Standardization can be a strategic tool for startups, helping to reduce risks, support the development of innovative solutions and facilitate access to new markets.

This is the focus of the next webinar organized by the INOVA Quality Hub Incubator, featuring Carla Gomes, from the Standardization Department of the Portuguese Quality Institute (IPQ).

The session will cover topics including the Portuguese Standardization System, how startups can participate in the development of standards, and how standards can support business growth and competitiveness.

Register here.

European sustainability requirements are evolving, and SMEs are playing an increasingly important role in addressing the new challenges surrounding ESG reporting.

INOVA Quality Hub is hosting the webinar “ESG for SMEs: Implications of the New Reporting Legislation – How to Act?”, a practical and accessible session focused on the key changes to European sustainability legislation and their impact on small and medium-sized enterprises.

The session will feature Rita Pinhol, Founder of GreenDash.

Reserve your place here.

HealthQ UP Demo Day marks the conclusion of the INOVA Quality Hub acceleration programme

The INOVA Quality Hub hosted the HealthQ UP Demo Day, marking the conclusion of its acceleration programme dedicated to healthcare and healthtech startups.

After several months of mentoring, training, and solution development, participating startups presented their projects to a panel of experts, investors, and innovation ecosystem stakeholders.

This edition recognised Upspeech with the People's Choice Award, VaultHaus with the Digital Award, and MYCancer with the Impact Award.

The INOVA Quality Hub thanks all participants and partners — Unicorn Factory Lisboa, Complear, and TB4Health — for contributing to the success of this initiative, which continues to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in the healthcare sector.

On 19 June, the Health Hub by Unicorn Factory Lisboa will host the HealthQ UP Demo Day, the closing event of the acceleration programme promoted by the INOVA Quality Hub, in partnership with Unicorn Factory Lisboa, Complear, and TB4Health.

Over the past few months, startups in the healthcare and healthtech sectors have developed and accelerated their solutions with the support of experts, mentors, and ecosystem partners. At this final event, participants will present their projects, share the results achieved throughout the programme, and connect with investors, organisations, and healthcare professionals.

The Demo Day will also recognise the startups that stand out in the programme's different award categories.

Participation is free of charge, and registration is available here.

The INOVA Quality Hub is launching the Innovation Management and Artificial Intelligence for Startups (ISO-Driven) training programme, a free online learning journey focused on innovation, artificial intelligence, and management based on national and international standards.

Across eight modules, participants will gain access to practical tools, AI maturity and risk assessment methodologies, and guidance on the standards applicable to the development of innovative solutions.

The programme will be delivered by Isabel Caetano, an expert in innovation and standardisation.

📍 100% online and free of charge.

👉 View the programme schedule and register here.

HealthQ UP is the INOVA Quality Hub's acceleration programme dedicated to startups and innovative projects in the healthcare sector.

Throughout the programme, teams work closely with mentors and strategic partners to validate their solutions, refine their business models, and prepare for market entry and investment opportunities. It is an intensive, hands-on, results-driven programme designed to transform innovation into real impact in healthcare.

Learn more about the programme or apply here.

24 February

The INOVQtalks returned with a session dedicated to Artificial Intelligence and Quality, bringing together experts and innovation ecosystem stakeholders to explore the challenges and opportunities that this technological transformation presents for entrepreneurship.

From the evolving regulatory landscape to the practical application of AI in startups, the session highlighted the growing importance of artificial intelligence as a strategic driver of innovation, quality, and regional development.

Read the full article.

October 28th and 29th 2025

Two-day in-person bootcamp, developed by INOVA Quality Hub, an incubator of the Portuguese Institute for Quality, aimed at equipping master's and doctoral students and entrepreneurs with essential tools and knowledge to transform innovative ideas into sustainable businesses.

More information here.

April 9th 2025

The 1st edition of INOVA Quality Hub's INOVQtalks was a milestone for the entrepreneurial ecosystem, bringing together ideas and experiences that will drive the future of startups! With an audience composed of entrepreneurs, incubators, startups, universities, and business associations, the conference explored the impact of NP 4595, the first national standard created with the needs of growing companies in mind.

June 5th 2025

The 2nd edition of InovQtalks, "Built to Last: Quality in Digitalization," took place at Microsoft Portugal. The INOVA Quality Hub initiative once again brought together entrepreneurs, experts, and professionals from various fields for another session in its series of talks focusing on the intersection of quality, innovation, and the future. The debate centered on the challenges and opportunities of quality digitalization, exploring the essential role of quality in software development, building robust digital solutions, and the technological transition of startups and SMEs.