edition will include two dedicated tracks:

• The Market Pull Track, focused on real-world challenges proposed by INDAQUA, Quantum Leap, Sogrape, Sonae Arauco, and Triangle’s Cycling Equipments, enabling teams to address defined industrial needs through research-based solutions.

• The Technology Push Track, centred on the development and commercialisation of participants’ own deep-tech projects.

Participating teams will receive support to develop structured business cases for products or services derived from their research, prepare pitch presentations for investors and industrial stakeholders, and explore collaboration opportunities with HiSeedTech’s member companies.

Programme Structure

Running from 3 March to 30 June 2026, HiTech combines training, mentoring, and continuous feedback through:

• Weekly online sessions dedicated to business-case development.

• Biweekly thematic webinars on technology commercialisation, intellectual property, pitching, and funding.

• Weekly practical assignments.

• Optional support sessions.

• Biweekly mentoring with two dedicated mentors per team.

• Three formal pitch presentations, culminating in the HiTech Closing Session before industry representatives, pre-seed investors, and corporate venture units.

By the end of the programme, teams are expected to have defined a commercialisation pathway and a project prepared for engagement with the market.

Applications Open

Applications are open until 6 February 2026. Participation is free of charge for selected teams, supported by HiSeedTech’s member companies as part of their corporate social responsibility activities. Applicants should, however, consider the time commitment of 6–8 hours per week, and note that withdrawals after the programme has begun limit opportunities for other teams.

Key dates for HiTech 2026 include:

• Applications: 3 November 2025 – 6 February 2026

• Selection process: 9–13 February 2026

• Results announcement: 18 February 2026

• Programme duration: 3 March – 30 June 2026

Next information session

The session held today was part of HiTech’s national outreach programme, aimed at informing the academic community about participation opportunities and encouraging research teams to translate scientific results into market-ready solutions.

The next HiTech information session will take place on 3 February 2026 at 14:30, in an online format. Interested teams are invited to visit the programme website and register via bit.ly/hitechinfosessions.

Further information may be requested by contacting hitech@hiseedtech.com.