Your research has potential beyond the lab. Ready to explore it?

Applications for HiTech 2027 are now open! Join an 18-week, hands-on programme designed to help research teams in Portugal explore the commercial potential of their scientific and technological discoveries.

Through specialised training, practical workshops and personalised mentoring from experienced business and industry experts, HiTech helps researchers identify market opportunities, develop a compelling business case and define a pathway from research to market.

HiTech's impact speaks for itself:

• 900+ researchers trained and 140+ business experts involved.
• 81 startups founded by researchers who participated in HiTech.
• 43% of Portuguese EIC Accelerator and 36% of Portuguese EIC Pre-Accelerator grantees started their journeys with HiTech.

Two tracks, one goal: bringing research closer to the market

• Technology Push Track: Explore the commercial potential of your own deep-tech project, identify market applications and develop a pathway towards commercialisation.

• Market Pull Track: Apply your scientific expertise and technologies to real-world industry challenges proposed by HiSeedTech Associates and companies within their portfolios.
  Explore the HiTech 2027 Challenges.

Who can apply?

HiTech 2027 welcomes research teams from universities, research centres and start-ups based in Portugal. Teams should:

• Consist of two to five members.
• Be affiliated with a Portuguese organisation.
• Be developing a deep-tech project with a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) above 2.

Applications and key dates

• Applications open: 9 November 2026
• Application deadline: 5 February 2027
• Selection process: 8–12 February 2027
• Announcement of results: 16 February 2027
• Programme: 2 March – 30 June 2027

Participation is free of charge for selected research teams, thanks to the support of HiSeedTech's member companies.

Ready to take your research beyond the lab? Apply to HiTech 2027.

Want to learn more before applying?

Join one of our online or in-person Information Sessions to discover the programme, explore the Technology Push and Market Pull tracks, learn about the application process and get your questions answered.

Meet us at:

• 19 November 2026, 14:30 | i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde
• 24 November 2026, 14:30 | Online
• 2 December 2026, 15:00 | University of Aveiro
• 9 December 2026, 14:00 | GIMM – Gulbenkian Institute for Molecular Medicine
• 10 December 2026, 14:30 | NOVA FCT
• 15 December 2026, 12:00 | Online
• 13 January 2027, 10:00 | University of Porto
• 19 January 2027, 14:30 | Online
• 2 February 2027, 12:00 | Online

Register for a HiTech 2027 Information Session.

Hear from 2026 participants:

Interested in future challenges, programme updates and opportunities to bring research closer to the market? Subscribe to the HiSeedTech newsletter.

For further information, contact hitech@hiseedtech.com.