INOVAGAIA

Think big

scale upwith us.

Give your startup a boost, expand your future

Scale up with us is a hands-on acceleration programme that helps startups refine their strategy, learn from mentors and network with investors. All this whilst developing the skills they need to grow with confidence. Taking part in the Scale up with us programme means much more than simply gaining skills and access to new tools. It is about fostering critical thinking, building capabilities, accelerating ideas and forging positive connections capable of transforming each startup’s potential into growth and real impact.

logotipo do programa scale up with us

Who is it for?

Startups

Your startup has been incorporated and is less than 10 years old.

Product

You have at least one MVP or product and have already secured market validation.

Team

The team consists of at least two people.

Here’s what you can expect. We maintain a fast-paced but rewarding programme, designed to deliver tangible results in a short space of time.

Metrics and unit economics
Internationalisation
Market entry
Sales cycle
Fundraising
  • Work with experienced mentors who offer personalised guidance to help you tackle the unique challenges and achieve the unique goals of your startup.

  • Gain direct access to investors, industry leaders and startups, opening the door to new opportunities and collaborations.

  • Take part in sessions led by experts, covering everything from fundraising to leadership, designed to hone your skills and accelerate your growth.

What do we offer?

Cash prizes

By taking part, you can win up to €1,000 towards the project’s costs. The winner will receive an additional €2,500.

Free incubation

Six months’ free incubation for everyone, with additional periods for the winners.

Access to Web Summit

The top three finishers in the final pitch will receive one free entry to Web Summit.

Ecosystem

Gain access to mentoring and direct contact with investors, industry leaders and startups, opening the door to new opportunities and collaborations.

This is where startups learn to grow more intelligently.

Language
English
Format
Online + Face-to-face
Location
INOVAGAIA
Duration
8 weeks
Price
Free

Awards

Taking part in the Scale up with us programme means more than just recognition. It means paving the way for real opportunities for growth.

  • All participants

    €500 towards project expenses and 6 months’ virtual incubation with 3 mentoring sessions. The possibility of an additional €500 if the project remains in the incubation programme.

  • 🥇1st place

    €2,500 in project funding, 12 months’ incubation with mentoring and a coworking space. One ticket to Web Summit.

  • 🥈2nd place

    A 9-month incubation programme with mentoring and a coworking space. One ticket to Web Summit.

  • 🥉3rd place

    A 6-month incubation programme with mentoring and a coworking space. One ticket to Web Summit.

Timeline

  1. 1

    July 2026

    Applications are now open

  2. 2

    3 September 2026

    Closing date for applications

  3. 3

    16 September 2026

    Kick-off

  4. 4

    16 September to 5 November 2026

    Workshops and mentoring sessions

  5. 5

    5 November 2026

    Pitch Day

SCALE UP WITH US

apply now

Deadline for applications: 3 September 2026

Apply now

Visionary individuals ready to shape the future business landscape

scale up with us
We are looking for

ambitiousleaders

The Scale up with us programme aims to give early-stage startups the boost they need to grow faster and more effectively. Over the course of eight weeks, founders take part in practical workshops, connect with renowned mentors and gain real-world insights from entrepreneurs who have already scaled their businesses. It’s the ideal place to take your startup to the next level and discover new opportunities for growth.

best moments

from thelast edition.

join us

featured startups from previous editions

Join this vibrant community and grow with us.

Testemunhos

Joining the ‘Scale up with us’ programme is about much more than just receiving training; it’s about gaining the momentum to grow.

Isabel CarepetaFounder & CEO, Simplifyer

At INOVAGAIA, we feel connected. The team is incredibly proactive. Even before we’ve had to ask, they’re already opening doors for us: benefits that save us time and money, access to events that put us at the heart of the ecosystem, mentoring, relevant connections and direct access to investors. This is much more than just an accelerator programme or an incubator. It’s a network that stays with us and a phenomenal team that works alongside us every step of the way.

Artur NascimentoCEO & Founder of Vet Before Pet

For those who have already been through other accelerator programmes, expectations are always accompanied by a more critical and pragmatic perspective. However, the truth is that our experience on INOVAGAIA’s ‘Scale Up With Us’ programme exceeded all expectations. For Vet Before Pet, the programme was crucial in helping us to pause, take a breath, analyse our structure in depth and set out a new strategic direction… and the outcome couldn’t have gone better. The support provided was of the highest quality at every level, backed by impeccable organisation and a focus on delivering real value to start-ups. I strongly recommend that any entrepreneur seize this opportunity and take part in future editions. I have no doubt that INOVAGAIA is establishing itself as one of the most important hubs for entrepreneurship in the coming years.

+600

Supported companies

+70

Startups

+80%

5-year survival rate

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Scale up with us?
Scale up with us is INOVAGAIA’s acceleration programme. Through this programme, we help start-ups move on to the next stage of their development.
Who is the Scale up with us programme aimed at?
The programme is aimed at start-ups that have already developed and validated their solution in the market and wish to accelerate the growth of their business, strengthen their capabilities and forge new connections.
What are the requirements for taking part?
The programme is aimed at legally incorporated start-ups that are less than 10 years old, have developed at least one MVP and have already achieved market validation. In addition, the team must consist of at least two adults.
Can I register if I haven’t set up a company yet?
No. It is a mandatory requirement to have a legally incorporated company that is less than 10 years old. If your project is still at the planning stage, INOVAGAIA has more suitable programmes, such as Start up with us.
How many start-ups are accepted onto each acceleration programme?
To ensure the quality of the support programme, between 10 and 20 start-ups are accepted, depending on the format of each edition.
How are start-ups selected for acceleration programmes?
Applications are assessed by a panel of judges, based on pre-defined merit criteria. Each edition has its own set of rules, which set out the guidelines, criteria and selection process.
Are there any costs involved in taking part?
Participation in the programme is free of charge. Travel and accommodation costs, where applicable, are the responsibility of the participants.
Are there any prizes in the Scale up with us competition?
Prizes are awarded in every edition of Scale up with us. The format may vary from one edition to the next, with prizes awarded for participation, prizes for the winners, or both. Prizes may include financial support, free incubation and integration into the INOVAGAIA ecosystem.
What format do the sessions take?
The SCALE UP WITH US events are held in a hybrid format, combining in-person and online sessions. The schedule is organised to make it easier for start-ups based in different regions of the country to take part.
How long do the accelerator programmes last?
Accelerator programmes typically last between 6 and 10 weeks, depending on their intensity and the number of weekly sessions. A typical programme may include three days of face-to-face sessions and between 10 and 15 online sessions, each lasting between 1.5 and 3 hours.
How often are the accelerator programmes held?
INOVAGAIA usually runs two accelerator programmes a year: one in the spring and one in the autumn.
Are all accelerator programmes the same?
No. INOVAGAIA develops each edition based on the lessons learnt from previous programmes, with a view to continuous improvement and adapting to market developments and new technologies.
How can I apply for Scale up with us?
Applications must be submitted exclusively online via the INOVAGAIA website.
What is the deadline for submitting applications?
Application deadlines are set for each edition and can be found on the page for the current programme on the INOVAGAIA website.
What information and documents are required to submit an application?
To apply, you must complete a questionnaire providing details about your business and submit a pitch deck in PDF format, no larger than 10 MB. If your start-up is selected, you will be asked to provide further information during the onboarding phase.