Portugal is increasingly becoming a hotspot for global innovation, particularly in the software sector. One of the standout examples of this shift is Critical TechWorks, a groundbreaking joint venture between the BMW Group and Portuguese company Critical Software.
Since its inception in 2018, this partnership has grown into a powerhouse of digital transformation, showcasing the immense value of Portuguese tech talent on the global automotive stage.
Critical TechWorks (CTW) was established with a bold mission: to accelerate BMW’s digital transformation and help shape the future of mobility. The result? A thriving company that now employs over 3,000 professionals, most of them software engineers, and reported a turnover of €229 million in 2024. CTW is deeply integrated into BMW’s digital ecosystem, developing software that powers everything from autonomous driving features to intelligent voice assistants and next-generation production systems.
What makes this partnership remarkable is the strategic advantage that Portugal offers. The country is home to some of Europe’s top universities, producing a steady stream of highly skilled engineering graduates. Lisbon, Porto, and Braga. Cities where CTW has established offices are not just geographical choices; they’re talent hubs with deep pools of digital expertise. This access to well-trained professionals allows multinational companies like BMW to scale complex software projects rapidly and efficiently.
For BMW, the decision to partner with Critical Software and invest in Portugal has paid off in spades. CTW has played a vital role in some of BMW’s most forward-looking initiatives, including the development of the NEUE KLASSE vehicle architecture and innovative autonomous driving capabilities in models like the BMW i5 and i7. From intelligent traffic jam handling systems to fatigue-detection software that enhances driver safety, CTW’s work is driving real-world impact.
