February, 5, 2025
Universities are key players in creating environments that foster innovation and attract entrepreneurs
Ecosystem
Innovation
Interview with Bernardo Saraiva, co-founder and director of World Talents
“Portugal benefits from a robust university ecosystem that encourages collaboration between academia, start-ups, and companies, and that promotes innovation in strategic areas such as artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and biotechnology,” says Bernardo Saraiva, co-founder and director of World Talents.
Founded in 2021 and currently headquartered in Portugal, World Talents promotes talent mobility initiatives within the university ecosystem. It has already established partnerships with institutions such as ISCTE, the University of Coimbra, the University of Algarve, and the Polytechnic Institute of Setúbal.
Through its Global Talent Portugal program, it has so far attracted around 80 entrepreneurs and companies to the country, with a total investment of approximately 2.8 million euros. This program, which acts as a bridge between entrepreneurs, investors, and universities, aims to establish Portugal as a top destination for global talent, promoting knowledge transfer and the integration of companies into the local ecosystem.
“We help entrepreneurs navigate the Portuguese ecosystem more easily. We offer personalised guidance on legislation and available incentives, in addition to creating links with universities, incubators, and tech parks that provide infrastructure, knowledge, and mentoring networks,” explains Bernardo Saraiva.
Founded in 2021 and currently headquartered in Portugal, World Talents promotes talent mobility initiatives within the university ecosystem. It has already established partnerships with institutions such as ISCTE, the University of Coimbra, the University of Algarve, and the Polytechnic Institute of Setúbal.
Through its Global Talent Portugal program, it has so far attracted around 80 entrepreneurs and companies to the country, with a total investment of approximately 2.8 million euros. This program, which acts as a bridge between entrepreneurs, investors, and universities, aims to establish Portugal as a top destination for global talent, promoting knowledge transfer and the integration of companies into the local ecosystem.
“We help entrepreneurs navigate the Portuguese ecosystem more easily. We offer personalised guidance on legislation and available incentives, in addition to creating links with universities, incubators, and tech parks that provide infrastructure, knowledge, and mentoring networks,” explains Bernardo Saraiva.
How and when did the idea to create World Talents arise?
World Talents was founded in 2021, with the mission of building a global ecosystem for talent and knowledge transfer. Our vision was clear: to create economic opportunities that have a positive impact on society and to offer faster and simpler solutions for entrepreneurs who wish to expand their footprint in other countries.
Our team brought over a decade of experience in investment migration services to this project, having supported hundreds of high-net-worth individuals in settling and investing in new markets. However, we identified the need to go beyond the mobility of financial capital and to focus equally on human capital, the true driver of innovation and progress.
We formalised talent mobility programs that connect universities, research centres, and the entrepreneurial ecosystem, enabling future entrepreneurs to find the support they need to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.
Our team brought over a decade of experience in investment migration services to this project, having supported hundreds of high-net-worth individuals in settling and investing in new markets. However, we identified the need to go beyond the mobility of financial capital and to focus equally on human capital, the true driver of innovation and progress.
We formalised talent mobility programs that connect universities, research centres, and the entrepreneurial ecosystem, enabling future entrepreneurs to find the support they need to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.
“Countries and organisations are seeking innovative and entrepreneurial professionals who are essential for strengthening competitiveness and fostering innovation.”
What trends have you observed most in terms of talent mobility?
What trends have you observed most in terms of talent mobility?
Talent mobility has focused on attracting qualified human capital, a resource increasingly valued and essential to face the economic transformation driven by technologies such as artificial intelligence and the challenges of the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Countries and organisations are looking for innovative and entrepreneurial professionals who are essential for strengthening competitiveness and fostering innovation.
Among the most promising trends is the growing collaboration between universities and start-ups in research and development (R&D). These partnerships generate technological solutions that respond to real industry challenges, with areas such as artificial intelligence,
biotechnology, and renewable energy leading the way. In addition, innovation hubs on university campuses promote the exchange of ideas and a culture of continuous innovation, bringing students, researchers, and entrepreneurs together in a collaborative environment. With this approach, all parties involved in the mobility process directly benefit, contributing to the creation of sustainable ecosystems for development and innovation.
Among the most promising trends is the growing collaboration between universities and start-ups in research and development (R&D). These partnerships generate technological solutions that respond to real industry challenges, with areas such as artificial intelligence,
biotechnology, and renewable energy leading the way. In addition, innovation hubs on university campuses promote the exchange of ideas and a culture of continuous innovation, bringing students, researchers, and entrepreneurs together in a collaborative environment. With this approach, all parties involved in the mobility process directly benefit, contributing to the creation of sustainable ecosystems for development and innovation.
In recent years, Portugal has stood out as an increasingly attractive destination for global entrepreneurs. What do you think has contributed to this?
Portugal has been establishing itself as a privileged destination for global entrepreneurs due to a unique combination of factors. The country's strategic location, with easy access to the European market and connections with Portuguese-speaking countries, is highly attractive. Furthermore, the welcoming environment, excellent quality of life, and competitive operating costs make it particularly appealing for those seeking a balance between work and lifestyle.
Another highlight is government policies that encourage innovation and entrepreneurship. Support programs for start-ups, such as acceleration and incubation, and a competitive tax system, including tax benefits for non-habitual residents, have attracted a growing number of international entrepreneurs and companies.
Portugal benefits from a robust university ecosystem that encourages collaboration between academia, start-ups, and companies and promotes innovation in strategic areas such as artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and biotechnology. This synergy between local and international talent, combined with a stable and innovative environment, positions Portugal as one of the most dynamic tech hubs in Europe.
Another highlight is government policies that encourage innovation and entrepreneurship. Support programs for start-ups, such as acceleration and incubation, and a competitive tax system, including tax benefits for non-habitual residents, have attracted a growing number of international entrepreneurs and companies.
Portugal benefits from a robust university ecosystem that encourages collaboration between academia, start-ups, and companies and promotes innovation in strategic areas such as artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and biotechnology. This synergy between local and international talent, combined with a stable and innovative environment, positions Portugal as one of the most dynamic tech hubs in Europe.
“More recently, the growing dynamism of the university and start-up ecosystem has caught the attention of entrepreneurs who see in Portugal an opportunity to scale their projects…”
And what makes Portugal an attractive destination for entrepreneurs and global companies considering alternatives to the US?
And what makes Portugal an attractive destination for entrepreneurs and global companies considering alternatives to the US?
The country stands out for a set of highly competitive socio-economic factors. In addition to the quality of life, which is often cited as one of its most attractive aspects, Portugal is known for its hospitality, which facilitates the integration of international entrepreneurs. The competitive tax system is also a key point. More recently, the growing dynamism of the university and start-up ecosystem has caught the attention of entrepreneurs who see in Portugal an opportunity to scale their projects and access the European market more efficiently.
What are the biggest challenges entrepreneurs face when trying to establish themselves in Portugal, and how can World Talents help them?
Entrepreneurs face challenges such as adapting to the bureaucratic system, understanding local legislation, and difficulty accessing relevant networks and specific support for developing their projects. Obtaining visas, seeking funding, and entering business ecosystems are also significant barriers, especially for those coming from different business environments.
World Talents acts as a bridge in this process, helping entrepreneurs navigate the Portuguese ecosystem more easily. We offer personalised guidance on legislation and available incentives, as well as creating connections with universities, incubators, and tech parks that provide infrastructure, knowledge, and mentoring networks. Through strategic partnerships, we promote integrated support that reduces barriers, speeds up processes, and creates favourable conditions for entrepreneurs to focus on the sustainable growth of their businesses.
World Talents acts as a bridge in this process, helping entrepreneurs navigate the Portuguese ecosystem more easily. We offer personalised guidance on legislation and available incentives, as well as creating connections with universities, incubators, and tech parks that provide infrastructure, knowledge, and mentoring networks. Through strategic partnerships, we promote integrated support that reduces barriers, speeds up processes, and creates favourable conditions for entrepreneurs to focus on the sustainable growth of their businesses.
How does World Talents support talent mobility between local start-up ecosystems and universities in Portugal? What initiatives have you organised?
World Talents is at the forefront of this transformation, promoting and facilitating partnerships between universities and entrepreneurs through our Global Talent Portugal program. By connecting start-ups with professors, students, and researchers, we help strengthen interaction and create new opportunities for collaborative projects. Our approach includes identifying areas of mutual interest, creating networking events, and promoting acceleration programs that address the needs of both universities and entrepreneurs, allowing both to grow and benefit from this collaboration.
We have formalised partnerships with institutions such as the University of Coimbra, the University of Évora, the University of Algarve, Sines Tecnopolo, UAlg Tec Campus, Algarve Evolution (UAlg Tec Campus), ISTEC, and the Polytechnic Institute of Setúbal, among others in the process of formalisation.
We have formalised partnerships with institutions such as the University of Coimbra, the University of Évora, the University of Algarve, Sines Tecnopolo, UAlg Tec Campus, Algarve Evolution (UAlg Tec Campus), ISTEC, and the Polytechnic Institute of Setúbal, among others in the process of formalisation.
Universities are key players in creating environments that foster innovation and attract entrepreneurs. To better integrate these professionals, they can implement initiatives such as collaborative labs and acceleration programs tailored to different sectors, ensuring access to practical tools and technical support. Organising forums, start-up competitions, and meetings between academia and industry also helps to strengthen strategic connections and the exchange of ideas.
In addition, incorporating subjects focused on entrepreneurship and innovation into curricula can prepare students for real-world challenges, encouraging a more creative and solution-oriented mindset. World Talents operates in this context, fostering partnerships between universities and entrepreneurs, facilitating joint projects that drive knowledge transfer and the creation of new economic opportunities.
Companies can play a complementary role by creating long-term partnerships with educational institutions, funding applied research projects, and promoting programs that connect start-ups and young talent to their ecosystems. Investments in innovation hubs and co-development initiatives help create a sustainable cycle of collaboration between companies, universities, and entrepreneurs.
In addition, incorporating subjects focused on entrepreneurship and innovation into curricula can prepare students for real-world challenges, encouraging a more creative and solution-oriented mindset. World Talents operates in this context, fostering partnerships between universities and entrepreneurs, facilitating joint projects that drive knowledge transfer and the creation of new economic opportunities.
Companies can play a complementary role by creating long-term partnerships with educational institutions, funding applied research projects, and promoting programs that connect start-ups and young talent to their ecosystems. Investments in innovation hubs and co-development initiatives help create a sustainable cycle of collaboration between companies, universities, and entrepreneurs.
“(...) incorporating subjects focused on entrepreneurship and innovation into curricula can prepare students for real-world challenges, encouraging a more creative and solution-oriented mindset.”
What can universities do to better integrate entrepreneurs into their ecosystem? And companies?
What can universities do to better integrate entrepreneurs into their ecosystem? And companies?
"Open to a new era of talent mobility, Portugal has the opportunity to attract and retain some of the brightest minds, capable of driving its innovation and competitiveness.”
What are the greatest opportunities Portugal can seize to become a global innovation hub?
What are the greatest opportunities Portugal can seize to become a global innovation hub?
Open to a new era of talent mobility, Portugal has the opportunity to attract and retain some of the brightest minds, capable of driving its innovation and competitiveness. With a growing focus on emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and renewable energy, the country can position itself as a leader in high-tech sectors, promoting a more integrated ecosystem between companies, start-ups, and academic institutions.
To achieve this goal, it is essential to simplify bureaucratic processes, making the integration of entrepreneurs and companies more agile. Furthermore, increasing tax incentives for research and development, strengthening mentoring and funding programs, and expanding international partnerships with universities and tech parks are crucial steps to attract innovation and promote knowledge transfer.
To achieve this goal, it is essential to simplify bureaucratic processes, making the integration of entrepreneurs and companies more agile. Furthermore, increasing tax incentives for research and development, strengthening mentoring and funding programs, and expanding international partnerships with universities and tech parks are crucial steps to attract innovation and promote knowledge transfer.
What initiatives do you have planned until the end of the year?
By the end of the year, we will expand our network of partnerships with universities and relevant institutions, further strengthening collaborative processes between academia and the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Recently, we announced partnerships with the University of Évora and ISTEC, and we are working to establish new strategic collaborations that will result in research and innovation projects, as well as capital allocated to start-ups.
Future plans for World Talents?
World Talents aims to continue expanding its presence in various markets, replicating the success of initiatives like Global Talent Portugal. One of the main focuses for the future will be to promote talent mobility as a key driver for innovation and inclusive, sustainable economic growth. By establishing stronger partnerships with universities, governments, and private entities, we will build ecosystems that empower entrepreneurs, companies, and professionals.