UPTEC – Science and Technology Park of the University of Porto has established a new partnership with the Aga Khan Foundation Portugal under the Bloom Your Biz programme, reinforcing a shared commitment to building a more inclusive and diverse entrepreneurship ecosystem in the city of Porto.

Bloom Your Biz, promoted in partnership with Universidade Católica Portuguesa – Porto, is a free acceleration programme designed to help entrepreneurs and aspiring founders turn ideas into real, sustainable businesses. Running for ten weeks in a hybrid format (online and in-person), Bloom Your Biz is a full experience that combines hands-on learning, specialised mentoring, and a network of contacts to boost high-potential projects through an integrated, collaborative, and people-centred approach.

As part of this partnership, participating projects will be eligible for free access to the premium version of School of Startups — Foundations, UPTEC’s pre-incubation programme designed for entrepreneurs with very early-stage ideas. Foundations guides participants step by step through the development and validation of their concept, in a remote, flexible, and practical journey. The programme includes 23 structured modules focused on shaping the idea, identifying essential building blocks of the business, and avoiding common early-stage mistakes—preparing projects for growth and potential incubation.

UPTEC will also select one project from Bloom Your Biz#Porto to benefit from three months of virtual incubation, strengthening continuity of support and connection to the innovation ecosystem, mentoring, and networking.

Through this collaboration, UPTEC and the Aga Khan Foundation Portugal aim to expand opportunities for those who face barriers in accessing networks, recognised qualifications and funding, supporting the transformation of talent and purpose into sustainable and high-impact businesses.

13 February 2026