Supercomputing within reach of startups and SMEs: FCT launches new InovIA program

The Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT), through its digital services unit FCCN, has launched the new InovIA - Vouchers for Innovation program, aimed at democratizing access to supercomputing and artificial intelligence. Start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) will be able to apply for free use of advanced computing resources to develop their innovation projects.

The presentation session for this program will take place on June 6, at 2pm, at AIHub - Alvalade, in Lisbon. Participation is free, subject to prior registration, and applications are still available.

InovIA consists of awarding free vouchers so that companies can test and develop pilot projects and count on specialized technical support in the use of two of Europe's most powerful supercomputers: Deucalion (funded by the National Recovery and Resilience Plan - measure RE-C05-i08 Ciência Mais Digital, contracted between FCT and the Recover Portugal Mission Structure) and MareNostrum 5. The program is open to national startups and SMEs, as well as public and private entities based in Portugal, through a simplified application process, open until December 31, 2026.

The InovIA program contributes to creating the conditions for advanced computing to be an engine for growth in the Portuguese business ecosystem, allowing any company, regardless of its level of expertise, to test, validate and scale innovative solutions in the pre-commercial phase.

These vouchers are also an incentive for companies to access the new AI Factory in Barcelona, where Portugal is participating alongside Spain, Turkey and Romania.