From Portugal to Paying U.S. Customers
A selective commercialization program for deep-tech founders ready to scale globally.
Startup2ScaleUp (S2S) is a 12-month, execution-driven program powered by UT Austin Portugal intended to help Portuguese deep-tech companies per year enter the U.S. market with real customers, partners, and traction.
Why This Is Different
- No fluff, this is not a typical accelerator.
- You don’t attend S2S – you execute with it!
- Built and operated by UT Austin’s Global Innovation Lab – not consultants.
- A dedicated U.S.-based Business Development Manager working on your company.
- Direct access to real customers, partners, and investors – not demo days.
- Structured soft-landing and go-to-market execution in the U.S.
- 12 months of accountable, milestone-driven support.
- Zero participation fees. Zero hype. Measurable outcomes.
Startup2ScaleUp is a commercialization gateway you earn, not a program you attend.
What S2S Helps You Achieve
- Convert deep-tech innovation into U.S. market traction.
- Validate and execute a real go-to-market strategy.
- Secure first U.S. customers, partners, or pilots.
- Build long-term connections inside the Texas and U.S. innovation ecosystem.
Who Should Apply
This program is for you if you:
- Are a Portuguese-registered deep-tech startup or scaleup.
- Have a differentiated technology or protected IP.
- Are beyond pure R&D and ready for commercialization.
- See the U.S. as a strategic priority market.
- Have founders willing to commit time, speed, and accountability.
- Are hungry and driven towards scaling up in America!
Program Structure
| Phase | Focus & Key Activities |
|---|---|
| Phase 1 Market & Strategy Alignment |
|
| Phase 2 U.S. Business Development Execution |
|
| Phase 3 Consolidation & Next-Step Planning |
|
Hybrid delivery: online + Portugal + U.S. (as relevant)
Selected companies must commit to:
- Having their own skin in the game.
- Monthly formal check-ins.
- Ongoing collaboration with the UT Austin Business Development team.
- Full execution focus throughout the 12-month program.
Why UT Austin / Global Innovation Lab
UT Austin’s Global Innovation Lab (GIL) has supported hundreds of international founders across multiple continents in executing U.S. market entry strategies with real commercial outcomes.
GIL partners with the UT Austin Portugal Program to ensure alignment with program objectives and effective engagement with the Portuguese innovation ecosystem.
Learn more about GIL and its success stories here.
How GIL Works
- Weekly Business Development touchpoints.
- Monthly pipeline reports.
- Continuous lead qualification.
Selection & Exclusivity
S2S is highly selective. Only companies ready to execute in the U.S. will be admitted.
What we are looking for:
- Technology differentiation & IP.
- Market traction & validation.
- U.S. market readiness.
- Team strength & execution capacity.
- Program fit & commitment.
Costs and Commitment
- No participation fees.
- No equity taken.
- Limited travel support for approved U.S. meetings or trade shows.
Registration
Apply for Startup2ScaleUp 2026
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
The program closes once four companies are selected.
Early applications receive priority evaluation.
S2S: focused on execution, not pitch competitions.
