Twelve startup hubs from Portugal have been recognized in the FT ranking: Europe’s leading start-up hubs 2026, reflecting the country’s growing footprint in the European entrepreneurship ecosystem.
Now in its third edition, the ranking by the Financial Times highlights 180 hubs across 25 European countries that provide incubation and acceleration programs to help entrepreneurs build or grow companies.
The list was compiled in cooperation with data and research company Statista, as well as Sifted, the FT-backed media outlet covering European technology.
Seven of the 12 recognized centers operate in the capital. Other cities represented include Braga, Leiria, Ericeira, Porto, and Funchal.
Unicorn Factory Lisboa achieved the highest position among Portuguese hubs, ranking 24th overall. Here is the full list:
- 24 – Unicorn Factory Lisboa (Lisbon)
- 32 – Lispolis (Lisbon)
- 35 – The Fintech House (Lisbon)
- 36 – Startup Braga (Braga)
- 58 – Build Up Labs (Lisbon)
- 67 – Startup Leiria (Leiria)
- 87 – Business Factory (Ericeira)
- 99 – Canopy Community (Lisbon)
- 115 – Casa do Impacto (Lisbon)
- 116 – UPTEC – Science and Technology Park of the University of Porto (Porto)
- 161 – Startup Madeira (Funchal)
- 175 – BGI – Sustainable Ventures (Lisbon)
At the European level, the top three positions are held by hubs based in Munich and Nuremberg, namely UnternehmerTUM, Start2 Group, and BayStartUP. The United Kingdom, Germany, and Spain are home to the highest number of ranked hubs overall.
To qualify, hubs were required to have been operating since at least 2021, maintain at least one physical location in Europe, and run at least one incubation or acceleration program.
Methodology
Europe’s leading start-up hubs 2026 is based on a two-phase application and evaluation process.
The main criterion was the assessment provided by alumni who had participated in at least one program run by the respective hub. Alumni evaluated mentoring and training, infrastructure, legal assistance, as well as networking and funding opportunities.
The recommendations of external experts, including investors, entrepreneurs, and academics, were also considered. In addition, the performance and success of startups emerging from each hub were examined.
The survey and analysis phase ran from May to October 2025, and data published after that period, as well as events following November 7, 2025, were not included.
Disclaimer
According to the Financial Times, the selection of startup hubs and the definition of evaluation criteria were carried out independently by the publication and Statista.
The ranking was created through a complex research procedure and does not claim to be complete. Some startup hubs chose not to participate or did not receive a sufficient number of alumni evaluations to qualify.
The publication notes that a position in the ranking represents recognition based on the information provided through the survey and collected data, and that the results should not be used as the sole source of information for future decisions.
See also: Venture studios could reshape Portugal’s startup ecosystem, says Build Up Labs CEO
Featured image: Photo courtesy of Unicorn Factory Lisboa/Website
Portugal Startup News 