Incubation

If you have a project in the ideation phase or already taking its first steps, check out our incubation program and apply.

open_in_new Applications here

At Ponte you find courage

The challenges are many, but in the Ponte community you will find the courage, the tools and the discipline to undertake them. Together, we can create the necessary change.

Starting a business

During incubation we support you with everything you need to launch your business. As well as mentoring, coworking and networking, we train you in areas such as Business Planning, Marketing, Financial Management and Personal Development.

To whom

Individuals or teams, regardless of legal structure with:

Mature idea
Business in its early stages

Format

Digital, hybrid or even in person
Incubation for four months, with the possibility of renewal.
Integration into the entrepreneurial communities of two locations: Ponte – Loures, and Prontos – Caldas da Rainha.
Three cycles throughout the year, corresponding to different levels of project maturity:
Spring Cycle: mature idea; starting in April.
Autumn Cycle: early-stage business; starting in September.
Winter Cycle: acceleration program; starting in January.

The ingredients

Individual mentoring.
Diverse Training
Online platform with resources
Access to support services
Mentoring with a network of 30+ mentors

Access to two spaces – Loures and Caldas da Rainha
Peer community.
Events and Networking
Pitch training and opportunity for public presentation.

open_in_new Conditions and more info

Fall call is open

Applications for the Autumn Cycle are open until September 15, for early-stage projects or businesses.

open_in_new Applications here

“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life.”

Steve Jobs

Projects

Get to know some of the incubated projects:

Artivist

Connecting artivists, activists and social and environmental institutions in a collaborative creative economy network on the WEB3.

groupCarlone Bampa

location_on Guimarães

info ODS 16 e 17 e 18

open_in_new Find out more

Leedkey

Energy efficiency services, on a fee-for-service model, incorporating innovative technology in terms of software and equipment.

groupPaulo Figueiredo

location_on Leiria

info ODS 7 e 13

open_in_new Find out more

Mind the locals

Platform specializing in more sustainable travel; includes: informative content on the subject, practical tips, encouraging more conscious and responsible behaviour and a directory with its own evaluation.

groupMara Gonçalves

location_on Lisboa

info ODS 8, 11 e 12

open_in_new Find out more

Kissing the earth

A movement that seeks to contribute to healthier/sustainable lifestyles by regenerating soil, selling food and services such as creating edible gardens at home, at work, in schools or public spaces, as well as providing education.

groupCarla Jesus

location_on Maia

info ODS 3, 11, 12 e 15

open_in_new Find out more

Suba | Coarchitecture

Sustainable architecture services with high energy performance, using bioclimatic, passive strategies and renewable energy.

groupDiana Bandeira e Fátima Subida

location_on Porto

info ODS 8

open_in_new Find out more

Vida mais fértil

The association’s mission is to provide emotional support to those living with infertility and to help raise awareness of the issue.

groupJoana Folgado

location_on Lisboa

info ODS 3 e 5

open_in_new Find out more

FAQ

How and when can I apply?

Use the application form available here. Applications take place throughout the year, with two breaks for project analysis. These result in the opening of two batches: Spring and Fall. Applications for the Spring Batch close in March, with the incubation program kicking off in April. For the Fall Batch, applications close at the beginning of September, with the kick-off scheduled for the end of the month. If your application is selected, you will join one of the batches.

What are the criteria for assessing applications?

We will evaluate the following criteria: relevance of the problem or opportunity that your project aims to solve or take advantage of; stage of transformation/impact potentially generated by the project; level of innovation in relation to existing responses; holistic vision of sustainability; creation of job(s); maturity of the proposal; profile and execution capacity of the candidate.

What are the benefits of incubation?

Access to the Ponte spaces, depending on the modality you choose; a community and speed pitching where you can share ideas and overcome challenges; diverse training, mentoring and personalized advice with a network of more than 30 mentors; access to support services, an online platform with resources that will help you; workshops and training sessions to develop your project or business; access to events and various networking opportunities; the opportunity to present your project to potential partners or investors (pitch).

Do I have to be present in person?

We are flexible, incubating in digital, hybrid or face-to-face formats.

What is the purpose of mentors?

Mentors offer entrepreneurs personalized guidance and feedback, advice and knowledge sharing. They can also help you develop your business strategy, improve financial management, build a network of contacts and obtain investment. They can meet with you on a weekly or fortnightly basis, depending on your needs and the incubation model.

Does incubation have costs?

Yes, there are various types of incubation, from digital to face-to-face, short or long term. Check out the “Incubation Modalities” section of our Regulations to find out about the different plans and their prices.

If I’m not accepted, can I apply

Yes. There is no limit to the number of times you can apply. Try to improve your proposal and submit again. Check out our training offer to help you in this area.