Portugal's Aveiro region stays at the forefront of tech innovation

One of the goals of the project ADE - Aveiro Digital Export, promoted by AIDA CCI (Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the District of Aveiro) is precisely to promote the Aveiro region.

During its visit to Arab Health and Middle East Energy, the AIDA CCI presented Aveiro as a territory at the forefront of innovation, with a competitiveness index above the national average (109) and excelling by its strong investment in research and regional development (101.7).

According to data provided by AIDA CCI, technology has played a determining role in the city of Aveiro, making it an innovative and competitive ecosystem and one of the main drivers of economic development in the region.

In 2019, there were 354 research and development units in the Aveiro Region, which shows a 9% growth over the previous year. Spending on research and development by regional institutions and companies was 182 million euros in that same year.

The growing focus on initiatives aimed at technological and digital development of the business fabric, enhances the entrepreneurial and dynamic character of the city.

The region presents a set of relevant organizations and projects in the technological area, which places it at the forefront of the implementation of solutions related to the digital transition of companies:

Aveiro Tech City is an initiative that brings together people, companies, research institutes and solutions of the latest technological generation to redefine how to live and work in a city in the new digital and connected reality.

This initiative was recognized by Harvard University, which distinguished the Portuguese city with the "Innovation in Community Engagement Award 2020".

The project is based on four lines of action: education, training, technology and applications, and challenges, which include a wide range of activities, from the installation of Techlabs in schools to the creation of a responsive employment observatory, as well as the development of an urban data platform and a living laboratory with fiber infrastructure, sensors and 5G connectivity in the city.

The project also involves the promotion of code Bootcamps, challenges aimed at startups, sacleups and R&D centers, as well as artistic residencies for digital art. 4.9 million Euros have been invested in this project by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and more than 3000 students will benefit from it (techlabs).

It is also worth highlighting the Business Incubator of Aveiro Region, a project that aims to economically enhance the territorial strategies for the promotion and development of entrepreneurship and social innovation, through differentiating and qualifying actions, spaces (poles) and support services for the incubation of business ideas and companies.

Find out more about Aveiro Digital Export at www.aida.pt