UTAD Welcomes Empowered Startups to Vila Real
The momentum for the HQA® Visa Program continues to build in Portugal with the latest evidence revealing itself in north-eastern city of Vila Real.
The momentum for the HQA® Visa Program continues to build in Portugal with the latest evidence revealing itself in north-eastern city of Vila Real. Though already made official earlier this year, the partnership between Empowered Startups and the University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD) was celebrated during a signing ceremony on the latter’s campus. Francesco Berrettini and Paulo Martins represented the Canadian multinational at the event while UTAD’s Rector, Emídio Gomes, was present on behalf of the university alongside Hugo Vilela, UTAD’s Manager of Knowledge, Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
Entrepreneurship Meets Innovation
“The agreement we have signed with Empowered Startups is a valuable contribution to reinforcing one of the pillars of our mission, which is the transfer of knowledge to society,” explained Gomes. “UTAD aims to develop the ecosystem of innovation and entrepreneurship, both at the university and in the region. I am confident that this partnership will bring very positive results for all parties involved. UTAD is a territory of knowledge where entrepreneurship and innovation grow without barriers.”
Berrettini, Empowered’s Director of Partnerships and Projects in Portugal, highlighted the importance of technology transfer and its global impact and emphasized that “UTAD represents a relevant strategic partner”.
Investing, Innovation and Territorial Cohesion
Empowered Startups’ HQA® Visa Program stimulates both investment and innovation by pairing highly accomplished transnational entrepreneurs with Portuguese universities and polytechnics to collaborate on research and development projects. The program directs foreign investment into R&D projects at partner institutions providing the schools, researchers, and students with tangible benefits that go beyond the scope of the specific projects.
By increasing opportunities for master’s and PhD students to gain experience, industry contacts, and real-world knowledge by working alongside accomplished professionals, the HQA® Visa Program is creating avenues for talented individuals to stay in smaller communities and improve territorial cohesion throughout Portugal.
Committed to a Prosperous Portugal
The expansion of its partner network is the latest example of Empowered Startups’ commitment to increase investment in Portugal. From facilitating the launch of more than a dozen startups at universities to immersing investors in the country’s startup ecosystem at both Startup Capital Summit in Coimbra and the inaugural SIM Conference in Porto, Empowered has already made widespread impact in 2024 through its HQA® Visa Program, which is poised to grow rapidly in the near future.
In a June meeting with Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro, Empowered Startups’ President Chris Lennon revealed the company expects to “bring over 50 million Euros of foreign direct investment” to Portugal over the next three years through its HQA® Visa Program.
Learn more details about the HQA® Visa Program.
