Somewhere along the way, we convinced ourselves that research and execution pull in opposite directions. That one belongs to universities and the other to startups; that research slows you down and the market speeds you up. As if science were a luxury and execution the only thing that matters. It’s a false choice and one that costs Portugal more than we admit.
This week I read Pedro Bizarro’s reflection on reaching one hundred patents. A Portuguese company, born from academic research, shaping a global industry with scientific depth and commercial clarity. It’s a reminder that innovation doesn’t come from choosing between research and business. It comes from refusing to separate them.
In Portugal, we still treat academia and startups like two neighbours who nod politely but never really talk. Universities optimise for publications; startups optimise for survival. One moves slowly, the other too fast. And somewhere in the middle, we lose the opportunity to build things that last. But then comes a very Portuguese truth: We don’t lack talent; we lack translation. Translation between discovery and application. Between theory and product. Between what is possible and what is actually useful.
Feedzai built that bridge early. Not because it was fashionable, but because it was necessary. They proved that deep research is not the enemy of speed, it’s the foundation of defensibility. And they did it from Portugal, which should make us think twice before repeating the old line that “we’re too small”.
I look at Braga effort to become a deep‑tech engine; at Coimbra, which keeps producing scientific talent any country would fight for; at Porto, blending engineering with industry in a way that feels almost inevitable; and at Lisbon, bringing density, ambition and the world knocking at the door. Even Madeira and Faro are starting to find their own angles.
The ingredients are here. What’s missing is alignment.
- Researchers who see the market as a path to relevance, not a threat.
- Founders who understand that scientific depth is not a delay, but a moat.
- Companies willing to invest before the return is obvious.
- Universities that open the door without fear of losing territory.
- Policies that reward impact, not just output.
Countries that lead in innovation aren’t the ones with the most research or the most startups. They’re the ones that manage to connect the two.
I feel that Portugal is close, closer than we think. But bridges don’t build themselves and ecosystems don’t mature by accident. If we want to compete globally, we need to stop treating research and business as separate worlds. They are two halves of the same engine. And when they run together, they move a country forward.
Let me close this week's Digest with great news for Portugal’s startup ecosystem. The winning team from Startup Weekend Women Loulé “Closure.” has been selected among the 10 global finalists of the Techstars pitch competition. Out of 38 cities worldwide, “Closure.” will represent Loulé and Portugal in the final online pitch.
What started as one weekend of ideas, courage, and execution is now reaching the global stage. A proud moment for everyone helping grow the startup ecosystem across Portugal reminding us that we can build from anywhere.