UPTEC generates 866 million euros for GDP and reinforces its impact on the national economy
An Economic Impact Study reveals that, in 2024, the UPTEC ecosystem contributed 866 million euros to Portuguese GDP, supported the creation of around 15,900 jobs and once again grew at a rate above the national economic average.
The activity of companies based at UPTEC – the University of Porto Science and Technology Park has once again demonstrated a significant impact on the national economy. According to the latest UPTEC Economic Impact Study, prepared by Professors Isabel Mota and Armindo Carvalho of the Faculty of Economics at the University of Porto (FEP), the UPTEC ecosystem generated an impact of €866 million on Portugal's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2024, whilst also contributing to around 15,900 jobs, €514 million in wages and €182 million in tax revenue
The study, which analysed the period between 2022 and 2024, highlights sustained growth that outpaced the Portuguese economy across all indicators assessed, notably GDP, employment, wages and tax revenue. During this period, UPTEC's impact on GDP grew by an average of 15.55% per year, whilst its impact on employment recorded an average annual growth rate of 13.2%, both significantly above the national average.
In 2024, UPTEC was home to 223 companies, mostly startups, employing 3,469 people. Between 2022 and 2024, these companies attracted more than €104 million in investment, generated €616 million in exports and achieved €819 million in turnover.
The ecosystem also includes 84 graduated companies, responsible for 1,436 jobs, €260 million in exports, €21 million in investment and €529 million in turnover over the same period.
Overall, the findings underline UPTEC's expanding role as a driver of innovation, business growth and economic value creation, with its contribution to national output, employment, wages and public finances consistently outpacing the corresponding growth rates observed across the Portuguese economy.
