Startup Events in Porto

From Specialist to Founder: The psychological transition no one prepares you for.
​Most founders spend years becoming exceptional at building products, solving problems, or developing expertise. Very few are prepared for what happens when success requires a different process: becoming a leader. A communicator. A decision-maker. Someone whose greatest challenge is no longer technical, but psychological.
​This is an interactive Power Hour hosted by UPTEC that will explore the identity shift that occurs when our role changes faster than our sense of self.
​Participants will explore:
- ​Why stepping into leadership often feels like "becoming a beginner again"
- ​Why taking a step back can be more effective than pushing harder
​- The psychology of confidence, identity, and uncertainty during periods of rapid growth
​- How to experiment with confidence and treat setbacks as information, not personal failure.
​- How to navigate the transition without losing the strengths that made you successful in the first place
​- Practical frameworks for embracing new roles while staying grounded in your values and authentic leadership style
​Rather than a traditional lecture, the session led by Keith Gissubel, combines psychology, storytelling, discussion, and experiential exercises that invite participants to recognize these patterns in themselves and leave with practical ways to navigate them.

Register here - https://luma.com/308elpmz

Discover HiTech 2027 and learn how the programme can help research teams explore the commercial potential of their technologies.

Interested in exploring the commercial potential of your deep-tech research?

Join our HiTech 2027 Information Session at i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, on 19 November 2026 at 14:30****,**** to discover how the programme works and whether it could be the right fit for your research team.

During the session, the HiSeedTech team will explain:

• what HiTech is and how it works;
• who can apply;
• the Technology Push and Market Pull tracks;
• what participating teams can expect throughout the programme;
• the application and selection process;
• key dates for the 2027 edition.

There will also be time for Q&A with the HiSeedTech team.

About HiTech:

HiTech is HiSeedTech’s hands-on programme for research teams developing deep-tech projects in Portugal.

Over 18 weeks of training, mentoring and expert support, participating teams explore the commercial potential of their technologies and scientific discoveries, develop a business case and define a pathway towards the market.

The programme combines two complementary tracks:

• Technology Push: for research teams looking to explore the commercial potential of their own deep-tech projects.
• Market Pull: for research teams interested in applying their knowledge and technologies to real-world challenges proposed by HiSeedTech Associates.

Participation in HiTech is free of charge for selected teams.

Applications: 9 November 2026 - 5 February 2027

Programme: 2 March - 30 June 2027

Information Session - i3S

Date: 19 November 2026
Time: 14:30
Location: i3S (Sala A)

Questions? Contact us at hitech@hiseedtech.com.

Learn more about HiTech here.

Hear from previous participants:

Discover what researchers from the HiTech 2026 edition have to say about their experience in the programme.

Discover HiTech 2027 and learn how the programme can help research teams explore the commercial potential of their technologies.

Interested in exploring the commercial potential of your deep-tech research?

Join our HiTech 2027 Information Session on 13 January 2027, at 10:00, specially organised for the University of Porto's research and innovation community. Discover how the programme works and whether it could be the right fit for your research team.”

The session will be held in a hybrid format, allowing you to join us in person at UPTEC Asprela or online. Simply select your preferred attendance format when registering.

During the session, the HiSeedTech team will explain:

• what HiTech is and how it works;
• who can apply;
• the Technology Push and Market Pull tracks;
• what participating teams can expect throughout the programme;
• the application and selection process;
• key dates for the 2027 edition.

There will also be time for Q&A with the HiSeedTech team.

Online participants will receive the Zoom link ahead of the session.

About HiTech:

HiTech is HiSeedTech’s hands-on programme for research teams developing deep-tech projects in Portugal.

Over 18 weeks of training, mentoring and expert support, participating teams explore the commercial potential of their technologies and scientific discoveries, develop a business case and define a pathway towards the market.

The programme combines two complementary tracks:

• Technology Push: for research teams looking to explore the commercial potential of their own deep-tech projects.
• Market Pull: for research teams interested in applying their knowledge and technologies to real-world challenges proposed by HiSeedTech Associates.

Participation in HiTech is free of charge for selected teams.

Applications: 9 November 2026 - 5 February 2027

Programme: 2 March - 30 June 2027

Information Session – University of Porto

Date: 13 January 2027
Time: 10:00
Location: UPTEC Asprela – Aquarium room
Format: Hybrid (in person and online)

Join us in person or online to discover how HiTech 2027 works and whether the programme could be the right fit for your research team.

Please select your preferred attendance format when registering:

• In-person attendance: Join us at UPTEC Asprela – Aquarium room
• Online attendance: Join the session remotely. The Zoom link will be shared with registered online participants.

Questions? Contact us at hitech@hiseedtech.com.

Learn more about HiTech here.

Hear from previous participants:

Discover what researchers from the HiTech 2026 edition have to say about their experience in the programme.