VALIDATION PROGRAM

createwith us.

First quarter of 2027: next edition

WHAT IS IT?

The Create With Us program is INOVAGAIA’s validation program, designed for projects that have already validated the problem and the solution and are ready to take the next step: turning the idea into a product. This is where the concept moves beyond the drawing board and takes shape as a prototype or an MVP, tested with real users. This is the second step in INOVAGAIA’s entrepreneurship journey, following on from Start Up With Us. Throughout the program, teams receive support, specialist knowledge and connections to the Vila Nova de Gaia ecosystem to build, test and refine their value proposition, thereby reducing risks and gaining the confidence to move into the market.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Training

Building a product involves making difficult decisions: what to develop first, with what resources, and for whom. Teams have access to training and mentoring sessions that help them set priorities, plan development and structure their business model, so that every step has a clear purpose.

Prototyping

Now is the time to build. With technical support and close guidance, the teams develop the prototype or MVP of their solution, focusing on the essentials to test the most important business hypotheses quickly and within a controlled budget.

Validation

A product only proves its worth when it reaches the people who will use it. The teams test the MVP with potential customers, partners and local organisations, gather real feedback and use these results to improve the solution and decide on the way forward, preparing for the next stages of the journey.

Create With Us

Let’screate?

The first big step forward for your business

Success stories

Inspiring testimonials.

All testimonials

Create

16 Oct 2026

ObraXRay

Create

16 Oct 2026

Sucurilabs

Create

16 Oct 2026

R.Memor

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Create With Us?

Create With Us is INOVAGAIA’s validation programme for teams that have identified and validated a problem and a proposed solution, and are ready to develop a prototype or minimum viable product (MVP) and validate first real customers.

How does Create With Us differ from Start Up With Us?

Start focuses on identifying problems and generating ideas. Create helps teams turn a promising concept into something tangible and gather evidence from real users.

Do I need a prototype to take part?

The programme is designed to help teams progress towards a prototype or MVP. Entry requirements may vary, so check the criteria for the relevant edition to understand the expected starting point.

What is an MVP?

MVP stands for minimum viable product: an early version of a solution containing only the essential features needed to test assumptions and gather feedback. It is not necessarily a finished product; its purpose is to learn from users before investing in further development.

How is a product validated with users?

Validation may involve interviews, demonstrations, prototype testing and feedback analysis, depending on the project. The aim is to replace assumptions with evidence that helps improve the solution and its value proposition.

Can I apply for Scale Up With Us after Create?

You may consider moving on once your venture meets the required maturity criteria, including market validation. Taking part in one programme does not guarantee admission to another; each edition has its own criteria and selection process.