INTRODUCTION
The programme is free of charge and will select only 25 students from any educational institution.
The António Pargana Foundation, in partnership with UPTEC – Science and Technology Park of the University of Porto, has just opened applications for the latest edition of the School of Startups, this time with a special focus on Luso-descendant students.
Created in 2013, the School of Startups is a business idea acceleration programme designed to prepare new entrepreneurs for the main challenges inherent to the creation and development of a business project. Thanks to a partnership with the António Pargana Foundation, this edition presents itself as an immersion programme in the entrepreneurial ecosystem for Luso-descendants.
Over the course of five days, students from the Portuguese diaspora from all cycles of study, universities and polytechnic institutes will have the opportunity to develop skills in the ideation, validation and communication of entrepreneurial projects.
To take part in the programme, students do not need to have a business idea already conceived; they only need to demonstrate an interest in the field of entrepreneurship. Through workshops, corporate visits, talks with Luso-descendant entrepreneurs and training activities, the 25 selected students will gain an understanding of the economic, industrial and innovation context of the Northern region, as well as a direct connection to the investment landscape.
The first round of applications is open until 28 November and can be submitted through the School of Startups website, where more information about the initiative is available. The programme will be conducted in Portuguese and participation is free of charge.
The António Pargana Foundation aims to promote knowledge of Portugal’s history, culture, and scientific and technological capacity, strengthening the connection between the diaspora and their descendants with Portugal and inspiring opportunities for cooperation between people and entities in those countries. UPTEC has supported more than 740 business projects in the arts, sciences and technologies since its creation in 2007.
