According to the Deep Tech Portugal Outlook 2026 report by Porto Business School (PBS), Portugal can produce two or three global deep tech champions by 2030 if it overcomes key structural hurdles and keeps intellectual property anchored locally.
Portuguese deep tech startup ecosystem and growth potential
While local deep tech funding reached about €400 million, it still trails broader European markets. PBS recommends focusing resources on six key areas: Space, Defense and dual-ization, AI, Semiconductors, Health, and Green tech.
Major challenges include a shortage of post-Series A funding, slow tech transfer, and a severe STEM talent gap, with roughly 84% of employers reporting hiring difficulties.
Future global technology leaders and innovation in Portugal
To fix these gaps, the report proposes key steps: creating a national scale-up financing vehicle, standardizing university spin-off models, and making the state a primary "Customer Zero" for local tech.
Addressing these pillars will help local pioneers scale, create high-skilled tech jobs, and showcase innovations at industry events.
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