Around 320 students from more than 50 countries took part in the European Innovation Academy 2025 (EIA Porto 2025), considered the largest entrepreneurship and innovation academy in the world. For three weeks, from 20 July to 8 August, these young talents immersed themselves in Porto’s unique environment and had the opportunity to transform ideas into potential startups with global impact.

Three weeks to build a startup

Throughout the programme, participants experienced all the stages of creating a startup, from concept validation to engaging with investors. In the first week, teams focused on developing their Minimum Viable Products (MVPs). The second week centred on market entry strategies and results-oriented marketing tactics, culminating in the “Startup Expo”, where all teams presented their projects to the public and the entrepreneurial community. The third and final week concluded with meetings with potential investors – an opportunity to receive feedback and, in some cases, secure the first funding for early-stage companies.

To support future entrepreneurs, EIA Porto 2025 brought together nearly 50 international mentors and speakers, including professionals from leading technology companies such as Google, Amazon, Disney, Microsoft and IKEA. These mentoring sessions, workshops and lectures fostered networking and knowledge-sharing in a truly global environment.

Porto and EIA: Four Successful Editions

The arrival of EIA in Porto in 2022 was the result of a joint effort between the University of Porto, the Municipality of Porto and partners such as Santander Universidades and Beta-i. From the outset, it was agreed that Porto would host EIA until 2026, consolidating the city as an international destination for entrepreneurial students.

Since 2022, the European Innovation Academy (EIA) in Porto has brought together nearly 2,000 participants from dozens of countries and universities worldwide. Over four editions, the programme has established the city as an international stage for young talents, entrepreneurs and consultants who, over three intensive weeks, develop business ideas with global potential.

With the European Innovation Academy, Porto attracts international talent, fosters networking among participants, develops skills and provides global visibility to the city’s innovation ecosystem. By strengthening the local ecosystem, these editions have consolidated Porto as a benchmark for creativity and technological entrepreneurship, generating new solutions for urban challenges.