# Portugal research and innovation initiatives

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/portugal-research-and-innovation-initiatives
> Updated: 2026-08-21T10:07:00.000Z. Sources: 13. Developments: 6.

In July 2026, Portugal merged its research bodies into the new Agência para a Investigação e Inovação (AI²), consolidating the former Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia and the Agência Nacional de Inovação. Under joint ministry oversight, AI² aims to manage the full research-to-commercialisation pipeline through a five-year programme, targeting research and innovation investment of approximately 3% of GDP. Officials emphasized that the restructuring is intended to improve agility and predictability without disinvestment, stating “não vai haver desinvestimento”. Academic and infrastructure developments followed. The University of Lisbon committed €20 million to construct two AI-focused high-performance computing data centres—at Instituto Superior Técnico and the Faculty of Sciences—to be completed by October 2028. Concurrently, the University of Porto reported progress on advanced magnet research. To support the broader innovation network, €45 million was allocated via the Compete 2030 program for Collaborative Laboratories (CoLAB) and Technology and Innovation Centers (CTI) in the North, Center, and Alentejo regions, utilizing Recovery and Resilience Plan funds. In August 2026, specific funding mechanisms were clarified. The €45 million Compete 2030 line for CoLAB and CTI centers in the North, Center, and Alentejo regions—85% co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund—opened for applications until October 15, 2026, though 11 centers in Lisbon and the Algarve are excluded. Additionally, the Alentejo 2030 regional program launched a €5 million contest via the Just Transition Fund to support R&D in the Alentejo Litoral territory, focusing on agri-food, renewable energy, and tourism. Legislative updates also extended the direct SIFIDE tax incentive regime through the end of 2026, while the indirect SIFIDE II modality for investment fund contributions is ending for new entries. Strategic forums and talent initiatives have also shaped the landscape.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-21: Portugal updates R&D incentives and launches Alentejo funding

Portugal introduces new R&D funding for Alentejo Litoral and updates SIFIDE tax incentives, extending direct R&D benefits through 2026 while phasing out indirect fund contributions.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/portugal-updates-rd-incentives-and-launches-alentejo-funding

### 2026-08-16: Portugal allocates 45 million euros for CoLAB and CTI innovation centers

CoLAB and CTI centers in Portugal's North, Center, and Alentejo regions can apply for 45 million euros in funding via Compete 2030 to support research and innovation transfer.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/portugal-allocates-45-million-euros-for-colab-and-cti-innovation-centers

### 2026-07-30: Portugal launches AI Fast Track visa scheme to attract foreign specialists

Portugal’s government will launch an “AI Fast Track” visa programme by year‑end to fast‑track foreign AI researchers and professionals, linking them with firms via a new talent platform.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/portugal-launches-ai-fast-track-visa-scheme-to-attract-foreign-specialists

### 2026-07-24: Portugal's AI2 Science and Innovation Forum Calls for Stable Research Funding

Portugal’s AI2‑led science forum in Lisbon highlighted researcher precarity and featured a UBI proposal urging the use of regional contexts to boost innovation.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/portugals-ai2-science-and-innovation-forum-calls-for-stable-research-funding

### 2026-07-21: Portuguese Universities Invest €20 million in AI Data Centres and Advanced Magnet Research

Portugal’s universities boost high‑tech research: ULisboa commits €20 M to AI data centres due 2028, while FCUP supports advanced magnet development for future technologies.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/portuguese-universities-invest-20-million-in-ai-data-centres-and-advanced-magnet-research

### 2026-07-16: Portugal launches AI² agency to streamline research and innovation funding

Portugal's new AI² agency, merging FCT and ANI, will provide faster, integrated research and innovation funding from 2027, guided by a multi‑year contract program and pledging no cuts to existing programmes.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/portugal-launches-ai-agency-to-streamline-research-and-innovation-funding

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Cite as: Portugal research and innovation initiatives. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/portugal-research-and-innovation-initiatives