Alexandre Teixeira dos Santos is an experienced investor, executive and entrepreneur with a strong background in management, investment, and ecosystem development. As President of Startup Portugal, he works to strengthen the country’s entrepreneurial landscape, bridging founders, investors, and policymakers to accelerate innovation and growth.

Amílcar Falcão is the current Rector of the University of Coimbra. He has a degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences, a PhD and an Aggregate Degree in Pharmacy from the UC, where he is a Full Professor. He has been Director of the Faculty of Pharmacy, the Institute for Interdisciplinary Research and Vice-Rector of the UC.

He has an extensive scientific output (more than 230 scientific articles, more than 5000 citations) and extensive experience in supervising research work. He is on the editorial board of several scientific journals, where he is a regular reviewer. He has already received several national and international awards that reinforce the visibility and quality of his work.

Amílcar Falcão is also the Technical Director of the company ICNAS Produção, having actively participated in obtaining the first radiopharmaceutical drug developed and registered in Portugal and the first Portuguese drug to be commercialised.

Economist and university professor, she holds a Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctorate in Economics from the Faculty of Economics of the University of Coimbra. Member of Parliament from 2 April 2024, to 2 May 2025. She was president of the Parliamentary Health Committee, Member of the Parliamentary Education and Science Committee, and Member of the Parliamentary Committee on Economy, Public Works, and Housing.

She was also Minister of Territorial Cohesion in the XXII and XXIII Constitutional Governments, from 26 October 2019, to 2 April 2023. She has been a professor at the Faculty of Economics of the University of Coimbra since 1995.

Ana Teresa Maia is Founder and CEO of expressTEC, a women-led deeptech healthtech spin-off from the University of Algarve, developing RNA-based companion diagnostics to guide cancer treatment. With over 30 years of experience in cancer research, including a PhD from the Institute of Cancer Research in London and postdoctoral work at the University of Cambridge, she has built her career at the intersection of genomics, bioinformatics and clinical translation. Ana Teresa is leading expressTEC’s mission to improve treatment response in oncology by bringing functionally relevant RNA biomarkers and AI into clinical decision-making. She is also a recipient of the Women TechEU award, the Deloitte Women in Leadership Award and a Top Presenter at Tech Tour AI for Health 2026.

André Figueiredo is the CEO of Rodda, one of the leading groups in the automotive sector in Portugal, originating from the historic Grupo Automóveis do Mondego. He represents a new generation of leadership in the industry and plays an active institutional role, serving as President of AECP | European Association of Peugeot Dealers, of the retail division of ACAP – Portuguese Automobile Association, and of ASPOR – Association of Stellantis Dealers in Portugal.

With a vision focused on innovation, he has been leading Rodda’s transformation into a more technology-driven and data-oriented operator, driving the adoption of artificial intelligence tools, CRM, and automation through Rodda Think. His focus is on reinventing the customer experience and positioning the group at the forefront of new mobility and the digital transformation of the automotive sector.

André Guerra is currently the Head of R&D and Innovation at Open Cosmos, leading the definition and execution of the company’s technology roadmap. He is a senior research and development manager with a strong multidisciplinary background, that has led space system developments at CEiiA and served as an invited professor at the University of Porto. He holds an MSc in Aerospace Engineering and a PhD in Physics, focused on microsatellite constellations bridging connectivity and Earth Observation domains.

He is Co-Founder and former Chief Scientific Officer of Connected, where he led the development and in-orbit demonstration of a proprietary narrowband IoT payload for space-based connectivity solutions. Following its rapid growth, Connected was acquired by Open Cosmos, a multinational space company whose vision is to use satellites to understand and connect the world.

Bernardo Seixas is the founder and CEO of Granter, where they are developing an artificial intelligence agent that automates the entire process of accessing public funding. Through Granter, he has already collaborated with some of the largest Portuguese companies and is currently leading the expansion into the United States and the rest of Europe, with the ambition of transforming access to public funding on a global scale.

Chris is a business executive and lawyer leading Empowered Startups, a growth-oriented company that bridges foreign direct investment with university research & development and entrepreneurial opportunities. He has extensive experience advising tech startups, corporate boards, universities, research organizations, and other businesses and not-for-profit entities on operational and growth matters, including those involving aspects of intellectual property, corporate finance, and governance.

As President and General Counsel, Chris oversees Empowered’s operations and legal matters, working closely with the business incubator’s Board of Directors.

Christopher speaks on topics of innovation-driven entrepreneurship, startup ecosystems, foreign direct investment, and university research commercialization.

Débora Campos is the CEO and founder of AgroGrIN Tech, a biotechnology company developing clean-label, natural, and multifunctional ingredients for the food industry. With a background in food engineering and a strong scientific foundation, she transitioned from academia to entrepreneurship to bring research-driven innovation to market. She leads the company with a focus on impact, sustainability, and industrial scalability. Débora is also an advocate for more transparent and healthier food systems.

Elisa Tarzia is Co-Founder and Vice President of 351 – Portuguese Startup Association, the largest independent organisation supporting entrepreneurship in Portugal.

She is also VP of Growth at BRIDGE IN, supporting international companies expanding into Europe, and a Board Member of the European Startup Network (ESN), contributing to policy-making at the European level to advance entrepreneurship.

Recognised on Sifted's "100 Women in Tech in Europe 2025" list and EU-Startups' 100 most influential women in the European startup and VC ecosystem (2026), she is an active voice for building more inclusive and competitive ecosystems.

Erica Ariel Fox, J.D., taught at Harvard Law School for over twenty-five years after graduating from there with honors. She is a New York Times best-selling author and one of the top experts in CEO leadership development in the world. She received her undergraduate degree with honors from Princeton University.

Ms. Fox is the co-founder and Chief Thought Leader of Mobius Executive Leadership, founded 20 years ago. She has unique and extensive experience advising CEOs of Fortune 100 companies as well as CEOs of FTSE 50 companies. Together with Egon Zehnder and her Mobius colleagues, Ms. Fox has designed and delivered the CEO Executive Breakthrough Program four times a year for the last decade, fostering transformation for nearly 500 CEOs and C-Suite executives.

Today, Ms. Fox serves as the Founder and Chief Vision Officer of RISE: Reach Inside, Serve Everywhere, a historic global effort to bring CEOs together to turbocharge their own individual development and in turn, to work together on innovations to solve the world’s most pressing challenges.

Ms. Fox has taught leadership and negotiation all around the globe, including in Asia, Africa, Australia, the Middle East, Latin America, all over Europe and the UK, and throughout the United States and Canada.

Fernando Alexandre, doutorado (PhD), nasceu em 1972. Ministro da Educação, Ciência e Inovação desde abril de 2024. É doutorado em Economia pelo Birkbeck College, University of London e, Professor Associado com Agregação na Universidade do Minho, onde foi ainda Pró-Reitor, Diretor da Escola de Economia e Gestão e Diretor do Departamento de Economia. Exerceu funções como Vice-Presidente do Conselho Económico e Social. Em 2023, coordenou a avaliação económica e financeira do novo aeroporto de Lisboa. Em 2022, recebeu o Prémio de Mérito Científico da Universidade do Minho. Foi Adjunto do Secretário de Estado do Ministro da Administração Interna, entre 2013 e 2015. Exerceu funções de consultor para instituições públicas e privadas, incluindo a Comissão Europeia e o Governo Português. Os seus interesses de investigação incluem macroeconomia, mercados financeiros e o desenvolvimento da economia portuguesa. É autor ou coautor de oito livros, vários capítulos de livros e artigos publicados em revistas como Labour Economics, Small Business Economics, Journal of Technology Transfer, Regional Studies, The World Economy, Open Economies Review, Economics Letters, CESifo Economic Studies ou Higher Education.

A senior investor in the Private Equity and Venture Capital markets with extensive experience and a track record of achievement in investments in reference startups such as AnubisNetworks, Aptoide, BitSight, DefinedCrowd, Outsystems or ToLife.

Partner and Executive Director of Bynd Venture Capital, an Iberian venture capital investor with more than 35 active investments across multiple funds.

At Bynd Venture Capital we invest in companies: - Pre seed & Seed stage - IT/Digital, Consumer Goods, Sustainability - Startups with a strong connection with Iberia - Portugal and/or Spain (founders, tech hub, market priority).

Gonçalo Regalado is Chairman of the Executive Committee of Banco Português de Fomento (BPF) and Vice-Chairman of its Board of Directors since January 2025. With a diverse career and extensive experience in executive roles in the private sector, he has played a strategic role in decision-making and in promoting investment and corporate financing in Portugal.

Before joining BPF, he served, since 2017, as Director of Corporate, Business and Institutional Marketing at Millennium BCP. Between 2015 and 2017, he led the European Funds and Economic Sectors area at the same bank, where he also worked as Senior Consultant between 2009 and 2012. In the public sector, he was Chief of Staff at the Ministry of Internal Administration (2014), coordinating strategic projects and public policies. He led the European Commission’s Erasmus Plus Youth in Action Programme (2012–2013), promoting training, mobility, exchanges, and European volunteering projects.

He began his career in 2006 as Financial Consultant to the CEO at Portugal Telecom Inovação, with responsibilities in financial analysis and strategic development. He holds a degree in Business Management from the University of Coimbra, a Postgraduate degree in Innovation and Entrepreneurship from Universidade Católica Portuguesa, a Master’s in Finance and Investments from Rotterdam School of Management, and completed the Advanced Management Programme at AESE Business School.

Hannah Franklin is a British neuroscientist and VC investor focused on early-stage biotech. She is an Associate at Biovance Capital, a €60M+ fund investing in transformational therapeutics across Europe.

Hannah completed her PhD in neuroscience at University College London, studying astrocyte-driven neurodegeneration in ALS, and later conducted postdoctoral research at the Francis Crick Institute.

Before joining Biovance, she worked as an Investment Analyst at SCI Ventures.

With over 20 years of experience in venture capital across Europe and the US, Heitor Benfeito specializes in supporting early-stage startups, particularly in strategic partnerships, fundraising, and M&A transactions.

He has held leadership roles in over 20 companies, including interim CEO and CFO positions, across sectors such as clean energy, software, cybersecurity, and advanced materials.

He has been involved in more than 70 venture deals (over $200M) and led over 20 successful M&A exits. He has also contributed to raising more than $100M from institutional investors.

He is a PhD candidate in Finance at the University of Porto and a lecturer at several institutions, including Universidade Europeia, ISAG, and the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto.

Since 2017, he has served as an external expert for the European Commission and is a member of the editorial board of the Scientific Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Emerging Economies.

He is currently Managing Director at Critical Ventures, a deep-tech venture capital fund investing from Seed to Series B across sectors such as cybersecurity, AI, defense, industrial automation, medtech, and aerospace.

He also serves on the boards of portfolio companies in Europe and the US and is an international speaker on finance, entrepreneurship, and venture capital.

Helena Teodósio has been the Mayor of Cantanhede since 2017, having been re-elected in 2021 and 2025, following her experience as a city councillor (2001–2005) and Vice-Mayor (2005–2017).

Born in Covões, she holds degrees in Economics, Public Management and Administration, and History, as well as a postgraduate degree in Banking, Stock Exchange, and Insurance Law. She is a member of the staff of the Banco de Portugal.

She holds several key intermunicipal and national roles, including the presidency of the Coimbra Region Intermunicipal Community and participation in various councils and associations. These include the Board of Directors of the National Association of Portuguese Municipalities (ANMP), the Regional Council of CCDR Centro, and the Executive Committee of the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR). Recently, she was appointed as a member of the European Committee of the Regions for the 2025–2030 mandate.

Furthermore, she chairs the Board of Biocant and the General Assembly of INOVA, playing an active role in economic and technological development.

In the political sphere, she is a member of the National Political Commission of the PSD and holds leadership positions within the Social Democratic Mayors (ASD) and the Cantanhede section of the party.

Senior Associate at the investment team of Armilar, a venture capital investor with over 25 years of history in Portugal. We invest in companies where Digital, Data, and Connectivity play a central role, with successful business models, strong differentiation, and defensible positions. We look for companies that offer excellent, highly scalable products that frequently leverage advanced engineering innovations for their commercialisation. Our scope is European, with a strong focus on the Iberian region.

Startup strategy professional working at the intersection of portfolio development and high-growth environments. Led the redesign of a 250+ startup portfolio, bringing structure and sharper decision-making to fast-moving, complex contexts, while supporting founders from pre-seed to seed.

Holds a degree in Legal-Economic Sciences from Universidade Livre de Lisboa, with additional training in European Law.

Lawyer and business consultant, she is also manager of Star Busy Investimentos e Inovação, a company focused on supporting startups.

She is currently President of the Lisbon Business Angels Club, board member of Investors Portugal, and coordinator and lecturer in postgraduate programs at Universidade Europeia and ISLA Santarém.

A mentor and advisory board member of several incubators, she is actively involved in promoting entrepreneurship and is a frequent speaker at conferences in the field.

She is part of several strategic and advisory councils and was a jury member on Shark Tank Portugal (Season 2).

She is also President of the Board of UNA – United Nations Portugal.

In 2024, she was named one of the 5 most influential Business Angels in Europe, and in 2025, she was awarded “Woman of the Decade” by Women3.0Awards.

Jennifer Edwards is a marketing and communications strategist focused on venture capital and startup ecosystems. With over 25 years of experience, she has worked closely with Silicon Valley VC firms, corporate innovation and venture platforms, and early-stage startups to translate complex technologies into clear, compelling narratives. She currently leads global brand and communications at TDK Ventures, where her work spans both brand strategy and communications and supporting founders in articulating their vision, building credibility, and scaling.

João Gabriel Silva has been president of the Instituto Pedro Nunes since April 2022. A full professor at the University of Coimbra, he was also Rector of this institution between 2011 and 2019. He holds a PhD in Engineering Sciences, specialising in Computer Science, from the FCTUC. In the course of his scientific research activity, he has developed projects funded by organisations such as JNICT, FCT, EU, Innovation Agency, European Space Agency and NASA.

He was one of the founders of the UC Centre for Information Technology and Systems - CISUC, of which he was president from 2002 to 2006. He led the Research Group on Dependable Systems (1991-2005), and was Chairman of the Scientific Committee of the most important conference in his area of research: IEEE International Conference on Dependable Systems and Networks (June 2003, San Francisco).

He coordinated the design of the first Portuguese computer, designed and produced in Portugal, the ENER 1000. Subsequently, João coordinated various projects developed at the IPN's Computer Science and Systems Laboratory and the development of software packages that gained international visibility, such as WPVM and WMPI.

João Pedro Barreto is a Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Coimbra (UC). He is also the R&D Director and Technical Fellow at a medical device company, a global leader in sports medicine and orthopaedic reconstruction. Widely recognized in 3D computer vision, he has over one hundred scientific publications, twenty international patents, and several awards, including the Google Faculty Research Award. He holds a PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering from UC and has been a researcher at INRIA Rhône-Alpes (France) and the University of Pennsylvania (USA). He has served as area chair for major conferences in his field, held editorial positions in several scientific journals, and is an expert evaluator for the European Commission. He was the founder and CEO of Perceive3D, a UC spin-off that pioneered innovations in computer-assisted surgery. The company was distinguished by both the European Commission and the Portuguese National Institute of Industrial Property.

He is currently the Co-Director of the MIT Portugal Program, an international strategic partnership with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) that promotes advanced training, research, and innovation in emerging technological fields.

CEO of the European Business and Innovation Centre Network (EBN), a not-for-profit organisation that supports innovation ecosystems across Europe and beyond by certifying EU BICs (Business & Innovation Centres), facilitating quality business support programmes, and encouraging advocacy, networking and international projects collaboration. Appointed CEO in July 2020, she has since guided the network through periods of transformation and crisis, including the ongoing challenges posed by the global pandemic. In this capacity, she has strengthened the organisation's services and its advocacy for innovation. Laura holds a Master's degree in International and Diplomatic Relations from the University of Trieste, with further specialisation in Cooperation and International Development.

Marco S. Giarratana is the Vice-Rector of Scientific Knowledge and Impact at IE University in Madrid, Spain, where he is also a Professor of Strategy. His previous academic appointments include Associate Professor at the University Carlos III in Madrid and Full Professor at Bocconi University in Milan. Marco’s research focuses on key strategic topics, including diversification strategies (synergy vs. redeployment), intellectual property rights—particularly patents and trademarks—and sustainability-driven business strategies. He currently leads the SOCIALIPR Research Project as Principal Investigator, exploring the intersection of intellectual property and social impact. Marco serves as Associate Editor at the Strategic Entrepreneurship Journal.

Marcos Mariz is a biochemist with a PhD in chemical engineering, possessing extensive experience in the synthesis and characterisation of polymeric biomaterials, particularly for ocular applications. He spent over a decade working in the R&D analytical laboratory of a Portuguese pharmaceutical company. A natural entrepreneur with a passion for science, he delights in questioning the unquestionable. Every day, he engages in a physical exercise session to keep his mind sharp. He finds enjoyment in all things, especially games and challenges. In addition to being CEO of INEYE THERAPEUTICS, he is co-founder of TIMEUP, and participates in numerous innovation projects in the health sector.

Maria Burpee is a Venture Partner at Transatlantic Highway Ventures (THV.vc) and a marketing consultant and startup coach. With 25+ years of experience scaling growth-stage companies, she brings deep commercial and go-to-market expertise to her clients and to THV's portfolio. Maria has consulted and advised 40+ companies globally — from seed-stage disruptors to unicorns — and is a frequent pitch contest judge and invited speaker at top accelerators including Instituto Pedro Nunes (top 20 globally). An American based in Europe for nearly two decades, she brings a truly transatlantic lens to building market share and mind share.

Maria Oliveira is the Executive Business Director at UPTEC and Co-Director of the Master in Innovation Strategy and Entrepreneurship at Porto Business School, where she also teaches. With over 20 years of experience in technology transfer, entrepreneurship, and innovation management, Maria has held various roles in Portugal and abroad, including in innovation consulting, leading the technology transfer office at the University of Porto, serving as a visiting fellow at Boston University, and as Executive Director of UTEN, a component of the UT Austin | Portugal Program. She is regularly invited as an external expert to evaluate proposals for the European Research Council and the European Innovation Council, and frequently participates as a speaker at conferences and seminars.

Mário Gago is the co-founder and CEO of Pink Room, a studio crafting mobile apps through human-centered design. He also serves on the boards of Subvisual Group and the Ireland Portugal Business Network and leads business growth at Nest Collective. Holding an MSc in Informatics Engineering from the University of Coimbra, Mário is dedicated to expanding Pink Room’s impact through innovative, sustainable technology.

An IT specialist for over two decades, he has spent the last 13 years at Accenture, transforming large-scale global operations. He currently leads the Digital Core area in Portugal, whose mission is to reinvent how technology serves businesses — from Tech Advisory to disruptive delivery through Agentic Delivery.

With a track record ranging from managing mission-critical technology infrastructures to global After Sales, he leverages a 360º experience to help organizations build agile, intelligent digital cores ready for the new era of applied artificial intelligence.

Miguel Aguiar is a senior innovation and technology executive with extensive private-sector experience driving digital transformation, strategic partnerships, and startup ecosystem development. He has also served as an advisor to the Secretary of State for the Economy, bringing valuable policy insight and government relations expertise to his work. As CEO of Startup Portugal, he blends hands-on operational leadership with strategic vision, helping build bridges between corporations, emerging ventures, and policy frameworks that enable growth. With strong expertise in stakeholder engagement and international cooperation, he helps startups and scaleups grow their business across borders and access new markets.

Miguel holds a degree in Management from ISCTE and a Master’s in International Management from the Católica Lisbon School of Business & Economics, with a specialization in Corporate Finance, including a period at EDHEC Business School in Nice.

He has developed practical experience in Corporate Finance and Strategy, particularly in M&A, company valuation, and the development of strategic plans, while working as a Consultant at a Big4 firm. He has always been connected to the Portuguese entrepreneurship and startup ecosystem through internships in startups and incubators and, more recently, through his participation in the Baby VC program (an international venture capital bootcamp).

Throughout his journey, he has participated in and co-founded several entrepreneurial and social impact projects, including START Lisbon (a chapter-member of START Global) and Missão Cuida+ Lisboa (a social support initiative during the pandemic).

Paulo Marques is an entrepreneur, engineer, and investor. He co-founded Feedzai, where he served as CTO for 13 years leading product and technology, and where he still serves on the board of directors. He is a founding partner of TUMO Portugal and currently serves as Scientific Director of the CMU|Portugal program. Previously, he held a dual appointment at Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Coimbra. Paulo holds a PhD in Distributed Systems and has authored over 40 peer-reviewed papers and a book.

Serial entrepreneur and venture ecosystem builder. Over the last 25 years, he has founded an average of one new organization annually (including companies and non-profits).

For the last 15 years, his focus has been on building startups and scaling the early-stage investment landscape. He has built and mobilized 15 distinct angel groups, activating a network of over 1,000 investors to fund the next generation of world-changing startups.

His mission is to professionalize angel investing. He believes that entrepreneurs deserve better angels and builds the communities that provide them.

Co-founder & CEO @ YAngel
Co-leader @ COREangels Lisbon, COREangels Porto and COREangels Food
Co-Founder & Board Member @ COREangels International
Co-Founder & CEO @ REDangels
Co-Founder & Vice-President for Angels @ Investors Portugal - Portuguese Association for Early-stage Investors

Professor and Academic Director of the Oxford Entrepreneurship Centre and the Oxford Fintech Initiative, Pinar Ozcan is a globally recognized expert in fintech, strategy, AI governance, and digital transformation.

She advises governments, regulators, and companies on innovation in highly regulated industries, with a focus on AI-driven business models, digital platforms, and financial inclusion.

With over 20 years of experience, she has worked with organizations ranging from Silicon Valley startups to institutions such as the European Commission, OECD, Bank of England, FCA, and CMA.

She holds a PhD from Stanford University, and her academic work has received multiple international awards. She has been recognized by Thinkers50 and the Global Women in Fintech Powerlist, and contributes to global initiatives with the OECD, Bank of England, and World Economic Forum.

She also has industry experience, including consulting at Siemens and advising startups and investors across Europe and the US.

Raquel Gaião Silva is a senior associate at Faber. For the past years, she has been mostly working in the blue economy space, helping promising deep tech early stage startups grow and connect to the ecosystem. She also serves on the executive board of BlueBio Alliance, contributing to efforts to strengthen and scale the blue bioeconomy.

Journalist and publisher at MadreMedia, a publishing company responsible for The Next Big Idea, a television program airing on SIC Notícias since 2012, the news website 24 Notícias, and a range of newsletters, podcasts and documentary series. Author of two books, “A sorte dá muito trabalho” (Luck Takes a Lot of Work) (2012) and “Banco bom, Banco mau” (Good Bank, Bad Bank) (2014). Mother of Miguel and Margarida. Things she loves to do: read, write, cook, and discuss ideas.

Tocha is a Portuguese entrepreneur and early-stage investor focused on technology, artificial intelligence, and the creation of new business models with incentive alignment.

He is a pre-seed investor at Olisipo Way, co-founder of Angels Way, and host of BiTalk, a leading platform for entrepreneurship and business in Portugal. As CEO of Comudel, he leads the development of an AI designed to autonomously create, manage, and operate companies.

His background spans investment, media, product development, and manufacturing in China, characterized by a hands-on approach to innovation, scaling, and community building.