We’ve received applications from technology startups aspiring to represent Portugal on the global stage.
The next phase is the selection of the finalists, who will present their solutions to a panel of expert judges on September 4.
Follow the competition and stay tuned to discover the finalists of the 2026 edition.
More than just visibility, the competition offers a concrete opportunity for acceleration. It is a turning point to transform ambition into real progress, connecting talent, technology, and impact.
These are the four steps that turn your vision into reality.
Fill out this form with details about the technology, business model, and growth vision of the startup.
Analysis by a panel of KPMG specialists and innovation ecosystem partners, based on clear and transparent criteria.
The selected startups present their business to the jury. An opportunity for visibility in the ecosystem, regardless of the outcome.
The winning startup represents Portugal in the global final at the Web Summit, alongside startups selected from over 20 countries.
We are looking for startups:
In the 2025 edition, the national winner was Ethiack, a Portuguese startup focused on offensive cybersecurity based on artificial intelligence. Ethiack's technology was designed to simulate attacks in a controlled manner to identify vulnerabilities before they occur, helping teams anticipate risks and proactively enhance security.
After the national selection, Ethiack represented the country in the global final, in a highly competitive and international context. Its performance stood out among over 1,500 applications from 23 countries, reinforcing the technological innovation capacity in Portugal and the impact it can have beyond borders.
It is KPMG Private Enterprise's initiative that identifies tech startups with high potential for innovation, growth, and impact, connecting them with investors, industry leaders, and global media.
All growing tech startups with a functioning product, registered in Portugal, with up to seven years of operation in the current form of the company, revenues between €1-15M, €500k in equity, or proven growth potential may apply. They must not be majority-owned by a large corporate group.
The application is eligible if:
A "large corporate group" is understood to be a company or group of companies with:
Not necessarily. Both pure tech startups and tech-enabled/tech-driven/tech-led businesses will be accepted, as long as technology is a clear differentiating factor.
In practical terms: we seek solutions where technology is not an “accessory” but central to the differentiation and scalability of the business.
Yes, as long as the company is not majority-owned by a large corporate group.
The presentations are conducted in English at all stages of the competition.
All valid applications will be evaluated after the application period closes. Applications will be collected and assessed by KPMG professionals based on three categories (innovation and disruption, market potential, and traction and dynamics) with equal weighting. The selected candidate startups that pass this initial evaluation and meet KPMG's eligibility and compliance checks will be invited to present a pitch in a National/Regional Competition, where they will be evaluated by a panel of industry experts, consisting of KPMG members and external specialists.
All presentations will be scored based on five categories, with equal weighting: innovation, entrepreneurial spirit, potential for company growth, customer orientation, and risk awareness/management.
The winning startup in Portugal receives 12 months of KPMG consulting to accelerate growth and will represent the country in the international final at the Web Summit.
Finalist startups receive feedback from the jury and have access to KPMG's innovation ecosystem, with insights, events, and other benefits.
The application period opens on April 20, 2026, and closes at 11:59 PM (GMT) on July 3, 2026.
You may already know KPMG, but you might not know KPMG Private Enterprise.
KPMG Private Enterprise consultants from various member firms around the world work side by side with you and your business at any stage of your growth journey.
Gain access to KPMG's global resources through a single point of contact – a trusted partner for your company. The KPMG Private Enterprise Global Network for Emerging Giants has extensive knowledge and experience in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Whether you want to establish your operations, raise capital, expand internationally, or simply meet regulatory requirements – we can support you. We are here throughout your journey.
