Innovation

The synergy between MIT and its neighboring business community is palpable. Sometimes referred to as “the most innovative square mile on the planet”, Cambridge’s Kendall Square – located directly adjacent to the campus – is home to scores of technology companies and entrepreneurial start-ups in fields such as computing, robotics and engineering.

With entrepreneurship and innovation essential aspects of MPP, the program adds to this tradition. Since its founding in 2006, the MPP has enabled 47 entrepreneurial spin-offs – the practical result of collaborative projects undertaken by MIT and Portuguese universities, research institutions and industry.

During previous phases of MPP, MIT has hosted Innovation Workshops designed to expose participants to critical elements of venture creation and the potential commercialization of high-impact research and technologies. Intended for aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs, as well as students and researchers, the workshops have included seminars by MIT and Portuguese innovators, entrepreneurs and visionaries who have successfully commercialized their research and ideas. Annual reunions of past Innovation Workshop participants take place in Lisbon.

In addition to 2026 Innovation Workshop, the fourth phase of the program will feature trans-Atlantic educational exchanges to facilitate deeper collaboration among US and Portuguese researchers that leads to innovative entrepreneurial ventures here and abroad. 

Learn more about the 2026 Innovation Workshop!