In an era in which digital transformation is advancing at a breakneck pace and the Portuguese entrepreneurial ecosystem is teeming with innovation, the spotlight is starting to turn beyond the usual urban centres.
Whilst Lisbon and Porto are establishing themselves as stages for major technological events such as the Web Summit, a silent revolution is gaining momentum in the heart of the country. The interior, once seen only as a haven of tradition, is now emerging as a new frontier for growth, offering fertile ground for startups looking not only to scale businesses, but also to redefine their concept of success.
This dynamic is driven by various non-profit organisations, mostly made up of volunteers, who are actively working to boost Portugal’s interior, with the aim of promoting economic and social development.
There is growing collaboration between higher education institutions, local authorities and regional innovation centres, creating real hubs of talent and knowledge outside the big cities. New public incentive programmes, accelerators and incubators are spreading across the territory, providing technical support, access to funding networks and networking opportunities for entrepreneurs who, until recently, were forced to migrate to the big centres. Sectors with a strong connection to the territory, such as agriculture, handicrafts, renewable energies, sustainable tourism and digital health, are finding a living laboratory in the Portuguese countryside to test business models.
Despite the progress made, there are still major challenges that limit the growth of start-ups in the interior. Among the main obstacles are restricted access to investment, a shortage of rental housing, shortcomings in digital infrastructure and communication routes, as well as a limited public transport network. These factors make it difficult not only to attract but also to retain talent and the sustainable development of new startups. Faced with this panorama, it is essential to implement robust public policies and foster strategic partnerships between public, private and social sector entities, promoting a truly competitive, inclusive ecosystem capable of valorising the potential of the Portuguese countryside.
Investing in training programmes, networking events and project acceleration will not only attract new entrepreneurs, but also strengthen those already operating in these territories, promoting a virtuous cycle of sustainable development.
The interior of Portugal is at a crucial moment in terms of establishing itself as a destination for innovation and entrepreneurship. Existing opportunities can catalyse lasting economic and social transformation, provided they are accompanied by a strategic vision and a collective commitment to regional development. The future of national start-ups may increasingly lie in the interior, where tradition and innovation go hand in hand towards a new cycle of development.