The Program’s Main Sponsor

The Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) is Portugal’s national public agency dedicated to funding and promoting research, science, technology, and innovation. Operating under the supervision of the Portuguese Government through the ministry responsible for science and higher education, FCT plays a central role in advancing Portugal’s position in global research and innovation.

Since 2006, FCT has supported strategic international partnerships with leading universities in the United States, including the University of Texas at Austin, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Carnegie Mellon University. Through these initiatives, FCT fosters the internationalization of Portuguese science and higher education, enabling collaborative research projects, advanced training programs, and the mobility of students and researchers.

FCT’s support ensures the strategic alignment, funding, and monitoring of the UT Austin Portugal Program, connecting academia, research institutions, and industry. By promoting global knowledge networks and supporting Portugal’s engagement in international research ecosystems, FCT strengthens the country’s innovation capacity and contributes to scientific diplomacy and international collaboration.