A pair of Brazilian entrepreneurs, Sandro Maia and Danilo Santos, have launched Squad Academy — a Portugal-based startup designed to help professionals from any field transition into the technology sector. From carpenters to administrative assistants, the founders say the shift typically happens through three pillars: structured learning, portfolio development, and guided entry into the job market.
Maia, originally from Rio de Janeiro and now living in Braga, and Santos, from Bahia and based in Porto, built the edtech platform around close mentorship rather than purely technical training. Their backgrounds span technology, digital platforms and talent development. The first student cohort, starting in early 2026, includes learners from Brazil, Portugal, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and England, mentored by a team split between Portugal and Brazil. Classes will be live, online, and held twice a week.
The startup operates remotely between Braga and Porto, with Brazilian expansion supported by mentors in Rio de Janeiro. The program includes guided challenges, study materials, portfolio-building projects, and an AI assistant that reinforces learning. According to Maia, the core of the initiative lies in blending technology with human support: “Career transition isn’t theory — it’s practice and study.” He adds that shifting to tech means becoming a problem-solver rather than simply an executor.
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