Unlocking the Innovation Potential of Research

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Overview

The agrifood sector faces urgent sustainability challenges, many of which could be addressed by innovative research technologies that often don't make it to market. The Agrifood Disruptor is here to change that.

Our program is designed to accelerate the journey from research to real-world impact, equipping researchers with the tools they need to succeed. Through a focused 3-step approach, the Agrifood Disruptor will help you develop an entrepreneurial Mindset, build essential Skills, and offer the Opportunity to discover the right market fit for your research through expert mentorship.

By fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, the Agrifood Disruptor bridges the gap between groundbreaking research and industry, ensuring that new technologies reach the market to solve the pressing sustainability challenges in the agrifood sector.

Final Event & Pitch

Agrifood Disruptor will be ending with a bang on Católica Lisbon University on the 11th of December 2024! If you want to see our researchers soon to become entrepreneurs showcasing their ventures, come join us! During this In-Person event you will also have the opportunity to network with Agrifood industry stakeholders, including Delta, CGD and Jerónimo Martins.
Hope to see you there!

Register here
Agenda

The Disruptor Program

Vision

To become the go-to platform to unlock the innovation potential of the portuguese researchers.

Mission

Support researchers to understand the market landscape for their innovation.

Purpose

Change the mindset, develop skills and provide opportunities for researchers to leverage their technology towards market innovations.

The program

Roadshow: Building the mindset for the innovation journey.
One morning online event focused on cultivating an entrepreneurial Mindset among participants. This experience will prepare you for the next step in our program: the Bootcamp.

Bootcamp: Developing key entrepreneurship Skills.
Online Bootcamp tailored for research teams, focusing on essential Skills for market research. You'll learn about technology assessment, market needs and trends, intellectual property, and effective communication and pitching strategies. The Bootcamp also includes mentoring sessions to guide researchers in their market discovery journey.

Market Discovery Journey/Pitch: Provide you with the Opportunity of discovering the Research-Market fit.
Expert mentoring activity designed to empower researchers on their Market Discovery Journey. You will have the Opportunity to explore partnerships, identify research market fit, and receive guidance for technology redesign.

The program ends in a dedicated In-person Pitch Event, where you will present your work to a diverse range of Industry Stakeholders, allowing you to expand your network and showcase your research effectively.

What to expect?

Build an entrepreneurship mindset to start building your own path.

Discover the market fit for your research.

Build awareness on research to deeptech innovation path.

Build awareness on research Engage with industry stakeholders and entrepreneurs.to deeptech innovation path.

Engage with industry stakeholders and entrepreneurs.

Identify post-programme opportunities to drive your research.

Partners

Do you have any questions?

Book a meeting with me

Application Deadline
August 31, 2025

‍Duration
2.5 Months

‍‍Language
English

‍Price
Free

Location
Online

For more information, contact: urban.mobility@bgi.pt

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Register here

Ready to launch your venture in urban mobility?

The Urban Mobility Startup Creation Program is the gateway to help you build and incorporate your startup from the ground up. If you have a bold idea to reshape how cities move, this is your chance to transform it into a fully established company and compete for up to 10,000€ in prizes.

What you’ll gain?

• Compete for €10,000 in prizes awarded to the top two teams
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• Receive expert one-on-one mentorship from top international business and mobility specialists
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• Validate your product idea and build a strong, investor-ready MVP
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• Establish your urban mobility venture with tailored venture-building support
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• Pitch at Demo Day in front of early-stage investors and get ready for pre-seed investment opportunities
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• Join Europe’s leading urban mobility innovation ecosystem (EIT Urban Mobility)

Who should apply?*

• Early-stage entrepreneurs at the concept or prototype stage
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• Aspiring founders in the process of venture creation
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• Teams and founders with technical expertise who need support on the business side
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• Pre-incorporation teams
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• Student entrepreneurs.

* Teams must not be legally incorporated at the time of application and only One application per team is allowed. Gender-balanced teams are strongly encouraged and will receive positive consideration in the selection process.

Overview

The Urban Mobility Startup Creation Program is an initiative led by BGI and co-financed by EIT Urban Mobility, designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs build and launch high-impact ventures in the urban mobility space. This program supports early-stage teams in progressing from concept to MVP, through hands-on learning, mentorship, and access to key startup tools and networks. Ultimately, it will guide participants through the journey of building their own startup in the urban mobility sector.
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Focus topics for the program:
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• ‍Urban Logistics,

• Electrification & Alternative Fuels, 

• Public Transport,

• Mobility Data Management,

• Health and Mobility.
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‍* Eligibility is not entirely limited to the topics listed above. If you are working on a different topic please state it in the application.

Program timeline & structure

Phase 1:
Bootcamp
22 & 29 Set 2025 | Online

An intensive two-day bootcamp designed to strengthen entrepreneurial skills and tackle the core challenges early-stage teams face when building a startup. The sessions focus on key areas such as:

• Defining the problem, solution, and value proposition; 
• Developing a viable business model; 
• Identifying target markets and customer segments; 
• troduction to IP and legal framework; 
• Building the right team. 

Participants will also receive tailored guidance from industry experts and forge valuable mentor connections for ongoing support.

Phase 2:
Structured Mentorship
‍1 Oct - 25 Nov 2025 | Online

An 8-week mentorship phase built around a customized Go-To-Market Plan (GTMP), guiding each team through key milestones and strategic goals. Participants will have weekly mentor meetings to ensure steady progress, focused problem-solving, and tailored support to overcome core challenges.

Phase 3:
Demo Day
‍December 2025 | Online

The program concludes with a high-impact Demo Day, where teams present their MVP and Go-To-Market Plan to a jury of experts and potential early-stage investors. The event showcases progress, spotlights top projects, and opens doors to follow-up support and funding opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is the program free?

Yes, the program is free for all selected participants. It is co-funded by EIT Urban Mobility and BGI. We just ask for your commitment and motivation.

2.What’s the program format?

The entire program is delivered fully online, enabling broad accessibility while ensuring high-quality mentorship, training, and peer learning.

3.Is there a prize for the winning team?

The two best evaluated teams will get a prize each.

4. Do I need a startup to apply?

No. You do not need to have a registered company. This program is designed for early-stage ventures.

5. Can I apply as a team?

Yes. Teams are welcome to apply. Each team should assign a lead applicant who will be the main point of contact. This does not exclude solo founders, who are also welcome to apply.

6. What language will the program be delivered in?

English.

7. How will my research and intellectual property be protected during the UMDisruptor Program?

Your project confidentiality is a priority. While you are free to choose what details you share during the program, all mentors collaborating with the teams in the program are required to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) to ensure your intellectual property remains protected.

8. What is the duration of the program?

The program starts on 22 September and finishes on 2 December (2.5 Months) 

Register here