The recently published EU|BIC Impact Report 2026: Building for Scale highlights the key role that innovation and entrepreneurship centres, such as Startup Madeira, play in the growth and internationalisation of European start-ups. The report highlights the contribution of the EU|BIC network, comprising more than 110 certified European Business and Innovation Centres across 24 countries, which support innovative companies from the start-up phase through to international expansion. Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

According to the report, successful internationalisation begins long before entering a new market. Through specialist support, access to strategic networks, investment preparation and connections with international partners, the EU|BIC help entrepreneurs lay solid foundations for sustainable and scalable growth.

The document presents a number of success stories from organisations based in various countries, including Portugal, demonstrating how collaboration between regional innovation ecosystems helps to accelerate the development of innovative companies, attract investment and create new opportunities for growth beyond national borders.

As a member of the European Business and Innovation Centre Network (EBN) and an organisation certified as EU|BIC, Startup Madeira is proud to be part of this European network, which promotes innovation, entrepreneurship and business competitiveness. The report emphasises the importance of the work carried out by regional ecosystems in supporting the creation of future leading companies in Europe and in building a more innovative and connected economy.

View the full report here.