Jornal Do Centro features IPV partnership with Empowered Startups

Our HQA program and new partnership has drawn the attention of Jornal Do Centro. The following is the translated version of the post from Oct. 1st, 2025.

The Polytechnic Institute of Viseu (IPV) and the Canadian company Empowered Startups have signed a memorandum of understanding to attract foreign direct investment into innovative applied research projects.

Operating in Portugal since 2019, Empowered Startups’ mission is to connect research carried out in higher education with the global business sector. The Canadian company aims to attract highly qualified foreign professionals and entrepreneurs to Portugal in order to directly fund scientific research projects, create startups, and foster the commercialization of innovation developed in Portugal, according to IPV.

In 2023, Empowered Startups submitted a “Letter of Commitment” to the Portuguese government, outlining a plan to recruit 150 new entrepreneurs and experts to invest in new projects in Portugal — an initiative expected to attract more than 10 million euros in investment.

IPV now joins the network of Portuguese universities and polytechnics partnered with Empowered Startups, with the goal of attracting investors for research and innovation projects.

The ceremony was attended by Francesco Berrettini, Director of Partnerships and Projects in Portugal at Empowered Startups; João Vinhas and Helena Vala, Vice Presidents of IPV; and Marta Aido, Coordinator of the Technology Transfer Office at IPV.