Lisbon, Feb. 2, 2026 (Lusa) - Startup Portugal announced on Monday that 23 Portuguese startups from various sectors will be attending Web Summit Qatar, an event taking place in Doha from 1 to 4 February.
The presence of the 23 technology companies is supported by Startup Portugal and Unicorn Factory Lisboa, "five of which are participating in the conference as part of the Business Abroad programme, which supports the presence of Portuguese startups at major global technology and innovation events".
According to Startup Portugal, "the Portuguese presence at Web Summit Qatar represents a strategic step in positioning national startups within one of the most relevant global ecosystems in terms of capital, technology and international expansion".
In fact, the Middle East "has been establishing itself as one of the main centres for investment in innovation, attracting sovereign wealth funds, venture capital and major technology players, creating unique opportunities for companies with global ambitions".
The companies in the Portuguese delegation selected by the Business Abroad programme have already received a cumulative investment of around €13.5 million, says Startup Portugal, noting that the startups selected under this initiative employ more than 100 people."
Projects focused on Healthtech & Wellness, artificial intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning are highlighted in the Portuguese presence.
Among the companies selected under Startup Portugal's Business Abroad programme are Complear, which uses AI to automate software certification in critical sectors, and Criamknowledge, which develops portable medical devices that use AI to automate blood analysis and enable rapid on-site disease detection.
The list also includes the sheerME app, which helps consumers find, book, and pay for beauty and wellness services with cashback and additional benefits, and the Minve marketplace, a leading platform for buying, optimising, and reselling businesses, especially aimed at non-professional buyers.
Also included is iTRecruiter, which recruits talent using AI and automation.
"The remaining companies are participating under the partnership with Unicorn Factory Lisboa or are registered independently. In addition to Healthtech & Wellness and Artificial Intelligence, the startups explore the sectors of Fintech, Human Resources, Agritech, E-commerce, Tourism and Education," according to Startup Portugal.
"The Middle East is an important region for the internationalisation of our startups, and this mission is a concrete opportunity to continue to create partnerships, attract investment and give visibility to the innovation developed in Portugal," said the president of Startup Portugal, quoted in a statement.
The Web Summit, as a strategic conference for Portugal, allows us to reach this market more closely and more effectively, concludes Alexandre Santos.
Since its creation, Business Abroad has accompanied more than 320 startups at leading international events.
Startup Portugal has been present at Web Summit Qatar since its first edition in 2024 and, in 2025, signed a memorandum of understanding with Invest Qatar to boost investment and foster business partnerships between the two countries.
ALU/ADB // ADB.
Lusa
