Polytechnic Institute of Tomar Partners with Empowered Startups - Institute of Tomar Partners with Empowered Startups to Expand HQA® Program in Portugal.

In April, Empowered Startups signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Instituto Politécnico de Tomar (IPT), further expanding the HQA® Program into the Central Region of Portugal. With every higher education institution added to the HQA® Program, the country further opens its doors to international collaboration and innovation.

The partnership between Empowered Startups and the Polytechnic Institute of Tomar aims to attract foreign direct investment, foster knowledge transfer, and encourage highly qualified individuals to bring their expertise to Portugal.

Innovation in Central Portugal
Established in 1973, the Instituto Politécnico de Tomar is a public higher education institution in Portugal with campuses in Tomar and Abrantes, located in the district of Santarém. The polytechnic has a wide and impactful presence in the region, bringing in global perspectives and helping to retain the younger generation in Central Portugal.

Partnering with the HQA® Program is a unique opportunity for higher education institutions. Bringing in foreign direct investment is not only a catalyst for the university, but for the surrounding region. Attracting global talent and perspectives boosts competitiveness and enables the university to further strengthen its standing as an exceptional higher education institution.

By partnering with Empowered Startups, IPT strengthens its role in driving economic growth and increasing opportunities for students and researchers.  

Partnering with the HQA® in Central Portugal
Empowered Startups, a Canadian multinational in Évora, has operated in Portugal since 2019. This new partnership demonstrates the company’s commitment to expanding the program to universities and polytechnics nationwide. Collaborating with IPT highlights an essential step for the university and region in attracting more foreign direct investment through innovative R&D projects. 

As Empowered Startups’ partnerships with higher education institutions continue to grow in Portugal, so does the number of internationally funded research projects with the HQA® Program. The program invites global academics, professionals, and entrepreneurs to bring their expertise to Portugal to launch and grow innovative ventures that make a real impact. These professionals are paired with Portuguese institutions, such as IPT, on projects funded by foreign direct investment. 

The HQA® Program now partners with over 50 higher education institutions across the country.