Signed during Web Summit Qatar 2025, this agreement is designed to create new opportunities for entrepreneurs from both nations, enhance cross-border market access, and facilitate knowledge exchange between two rapidly growing tech ecosystems.

Portugal has established itself as one of Europe’s most attractive destinations for investment in innovation and technology. With over 5,000 startups generating more than 26,000 jobs, the country’s dynamic startup scene has become a global reference point. At the same time, Qatar is making significant strides in its startup ecosystem, with plans to increase its GDP by 2-4% by 2033, create nearly 40,000 new jobs, and attract international venture capital through the Startup Qatar Investment Program and Qatar Development Bank’s initiatives. This strategic alliance aims to capitalize on the strengths of both nations and provide a streamlined entry process for startups looking to expand into either market.

The Growing Synergy Between Portugal and Qatar

This collaboration underscores the growing economic ties between Portugal and Qatar, particularly in sectors such as technology, fintech, renewable energy, and digital transformation. Over the years, Portugal has made significant investments in Qatar in areas like real estate, food and beverage, and energy, contributing to the economic diversification of both nations. With this new partnership, the focus shifts towards high-growth tech industries, reinforcing Portugal’s position as a gateway to Europe and Qatar’s ambition to become a leader in Middle Eastern innovation.

As part of the agreement, Invest Qatar and Startup Portugal will facilitate mutual referrals for startups interested in international expansion. Both organizations will provide business setup guidance, regulatory framework support, and operational logistics assistance, ensuring a smoother transition for entrepreneurs entering new markets. This initiative aligns with Portugal’s broader mission to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) and promote bilateral trade and knowledge sharing in key tech-driven industries.

Beyond investment, both countries recognize the importance of fostering an innovation culture through networking events, mentorship programs, and incubation opportunities. This partnership also opens doors for Portuguese startups to explore the Middle Eastern market, which offers a rapidly expanding digital economy and a demand for innovative solutions in sectors such as smart cities, AI, cybersecurity, and green technology. Similarly, Qatari startups can benefit from Portugal’s well-established access to the European market, strong ties with international investors, and a tech-driven regulatory framework that supports business scalability.

The Future of Portugal-Qatar Startup Collaboration

This strategic alliance signals a new era of cooperation, where both nations leverage their respective strengths to build a thriving, innovation-driven economy. For startups, this means access to new funding opportunities, market expansion support, and business development resources. For Portugal and Qatar, it represents a step towards creating a more interconnected and forward-thinking tech ecosystem that fosters investment and long-term economic growth.

Looking ahead, the success of this partnership will depend on continued collaboration, government support, and engagement with the global investment community. By fostering innovation through startup-friendly policies, encouraging talent exchange, and supporting cross-border scaling initiatives, Portugal and Qatar are paving the way for a new wave of startup success stories that will shape the future of technology, business, and economic development in Europe and the Middle East.

As Portugal continues to position itself as a global leader in entrepreneurship and digital transformation, this partnership with Qatar not only strengthens economic relations but also expands opportunities for innovation on an international scale. By working together, these two nations are setting the stage for a new era of technological advancement, fostering investment, and ensuring a future where startups can thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.

Author

Paulo Lopes is a multi-talent Portuguese citizen who made his Master of Economics in Switzerland and studied law at Lusófona in Lisbon - CEO of Casaiberia in Lisbon and Algarve.

Paulo Lopes