BGI
Building Global Innovators
Building Global Innovators is an American Style, world class deep tech StartUp accelerator. We provide opportunities to scale up via venture financing, connecting innovators with…
BGI at a glance
| Full name | Building Global Innovators |
|---|---|
| Address | Lisbon, Portugal |
| Programmes | 3 standing programmes |
| Official website | www.bgi.pt |
Programmes they run
Standing programmes at BGI, separate from the funding calls above.
Seedbed Incubator
IncubationA 4-6 month programme that aims to transform science & technology-based innovations into market-validated businesses in agrifood.
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Participants join a community of ag/food tech founders & researchers, establish market need, connect with 100+ customers & stakeholders, and receive equity-free funding. The program provides specialist training, tailored support, and access to a food innovation network with 160+ industry, academic, and corporate partners, and 200+ experts and mentors.
EIT Digital Venture Program
CompetitionAn intensive eight-week hybrid pre-acceleration competition for teams with a PoC or prototype, aimed at finalising an MVP.
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Venture teams are provided with funding to help them launch their startup. The program is delivered by BGI Lisbon for teams of entrepreneurs resident in Portugal and Malta. Eligibility requires an innovative business idea with a PoC or prototype in Digital Industry, Digital Tech, Digital Wellbeing, Digital Finance, or Digital Cities, a multidisciplinary team of at least two members, and no existing legal entity for the project.
EIT Climate-KIC Accelerator
AcceleratorAn acceleration program focused on cleantech commercialisation and climate impact, delivered in 3 stages.
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The program offers funding in Stage 1, funding in Stage 2, and Business Development Support in Stage 3. It provides access to Europe’s largest CleanTech accelerator network, international networks, potential investors and clients, and personalized mentoring and coaching. It supports startups in Portugal, Malta, and Cyprus with a breakthrough business model, exponential technology, or solution with substantial climate impact, an existing Proof of Concept (POC), a motivated team of at least two founders, and commitment to participate in an English-speaking environment.
Incubation tracks
The routes into BGI, and what each one includes.
| Track | Type | Space | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seedbed IncubatorA 4-6 month programme. Equity-free funding up to 7,000 EUR, with up to 10,000 EUR additional for Seedbed+ eligible teams. | Pre-incubation | — | access to a community of ag/food tech founders & researchers, market validation support, connection with 100+ customers & stakeholders, specialist training and tailored support, access to a food innovation network, access to experts and mentors |
| EIT Digital Venture ProgramAn intensive eight-week hybrid program delivered by BGI Lisbon for teams resident in Portugal and Malta. Funding up to 25,000 EUR. | Pre-incubation | — | support to finalise a minimum viable product (MVP), funding to launch startup |
| EIT Climate-KIC AcceleratorProgram delivered in 3 stages. Funding up to 5,000 EUR in Stage 1 and up to 20,000 EUR in Stage 2. Supports startups in Portugal, Malta, and Cyprus. | Acceleration | — | funding, business development support, access to Europe’s largest CleanTech accelerator International Network, access to potential investors and clients, personalized mentoring and coaching |
Support services
Help offered alongside funding and space.
About BGI
BGI is a Portuguese startup accelerator and venture builder based in Lisbon, operating with a global reach. It supports innovators and deep-tech SMEs from around the world to achieve business, economic, and environmental sustainability goals. BGI specializes in several key sectors including Agrifood, Urban Mobility, Digital, Health, Climate, Raw Materials, and Manufacturing. The organization offers various programs including Venture Acceleration, Open Innovation, Innovation Academy, Venture Investment, and Ecosystem Insights, providing knowledge, tools, and networks. These programs empower innovators, facilitate collaboration between stakeholders, and provide tailored support and connections to customers, experts, and mentors.
Who they work with
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Frequently asked questions about BGI
What is the full form of BGI?
BGI stands for Building Global Innovators.
What does BGI do?
BGI is a Portuguese startup accelerator and venture builder based in Lisbon, operating with a global reach. It supports innovators and deep-tech SMEs from around the world to achieve business, economic, and environmental sustainability goals.
Where is BGI located?
BGI is located at Lisbon, Portugal.
What programs does BGI run?
BGI runs Seedbed Incubator, EIT Digital Venture Program and EIT Climate-KIC Accelerator.
Recommended grants & schemes
Other open programmes matching BGI's focus areas.
