TechLaunch is the UT Austin Portugal Program’s flagship innovation training initiative, designed to help research-driven teams explore the real-world and market potential of their technologies.

Inspired by the U.S. National Science Foundation’s I-Corps™ methodology and adapted to the Portuguese ecosystem, TechLaunch provides teams with a structured framework focused on customer discovery, hypothesis testing, and business model development. The program guides participants in testing assumptions, engaging with potential users, and translating research outcomes into evidence-based value propositions—helping them make informed decisions about next steps rather than creating startups overnight.

TechLaunch strengthens Portugal’s deep-tech pipeline at a critical stage by challenging assumptions, reducing market uncertainty, and accelerating engagement with industry and investment opportunities. Each edition combines online workshops, hands-on experimentation, mentorship, and culminates in an in-person component at The University of Texas at Austin, providing exposure to international innovation ecosystems and expert guidance.

The program is implemented through periodic calls and editions:

• Information on current or upcoming calls is available on the Calls page.

• Details on specific editions (cohorts), including schedules and selected teams, are available on dedicated cohort pages.

Teams seeking to further develop and scale validated business opportunities may later participate in other innovation initiatives under the Program, such as Startup2ScaleUp, subject to eligibility and selection processes.