12/02/2026

Applications are now open for the StartUp Research 2026 program, a postgraduate course (8 ECTS) jointly developed by ITQB NOVA and NOVA SBE, designed to empower Life Sciences researchers with innovation and entrepreneurship skills.

The program aims to raise awareness among researchers about the value and impact their science can generate beyond academia. Participants will gain hands-on experience in Innovation Management, Business Modelling, Corporate Finance, and Start-Up Pitching, while developing key soft and hard skills in Bio-entrepreneurship.

Key Dates

• Applications: Feb 9 – Apr 3, 2026
• Acceptance notice: Apr 6 – Apr 10, 2026
• Registration: Apr 27 – May 5, 2026
• StartUp Research 2026: May 6 – Jul 24, 2026
• Format: Presential (ITQB NOVA, NOVA SBE & Palácio da Flor da Murta, Paço de Arcos)
• Total Classroom Hours: 102 hours

The program evolves around real-world problems and participants’ own innovative ideas. Teams of 3–4 members will work collaboratively, supported by mentoring and expert guidance from scientists, entrepreneurs, and industry executives.

Scholarships Available

Several Attendance Scholarships (€1500) are available per edition, including:

• ITQB NOVA Scholarships (2 full tuition scholarships)

• Oeiras Valley Scholarships (15 scholarships, preferentially awarded to candidates from institutions within the Oeiras Valley ecosystem)

As part of our continued collaboration with the Startup Research program, all members of the LS4FUTURE community are eligible to apply to these scholarships and have equal priority in the selection process, making this an excellent opportunity for researchers interested in innovation and translational impact.

Applicants are encouraged to submit innovative ideas, particularly those supported by preliminary data, as this may strengthen both admission and scholarship applications.

Application Requirements

• CV (maximum 2 pages)

• Motivation Letter (1 page)

• Online submission via the Application Portal

For full program details and schedule, please consult the official StartUp Research webpage.
For questions: startupresearch@itqb.unl.pt

LS4FUTURE strongly encourages its research community to explore this opportunity to expand their innovation mindset and entrepreneurial skills.