Summary:
Dengun's Demo Day showcased 12 global startups to 20 investors in the Algarve.
The event aimed to promote the Algarve as a center for entrepreneurship.
Investors included notable names like BlueCrow Capital and Portugal Ventures.
The program received 400 applications, down to 12 finalists after a rigorous selection.
Startups like expressTEC are focusing on innovative genetic testing in oncology.
A New Beginning for Startups
Dengun recently hosted a significant event dubbed “Demo Day” on January 30, showcasing 12 startups from around the globe to 20 investors. This initiative, part of the Dengun Founders Program, aims to put the Algarve on the entrepreneurial map.
The event, held at Le Club in Albufeira, marked the end of a three-month journey for the startups involved. Miguel Fernandes, CEO of Dengun, shared insights on the program, stating that the idea had been in the works for some time.
“We are in the Algarve to work with local entrepreneurs, but there have been fewer emerging in recent years. We are working to improve this situation,” he explained.
Global Outreach
Dengun, based at the UAlg Tec Campus, sought companies worldwide, humorously mentioning they would even accept applicants from Mars. The response was overwhelming, with 400 applications received, leading to a rigorous selection process that narrowed it down to 12 finalists.
These startups benefitted from extensive support, including mentorship from experts in programming, design, and marketing. The finalists presented their innovations to a noteworthy group of investors, including BlueCrow Capital, Build Up Labs, and Portugal Ventures. Additionally, significant institutions such as the Banco Português de Fomento were present, representing a network of over 1700 investors.
Promoting Innovation in the Algarve
Among the startups was expressTEC, a spin-off from the University of Algarve, focusing on genetic testing in oncology. Co-founders Ana Teresa Maia and Joana Xavier highlighted the importance of the program, stating it provided crucial mentorship and market positioning strategies.
Joana emphasized the significance of hosting such an event in the Algarve, noting that Dengun's efforts to promote innovation in the region are unmatched outside major cities like Lisbon and Porto.
“This is innovative even at the national level. We want to show that it is possible to think bigger on an international scale,” she concluded.
Comments
Join Our Community
Create an account to share your thoughts, engage with others, and be part of our growing community.