Cross-Border Innovation: IP, Startups, and Ecosystem Growth in the UK and Portugal

Session Overview

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This session explores the intersection of innovation, entrepreneurship, and community-building between the UK, Portugal and the European Union.

Speakers will provide practical insights into protecting intellectual property, navigating business incentives in Portugal, accessing European funding and creating sustainable tech ecosystems. From understanding the fundamentals of IP and patenting, to discovering how Madeira, and mainland Portugal support startups and attracts international talent. Ideal for startups, researchers, and investors, this
session highlights opportunities for cross-border collaboration and sustainable growth.

Intended Audience

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• Companies, academics
• Government representatives
• Public health organisations

Format and Schedule

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Time		Session
14:00 – 14:05		Welcome and Introduction by the Chair
14:05 – 14:20		Intellectual Property: Foundations for Innovation and Commercialisation Speaker: Anthony Albutt, Partner, Patent Attorney, D Young & Co LLP An overview of key IP types, patent protection, and strategic considerations for startups and researchers. This talk will support researchers in navigating IP pathways and help founders understand IP’s role in scaling ventures and attracting cross-border investment.
14:20 – 15:20		Portugal and Madeira: Business Environment, Opportunities and European Funding for Startups Explore the advantages of setting up a company in Portugal and Madeira, including government incentives, tax benefits, and dedicated support infrastructure for both local and international startups. The session will also highlight opportunities under Horizon Europe and other European programmes, offering a broader perspective on funding and collaboration within the EU innovation ecosystem.
	14:20 – 14:35	EU Funding Opportunities under Horizon Europe Ana Rita Pinto, National Contact Point Cluster 1 – Health in Horizon Europe, AICIB – Portuguese Agency for Clinical Research and Biomedical Innovation
	14:35 – 14:50	National Startup Ecosystem and Support Instruments Susana Viseu – Senior Advisor at IAPMEI, Department for Entrepreneurship and Financing
	14:50 – 15:05	Business environment in Madeira – local incentive schemes and introduction to the International Business Centre of Madeira Roberto Figueira, Board member of Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Madeira (ACIF-CCIM)
	15:05 – 15:20	Madeira Entrepreneurial Ecosystem and relevant local Health Tech Projects Micaela Vieira, Project Manager, Startup Madeira
15:20 -15:30		Final questions & Closing remarks Open FAQ with all speakers to address audience questions and encourage connections.

Speakers

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