University Renews 20-Year Partnership with Portugal Technology Base

For nearly two decades, The University of Texas at Austin has partnered with Portugal to accelerate global innovation, research and entrepreneurship. This long-running collaboration has helped launch unicorn startups, build Portugal’s technological infrastructure and foster international networks that extend beyond national borders. 

UT is one of only three U.S. universities (alongside Carnegie Mellon and MIT) selected by Portugal to co-lead this global initiative. Together, the partners have advanced research in sustainable energy systems, greener computing and AI, critical materials discovery, and space technologies with Earth-based applications. 

The program’s impact has extended across continents. Portuguese startups Feedzai and SwordHealth grew into billion-dollar “unicorns” with roots in the partnership, and alumni researchers have gone on to receive some of the most prestigious scientific honors, including the Nobel Prize in Physics and Pfizer Award in clinical research. 

“Partnering with UT has been a major boost for Portugal, improving our education system, enhancing research capabilities and galvanizing a vibrant startup scene,” said the program’s national director José Manuel Mendonça. 

With its recent five-year renewal, the UT Austin Portugal program continues to strengthen global research ties while shaping the next generation of technological breakthroughs. 

To learn more about the partnership, visit the Cockrell School of Engineering website.