Tec Labs

Tec Labs serves as the entrepreneurial hub for the Faculty of Sciences at the University of Lisbon, functioning as the central nexus for innovation and technology commercialization initiatives. With three decades of experience, this incubator has established itself as a vital bridge between academic research and market applications, systematically facilitating the transformation of scientific discoveries into viable business ventures. Their comprehensive support ecosystem has been instrumental in nurturing the entrepreneurial mindset within Portugal's scientific community while creating tangible economic value from university-generated intellectual property.

The incubator operates with a dual-mission approach that creates powerful synergies between its two core functions. On the incubation front, they provide emerging startups and early-stage projects with essential resources including workspace, mentorship programs, networking opportunities, and access to potential investors. This supportive environment allows scientific entrepreneurs to navigate the challenging transition from research to commercialization while benefiting from proximity to academic expertise and facilities. The specialized scientific incubation model has proven particularly effective for deep tech ventures that require longer development cycles and specialized knowledge.

Complementing their incubation activities, Tec Labs places significant emphasis on knowledge valorization—identifying and developing commercially promising research outcomes from the Faculty of Sciences. Their technology transfer specialists work closely with researchers to evaluate market potential, secure intellectual property protection, and develop commercialization strategies for scientific breakthroughs. This process often involves connecting academic innovators with industry partners, securing development funding, or creating licensing opportunities. By maintaining this focus on research commercialization, the incubator ensures a continuous pipeline of science-based innovations flowing into Portugal's entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Over its thirty-year history, the incubator has developed deep expertise in areas aligned with the Faculty's research strengths, including biotechnology, information technology, environmental sciences, and materials science. Their portfolio companies have attracted significant investment, created hundreds of specialized jobs, and brought numerous innovative products to market. As Portugal's startup ecosystem continues to gain international recognition, Tec Labs remains at the forefront of science-based innovation, serving as a crucial institutional bridge between academic excellence and entrepreneurial success. Their model demonstrates how university-affiliated incubators can effectively catalyze regional economic development while advancing the practical application of scientific knowledge.