Road 2 Web Summit Bootcamps Empower Startups in Porto and Lisbon, leading to the Grand Finale | Upcoming Energies

Road 2 Web Summit is a joint initiative by Startup Portugal and Web Summit to select the best young startups to represent Portugal at the biggest tech event in the world, Web Summit. For the 2023 edition, a total of 115 startups will be selected, including 25 startups with projects focused on impact and social inclusion or founded by underrepresented ethnicities and other social minorities. 

In a strategic initiative to foster innovation and empower startups, two impactful bootcamps recently unfolded in Portugal, specifically in Porto and Lisbon.

The Porto edition took place at Pólo Zero and saw active participation from the startup community. João Costa Ribeiro, Open Innovation Lead, represented Galp at the sight. Simultaneously, Lisbon hosted its edition at The Fintech House, where selected startups delved into essential topics such as goal setting for the event, pitching techniques, investor engagement strategies, navigating the Web Summit app, and emphasizing the importance of community building. Joana Larsen, Open Innovation Lead, presented insights, particularly focusing on Galp’s path to energy transition.

Both bootcamps shared a common objective — preparing startups for the upcoming Web Summit and optimizing their overall experience during the event. 

A highlight of the program was the opportunity for the 115 participating startups to compete to win 3 financial prizes. The startup that demonstrated outstanding performance in both the bootcamp and the subsequent conference stood a chance to secure a €5,000 reward, in addition to other prizes. 

In the Web Summit Grand Finale, where Manuel Andrade, Head of Open Innovation, was a Jury - ETHIACK emerged as the "The Most Promising Startup" and the overall winner of this year's Road 2 Web Summit. Their remarkable efforts earned them a substantial €15,000 prize, propelling them closer to their entrepreneurial goals. 

Recognizing excellence in various categories, Jupiterapp.pt secured the title of "Startup With The Best Performance In The Bootcamp and Conference," while Actif received the award for "Startup With The Highest Contribution To Impact And Social Inclusion." Both startups were awarded €5,000 as a token of appreciation for their achievements.  

Road 2 Web Summit fostered growth, collaboration, and innovation within the startup ecosystem. As the winners celebrate their achievements, the program organizers proudly declare it a resounding success, setting a benchmark for future initiatives aimed at nurturing and propelling startups onto the global stage.