Wavemaker Business Creation Award Portugal

Type of programme

Acceleration

Who can apply

Early-stage start-ups, spin-offs and student-led ventures working on innovative solutions in the water, marine and maritime sectors.

Deadline

04/09/2026

Details

Designed to drive water innovation across the continent, EIT Water’s WAVEMAKER is hosting eight regional business creation competitions across Europe to discover and support high-potential startups and spin-offs in the water, marine, and maritime sectors. As a core part of EIT Water’s Business Creation Mechanism, this program intent to accelerate early-stage ventures from concept to market.

Selected projects will receive mentoring and support for strategic business development and pitch training, culminating in the Wavemaker Pitch Day, taking place on 16 September at the Figueira da Foz Incubator.

The three top-ranked projects will receive Free EIT Water Membership for 2027, giving them access to development opportunities and project support. The first-place winner will also progress to the European level of the competition and may nominate a representative to attend the EIT Water Launch Event on 15 October in Málaga, where the winners of the various national editions will compete in the Wavemaker Business Creation Awards final for a €5,000 European prize and Free EIT Water Membership for 2028.