Instituto Pedro Nunes (IPN) participated in the organization of the fourth edition of the Startup Capital Summit, held on June 3 at Convento São Francisco in Coimbra. The event brought together more than 1400 participants, over 300 companies, more than 300 startups, and over 90 national and international investors, consolidating its position as one of Portugal’s leading initiatives dedicated to entrepreneurship, innovation, investment, and knowledge transfer.
Organized by the University of Coimbra in partnership with Instituto Pedro Nunes (IPN), Coimbra City Council, and the Coimbra Metropolitan Region, the Startup Capital Summit once again established itself as a key meeting point for startups, entrepreneurs, investors, companies, researchers, and students. The event further strengthened Coimbra’s position as a true startup region and innovation hub.
The opening session featured João Gabriel Silva, President of the IPN Board, Amílcar Falcão, Rector of the University of Coimbra, Ana Abrunhosa, President of Coimbra City Council, and Helena Teodósio, President of the Coimbra Metropolitan Region.
According to João Gabriel Silva, entrepreneurship, the creation of new businesses, and the successful commercialization of innovative ideas depend on the establishment of strong partnerships. He emphasized that initiatives such as the Startup Capital Summit play a crucial role in bringing together entrepreneurs, investors, and organizations from the scientific and technological ecosystem, helping transform innovative projects into ventures with economic and social impact.
One of the highlights of the event was the signing of a cooperation agreement between Coimbra City Council and Empowered Startups, represented by Ana Abrunhosa and Christopher Lennon, President of Empowered Startups. The Summit also welcomed Fernando Alexandre, Portugal’s Minister of Education, Science and Innovation, who delivered the keynote presentation “AI² – More Science, Greater Impact”, focusing on the role of science, research, and innovation in the country’s development.
Throughout the day, the Startup Capital Summit provided a unique platform for knowledge sharing, the presentation of innovative solutions, and the creation of new collaboration opportunities. The programme included a startup and academic spin-off exhibition, thematic panel discussions, networking sessions, and a pitch competition for innovative ideas and startups as part of the INEO Start Demo Day. Moderated by Jorge Pimenta, Innovation Director at Instituto Pedro Nunes, the competition gave entrepreneurs the opportunity to present 20 projects to investors, companies, and other key stakeholders from the entrepreneurial ecosystem. IPN also contributed to the event’s content programme through the participation of Ana Jegundo, Director of Planning and Organizational Management at Instituto Pedro Nunes, as a speaker in the session on startups driving the cities of the future through the circular economy.
The Startup Capital Summit reinforces Instituto Pedro Nunes ongoing commitment to promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology transfer. The event’s significant growth and the strong engagement of both national and international stakeholders demonstrate its relevance as a platform connecting talent, knowledge, investment, and market opportunities, while contributing to the strengthening of Coimbra and Portugal as territories of innovation and sustainable development.
