Startup2Scaleup Program

Established in 2026, Startup2Scaleup (S2S) is a commercialization initiative delivered by Global Innovation Lab (GIL) to help research-driven startups from Portugal enter and grow in the U.S. market. Through the UT Austin Portugal Program, a partnership between Portugal’s Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) and the Cockrell School of Engineering at the University of Texas at Austin, S2S builds on a longstanding commitment to research, innovation, and technology commercialization.

Startup2Scaleup (S2S) is a 12-month, execution-driven program powered by the UT Austin Portugal Program intended to help four Portuguese deep-tech companies per year enter the U.S. market with real customers, partners, and traction.

Companies are supported through:

• Customer discovery and market validation
• Identification of potential customers and strategic partners
• Business development and partnership cultivation
• U.S. market entry and go-to-market strategy
• Coaching for customer, partner, and investor engagement
• Access to UT Austin’s innovation ecosystem and industry network

By combining hands-on business development with access to Global Innovation Lab’s global network, Startup2Scaleup helps Portuguese founders transform breakthrough technologies into commercially viable ventures.