UPTEC launches online programme for those taking their first steps in starting a business

UPTEC – Science and Technology Park of the University of Porto has just launched the School of Startups: Foundations, a pre-incubation programme aimed at entrepreneurs who want to transform ideas into validated business models. Available online and with over 100 hours of training content, which can be accessed at an individual pace, the programme offers a structured and practical approach.

Foundations is designed to support entrepreneurs from the first steps of their journey to the creation of a complete business plan and a pitch deck ready for presentation to investors. Participants have access to a step-by-step methodology based on real cases, industry best practices, and guiding questions that help them apply the concepts to the reality of their project.

The modular structure allows participants to follow the entire course or choose chapters according to their specific needs. The programme stands out for its deliverables section at the end of each chapter, which allows entrepreneurs to put theory into practice by producing essential documents for each stage of their startup’s development.

“Foundations responds to the need for a tool for those who want to start entrepreneurship on a solid foundation, without making some of the most common mistakes at the beginning of the process”, says Maria Oliveira, executive director of UPTEC. “Access to this type of structured knowledge is crucial for transforming good ideas into successful businesses, and this programme reflects that mission exactly”.

The first twelve modules of Foundations are available free of charge, with topics ranging from the fundamentals of entrepreneurship, defining market problems and identifying customer segments, to developing a value proposition and financial planning. In addition, a paid plan is available for €150, which gives access to premium content, participation in a final presentation event, access to UPTEC’s official acceleration programme, and a weekly newsletter with the main events in the entrepreneurial ecosystem, as well as networking opportunities with the UPTEC startup community.

Those interested can obtain more information or join the programme through the official website.