INOVAGAIA

About us

humans,always.

More than just technology, we are people. Meet the team and the community that make innovation happen every day.

Driven by a purpose, shaped by people and committed to making a meaningful impact.
+395M€
Turnover
+650
Supported companies
+3,000
Jobs created
+110
Incubated companies
+334
Supported projects
+85%
5-year survival rate

Our essence

2009 marks the launch of INOVAGAIA, but our mission has expanded.

We are at the heart of the greater Porto metropolitan area. We are the third-largest municipality in the country. The city of the six bridges, with some of the finest views of the River Douro. Home to the Port Wine Cellars. We have the river and the sea. And the people. It is in Gaia that the best business opportunities can be found. The facilities are ready to accommodate projects, and the right organisations are here to welcome them, support them and help them grow.

“We embrace projects that come to us from the four corners of the world – such as Brazil, Venezuela and Switzerland – which find in Inovagaia the ideal place to start growing. In Vila Nova de Gaia.”

werewe are?

  • PORTUGAL

    With a population of around 10 million and a strategic location on Europe’s Atlantic coast, Portugal offers one of the most competitive and attractive environments for investment.​ Internationally recognised for its historical heritage, exceptional climate and quality of life, Portugal has established itself as an open, innovative economy that is increasingly at the forefront of Europe.

  • GRANDE PORTO

    With a population of over 1.7 million spread across 17 municipalities, the Porto Metropolitan Area is Portugal’s second-largest economic and demographic hub, offering unique conditions for the development of projects on a regional and international scale. It presents itself as a modern and diverse urban ecosystem, where technological innovation, high-quality tourism and a cultural identity of global standing coexist.

  • VILA NOVA DE GAIA

    With a population of over 300,000, Gaia is the third most populous city in the country, and is on track to become the second. With access to Francisco Sá Carneiro International Airport, direct links to the main road and rail networks, and seamless integration with the metropolitan area, the municipality of Vila Nova de Gaia is one of the most attractive places to live and set up a business.

RESOURCES

Explore Our Spaces

See all
Sala de Coworking
Meeting room
Salas privadas
Conference room
Building

TEAM

Meet the team

  • Rogério Tavares

    Project Manager & Mentor

  • Cátia Vasconcelos

    Project Manager & Mentor

  • Tânia Tavares Neves

    Social Media & Community Manager

  • Helena Melo

    Financial Manager

  • Teresa Gonçalves

    Facilities Services Assistan

  • Luís Santos

    General Coordinator

  • Carlos Abreu

    Project Manager

  • Juliana Cardoso

    Office Manager

  • Catarina Valente

    Training

  • Andreia Sousa

    Legal

  • Ângelo Estrela

    IT

THINK BIG

bewith us.

INOVAGAIA

It is in Gaia that you will find the best business opportunities

  • Spaces

    Spaces tailored to the needs of your project

  • Team

    A team ready to answer your questions

  • Visits

    5 mins from the motorway and train links. 25 mins from the airport

  • Technological basis

    Technological excellence stream

get in touch

Network of trust

Members

INOVAGAIA is supported by leading organisations that believe in the power of innovation.

GOVERNING BODIES

Our leadership

General Meeting

  • Arq. Luís Sousa

    Chairman

    MOTA-ENGIL

  • Eng. Ricardo Neves

    Vice-Chair

    Teixeira Duarte

  • Dr. João Paulo Peixoto

    Secretary

    Atlântico Business School

Statutory Audit Board

  • Prof. Dr. António Godinho

    Chairman

    ISLA

  • Dr. Virgílio Macedo

    Member (Statutory Auditor)

  • Dr.ª Paula Santos

    Member

    Atlântico Business School

  • Dr. Nuno Rodrigues

    Member

    Câmara Municipal de Vila Nova de Gaia

Board

  • Dr. Fernando Barbosa

    Chairman

    Câmara Municipal de Vila Nova de Gaia

  • Dr Gonçalo Medeiros

    Vice-Chair

    AEP

  • Dr. Rui Pedro Machado

    Member

    Câmara Municipal de Vila Nova de Gaia

  • Dr António Fragateiro

    Vogal

    ANJE

  • Engineer Nelson Neves

    Vogal

    ISPGAYA

  • Prof. Isabel Alves

    Vogal

    Instituto Piaget

  • Prof. Dr Fernando Magalhães

    Vogal

    Politécnico do Porto

Transparency

Documents

  • One Stop Shop – Centraliza+

    2025

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is INOVAGAIA?
INOVAGAIA is a technology-based business incubator and a centre for entrepreneurship and innovation based in Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal. We work with entrepreneurs, startups, businesses and ecosystem partners to turn ideas into viable projects, develop new ventures and support business growth. Our activities bring together incubation, entrepreneurship programmes, training and tailored business support, fostering collaboration between talent, knowledge and industry.
What is INOVAGAIA's mission?
Our mission is to foster entrepreneurship, innovation and economic development by helping new ideas become solutions with a meaningful impact. We bring together entrepreneurs, educational institutions, businesses and local organisations to encourage knowledge sharing, create opportunities and support projects that generate value for the local economy and beyond.
Where is INOVAGAIA located?
INOVAGAIA is situated at 476 Avenida Manuel Violas in São Félix da Marinha, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal. The INOVAGAIA building was designed in accordance with the principles of bioclimatic architecture, prioritising natural light to reduce energy consumption
Who can benefit from INOVAGAIA's services?
Our services are designed for a wide range of people and organisations, from aspiring entrepreneurs with a business idea to growing startups and established companies. We also support professionals looking to develop new skills, businesses seeking training and consultancy, and international entrepreneurs planning to establish themselves in Portugal. The support available depends on each project's stage of development, objectives and specific needs.
What are INOVAGAIA’s contact details?
Address: Avenida Manuel Violas, 476, 4410-137 São Félix da Marinha, Vila Nova de Gaia Telephone: +351 227 334 140 (Call to the national landline network) Email: inova@inovagaia.pt
Do I need to have a registered company to receive support?
No. You can contact INOVAGAIA even if you are still developing a business idea or preparing to set up a company. We offer entrepreneurship initiatives covering different stages, including ideation, validation and acceleration. Some services or programmes may require an officially registered business, so it is important to check the relevant eligibility criteria.
Is INOVAGAIA an association?
Yes, INOVAGAIA is an association, established on 15 September 2006 as a private, non-profit organisation. Its current members include the Municipality of Vila Nova de Gaia, the Portuguese Business Association, the National Association of Young Entrepreneurs, Salvador Caetano, Mota Engil, Teixeira Duarte, the Polytechnic Institute of Porto, PIAGET, ISLA, ISPGAYA and Atlântico Business School.
Does INOVAGAIA only support technology-based projects?
INOVAGAIA has a strong focus on innovative projects, particularly technology-based ventures, but its activities are not limited to the technology sector. Through our training, business development and entrepreneurship support services, we also work with organisations and entrepreneurs from other industries. Eligibility depends on the type of support requested and the requirements of each programme or service.
What services does INOVAGAIA provide?
INOVAGAIA provides physical and virtual incubation, business premises, startup ideation, validation and acceleration programmes, vocational and specialist training, support for self-employment initiatives and assistance for international entrepreneurs. These services are complemented by guidance, mentoring, consultancy and access to a network of partners, helping us respond to the specific needs of each project.
I have a business idea. Where should I start?
If you have a business idea but are unsure how to turn it into a viable venture, INOVAGAIA can help you identify the next steps. A good starting point is to understand the problem you want to solve, your target audience and the value your solution could offer. We can then guide you towards the services, resources or programmes best suited to your stage of development, including ideation and validation initiatives.
Can I contact INOVAGAIA if I am unsure which programme is right for me?
Yes. You do not need to be familiar with all our programmes or services before getting in touch. Tell us about your idea, the current stage of your project and the type of support you need, and our team can help you identify the most relevant options. Even if your needs do not fit a specific programme, we can help point you towards useful resources and organisations.