Think big
scale upwith us.
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.
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
July 2026
Applications are now open
1July 2026
Applications are now open
July 2026
Applications are now open
3 September 2026
Closing date for applications
23 September 2026
Closing date for applications
3 September 2026
Closing date for applications
16 September 2026
Kick-off
316 September 2026
Kick-off
16 September 2026
Kick-off
16 September to 5 November 2026
Workshops and mentoring sessions
416 September to 5 November 2026
Workshops and mentoring sessions
16 September to 5 November 2026
Workshops and mentoring sessions
5 November 2026
Pitch Day
55 November 2026
Pitch Day
5 November 2026
Pitch Day
Visionary individuals ready to shape the future business landscape
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.
Success stories
Inspiring testimonials

Partnership Net
Partnership Net is an international company specialising in sponsorship (sports and brand sponsorship), with a mission to unlock the full hidden value of partnerships and sponsorships on a global scale. It has been operating in this market since 2007, drawing on the accumulated experience of its founders – who have over 30 years’ experience in the sector – which led to the creation of its proprietary platform: Partnership Net.

BAUU
BAUU is a Portuguese company that is reinventing the concept of personal storage in the Gaia and Porto regions. Made up of a young and dynamic team, it aims to revolutionise the self-storage market in Portugal through a model that is a first for the country: Mobile Self Storage.

FACTOR AI
FactorAI is a Portuguese technology company dedicated to accelerating the digital transformation of industry. Its mission is clear: to equip small and medium-sized factories to meet the challenges of Industry 5.0, harnessing artificial intelligence and automation to drive industrial growth.
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.”
Supported companies
Startups
5-year survival rate









