Last week, Above & Beyond Hangout #46 – “What’s Next for Portugal’s Startup Ecosystem?” brought together founders, investors, policymakers, and ecosystem leaders in Lisbon, Porto, online, and even Brussels, for a forward-looking conversation on the future of innovation in Portugal.
The evening opened with an Ecosystem Briefing from Miguel Aguiar (Startup Portugal), live from the ESNA – Europe Startup Nations Alliance Forum in Brussels, setting the tone for a session focused on reflection, collaboration, and ambition. André Costa Magalhães (ANJE) then introduced the Nexo Summit in a short presentation.
⚡ Warm-up pitches showcased emerging talent in both cities:
- The O, presented by Ricardo Danyalgil (Porto)
- Trash4Goods, pitched by Afonso Ravasco (Lisbon)
💬 The main panel featured key voices from the national entrepreneurship landscape:
- Adriana Costa (Universidade de Aveiro Incubator)
- Alex Santos (Startup Portugal)
- Filipa Pinto de Carvalho (ANJE, RedBridge Lisbon, Here Partners)
- Manuel Cabral, President – Startup Portugal’s Strategic Council
Moderated by João Moreira Pires (Startup Portugal), speakers reflected on the evolution of Portugal’s startup ecosystem, the next steps for entrepreneurship, and how founders, investors, and institutions can work together to strengthen the country’s innovation fabric.
🎮 The evening concluded with indie gaming demo stations, bringing a playful touch to the Hangout:
- Loading Studios with Alentejo: Tinto’s Law (Lisbon)
- Meia Calça with Panthalassa (Porto)
Looking Ahead
✨ More Hangouts
The Above & Beyond Hangout series continues with new events focused on challenges and opportunities for startups. Missed this edition? Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn to stay updated on upcoming events.
📷 Photos by: João Figueiredo & Ricardo Meireles
