The network's formalization took place this morning at Unicorn Factory Lisboa, in Beato, with the signing of the document by institutional representatives, including Carlos Moedas, president of the Lisbon Metropolitan Council, and Gil Azevedo, executive director of Unicorn Factory Lisboa. The initiative seeks to address the lack of connection and scale between talent and ideas in the region.
According to Vasco Touguinha, metropolitan secretary for innovation, the network combines the scale and institutional legitimacy of AML with the experience and brand of Unicorn Factory. Startups from the 18 municipalities will benefit from access to mentors, investors, innovation and internationalization programs, and collaboration opportunities.
Gil Azevedo highlighted that the network represents a fundamental step in creating scale and future, positioning it as the largest innovation network at a national level, comparable to ecosystems in Paris and Amsterdam. The protocol foresees connections between municipalities, incubators, universities, and research centers.
This cooperation aligns with Strategic Axis Six – Innovation of the Major Options of the AML Plan, reinforcing the region as a metropolitan hub of innovation and knowledge. Objectives include promoting territorial innovation, developing solutions by startups, sharing resources, and accelerating the validation and internationalization cycle.
Carlos Moedas emphasized the vision of solidifying a region where ideas transform into business, creating jobs and better living conditions. The network is expected to position AML as a reference destination for entrepreneurship, technological talent, and investment, attracting European and national funds.
The initiative operationalizes AML's Innovation Strategy (2025), articulated with the Lisbon 2030 Regional Strategy and the Smart Specialization Regional Strategy, aiming to strengthen the metropolitan Innovation ecosystem.
Unicorn Factory Lisboa, launched in 2022, is a platform aiming to position Lisbon as a capital of innovation. It develops initiatives such as early-stage incubation, internationalization programs, support for international startups, youth entrepreneurship, and innovation hubs (Beato Innovation District, healthhub, gaminghub, greenhub, AIhub, and engineershub). The city was recognized as European Capital of Innovation in 2023.
