Porto continues to reinforce its position as one of Europe’s leading entrepreneurial ecosystems. According to the Global Startup Ecosystem Report (GSER) 2026, published by Startup Genome in partnership with the Global Entrepreneurship Network, Porto has climbed more than 15 positions in the global Emerging Ecosystems ranking, while also earning recognition for the strength of its Artificial Intelligence ecosystem.
Presented during VivaTech Paris, the GSER is widely regarded as one of the world’s most comprehensive studies on startup ecosystems, analysing more than 5.5 million companies across over 350 innovation ecosystems worldwide.
For Porto, the results reflect years of consistent ecosystem development and increasing international recognition.
Porto’s ecosystem continues to gain global momentum
The 2026 report places Porto among the #51–60 Emerging Startup Ecosystems globally, highlighting significant progress across several strategic indicators.
Among this year’s results:
- Ranked #51–60 Emerging Ecosystem worldwide
- $8.5 billion Ecosystem Value, representing 693% growth compared with the GSER 2021 reference period
- Top 10 in Europe for Funding Runway
- Top 15 in Europe for Affordable Talent
- Top 20 in Europe for AI-Native Cluster
- Top 30 in Europe for Startup Performance
- Top 40 in Europe for Talent Strength
These indicators reinforce Porto’s ability to combine talent, investment, research and entrepreneurial ambition into an increasingly competitive ecosystem.
AI, software, health and fintech continue to drive growth
The report highlights Software, Health, FinTech and Artificial Intelligence as some of the sectors powering Porto’s recent momentum.
This growth is supported by several structural advantages that continue to strengthen the city’s entrepreneurial environment, including:
- internationally recognised universities and research centres;
- an increasingly skilled and international talent pool;
- growing access to European and international venture capital;
- more than 50 incubators, accelerators and innovation support organisations;
- an expanding network of founders, investors and technology communities.
Recent milestones also illustrate this trajectory. During the evaluation period, SMARTEX.AI raised a $40 million investment round backed by international investors, while Sword Health acquired Germany-based Kaia Health in a $285 million transaction. Porto also hosts technology hubs from eight unicorn companies, including Revolut, Feedzai and Anchorage Digital.
A city designed for entrepreneurship and innovation
Beyond the rankings, the GSER 2026 reinforces Porto’s long-term strategy of creating the conditions for entrepreneurship to flourish.
Through initiatives that connect founders, investors, universities, corporations, public institutions and the wider community, Porto continues to position itself as a collaborative ecosystem where innovative companies can start, grow and scale internationally.
As Hugo Beirão, City Councillor for Economics and Entrepreneurship, highlights:
“Built on talent, research, and collaboration, Porto’s ecosystem continues to grow resiliently, inviting global founders to build and scale in our vibrant and dynamic community.”
Startup Genome Founder and President Marc Penzel also recognises the city’s trajectory:
“Porto’s 15+ climb in rank among Emerging Ecosystems globally is a powerful signal that the right partnerships and civic commitment can accelerate an ecosystem’s trajectory on the global stage.”
Building the next chapter together
Recognition in the GSER 2026 is more than a ranking. It reflects the collective work of entrepreneurs, startups, scaleups, universities, investors, technology communities and public institutions that continue to shape Porto’s innovation ecosystem.
At ScaleUp Porto, we remain committed to strengthening these connections, supporting founders throughout their growth journey and reinforcing Porto’s position as a city where innovation, talent and collaboration create lasting economic impact.
