Turning deep-tech research into market-ready solutions.

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HiTech 2026: Meet the challenges

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Overview.

HiTech is a hands-on programme by HiSeedTech, specifically designed for research teams developing deep-tech projects in Portugal.

During 18 weeks of training, workshops, and mentoring, HiTech provides teams with essential skills in knowledge commercialisation, empowering them to transform cutting-edge technologies and scientific discoveries into high-growth business opportunities.

Since its launch, more than 900 researchers have participated in the programme, leading to the creation of 63 start-ups and contributing to the success of 44% of Portuguese EIC Accelerator–funded start-ups, which began their journey through HiTech.

HiTech helps research teams to:

Link science and technology to product and market needs.
Communicate scientific results effectively to business and investor audiences.
Evaluate commercialisation strategies to move technologies from the lab to the market.
Align their research with Horizon Europe’s goals to increase impact and improve dissemination and exploitation outcomes.

The 2026 edition features two distinct tracks:

Market Pull Track: Tackle real-world challenges proposed by INDAQUA, Quantum Leap , Sogrape , Sonae Arauco and Triangle's Cycling Equipments. Each challenge aligns with a specific industry goal, giving teams a focused pathway to apply their research and deliver tangible solutions [ Explore the challenges here ].
Technology Push Track: Focus on developing and commercialising your own deep-tech project.

Participating teams will receive support to:

Develop a comprehensive business case for a product or service concept based on their research.
Create a compelling pitch presentation that clearly communicates their business case and value proposition to potential investors and industry leaders.
Explore collaboration opportunities with HiSeedTech’s member companies to address industry-specific challenges and potentially form strategic partnerships.

To learn more about HiTech 2026 and the application process, join one of our information sessions. Register here.

Want to see the programme’s impact? Watch the testimonials from HiTech 2025 teams.
Support us in spreading the word by using our press kit, available here.

Applications are open until 6 February 2026. Apply here!

Who
Can Apply?

HiTech is open to:

R&D teams from universities and research centres.
Start-ups developing early-stage deep-tech projects.

Eligibility Criteria:

Teams must include two to five members.
The project must be a deep-tech innovation with a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) above 2.

Teams must be affiliated with a Portuguese organisation (university, research centre, or start-up).

What
are the costs?

HiTech does not involve any fees for participating teams. The programme is supported by HiSeedTech's member companies as part of their corporate social responsibility commitment to fostering technology-based innovation in Portugal.

However, before applying, teams should consider:

There are organisational costs involved in running the programme, so ensure that you have the time and commitment to participate fully throughout its duration.
Participants are expected to dedicate 6-8 hours per week to programme activities.
There is a 'moral' penalty for teams that withdraw after the programme has started, as doing so prevents another team from taking part in their place.

How
it works?

HiTech runs from 3 March to 30 June 2026, combining training, mentoring, and continuous feedback to help research teams transform their deep-tech projects into market-ready solutions. It includes:

Weekly online sessions (Tuesdays, 14:30–16:00): Focus on business-case development, guiding teams step by step to commercialise the technology each team brings to the programme.
Webinars (every other Tuesday, 16:00–17:00): Seven sessions covering key topics such as technology commercialisation, intellectual property, pitching, and funding opportunities.
Weekly assignments: Practical deliverables that allow participants to apply the concepts learned in each session directly to their project.
Support sessions (every other Tuesday, 16:00–17:00): Optional sessions offering additional guidance for preparing weekly assignments.
Biweekly mentorship: Each team is supported by two dedicated mentors, who provide personalised business guidance.
Pitch presentations: Each team will deliver three pitches — one at the beginning to introduce their technology, one mid-programme to present the value proposition of their deep-tech project, and the final pitch during the HiTech Closing Session.
Advisory Sessions: before the midterm and closing sessions to fine-tune your pitch.

Throughout the programme, teams will:

Develop a business case for a product, service, or process concept grounded in their technology.
Pitch their project at the HiTech Closing Session to an audience that includes HiSeedTech’s member companies, pre-seed investors, and corporate ventures.
Complete HiTech with a clear commercialisation pathway.

Key Dates for HiTech 2026:

Applications: 3 November 2025 - 6 February 2026
Selection process: 9 - 13 February 2026
Results announcement: 18 February 2026
Programme duration: 3 March - 30 June 2026

Applications are open until 6 February 2026. Apply here!
Stay updated on HiTech’s latest opportunities — subscribe to our newsletter for programme news, updates and more.

The
concept.

HiTech is the entry programme within HiSeedTech’s set of initiatives aimed at supporting the commercialisation of technologies developed from scientific research results, while providing participants with key skills in technology commercialisation.

The follow-on initiative to HiTech supports participating teams in further developing their business case and beginning the search for funding from dilutive sources (e.g. venture capital) or non-dilutive sources (e.g. Horizon Europe funding) to advance their project.

Finally, a subsequent initiative will guide participating teams through the three key pathways to turn their business case into impact: