Unicorn Factory Lisboa has launched a hub in Lisbon dedicated to health, an initiative expected to strengthen the health innovation ecosystem as it brings together companies, hospitals, and universities.
The announcement, reported by Observador, describes the healthhub in Rossio as an innovation center designed to accelerate technological solutions for the health industry. The hub is being developed in partnership with AstraZeneca, CUF, Linde, the European Longevity Hub and SITIO.
The space includes 11 private rooms and 56 workstations, offering capacity for startups and project teams at different stages of growth.
According to Unicorn Factory Lisboa, the hub aims to unite entrepreneurs, investors, researchers, universities such as Católica Medical School and NOVA Medical School, and established companies in a collaborative environment capable of producing solutions with international potential.
In the statement, Executive President Gil Azevedo said the health sector is undergoing major transformation and faces ongoing structural challenges.
According to him, the hub was born to accelerate this change, bringing together talent and strategic partners to develop innovative solutions that “bring efficiency to the sector, increase the responsiveness of health services, and accompany new areas of growth, such as longevity.”
Startups interested in joining the healthhub can apply through the interest form available on the dedicated official page.
Unicorn Factory Lisboa notes that participating startups will have access to events and networking moments across the healthtech ecosystem, as well as a dedicated event space for health-related initiatives.
The hub will also offer technical workshops focused on health and life sciences, along with guidance from experts in healthcare, biotech, medtech, and digital health.
Startups will gain visibility through the hub’s communications, in addition to other resources intended to support partnerships, pilot projects, and market expansion.
The healthhub is the sixth hub launched by Unicorn Factory Lisboa, Lisbon City Hall’s flagship innovation program created in 2022 to attract high-growth tech companies and strengthen the city’s position in the global innovation landscape.
Previous hubs are dedicated to AI, sustainability, gaming, Web3, and engineering, each focused on supporting sector-specific communities and collaboration.
The launch of the healthhub comes as Upwork announced plans to open its first international operational hub in Lisbon, becoming the 17th unicorn to establish an office in the city. The expansion is part of the broader efforts of Unicorn Factory Lisboa to attract high-growth tech companies.
Upwork shared the news at Web Summit together with Lisbon Mayor Carlos Moedas, who noted that the company’s decision reflects the growing impact of the city’s innovation strategy.
The new operational hub will be located in Alcântara and is expected to be fully operational by the fourth quarter of 2026. The company has already begun hiring to support its plans, with the Lisbon office set to serve as a base for product development and technical hiring outside the United States.
Featured image: Photo courtesy of Unicorn Factory Lisboa
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