SCALE UP NOW - powered by Startup Portugal and Plug and Play

Scale Up Now, organised by Startup Portugal in collaboration with Plug and Play, is an intensive capacity-building programme designed to prepare Portuguese startups and innovation actors for expansion into the United States. Taking place from 19 to 23 January at the Startup Portugal headquarters in Lisbon, the initiative brings together startups, incubators, corporations, investors and community leaders for a week dedicated to global growth.

Throughout the programme, participants gain direct access to US investors, market specialists, and proven scale-up strategies. The agenda includes workshops, expert panels and tailored mentoring sessions, offering insights into the dynamics of the world’s largest innovation ecosystem.

A highlight of Scale Up Now is the chance to compete for a special prize, which includes access to the Goal Program, an acceleration and pilot initiative with local companies, along with tickets to the renowned San Francisco Summit, one of the leading innovation gatherings in the United States.

The programme is entirely free to attend with discounted accommodation options available and will be conducted in English. Applications are open until 7 January. This event provides a unique opportunity for Portuguese startups to showcase their solutions on an international stage and for those who are aiming to scale beyond national borders.