Strengthening the incubation network in the Algarve, accelerating incubated companies and diversifying the market, traditionally more sustained in tourism, are the main objectives of the INTECH Algarve project, which results from an application submitted by the National Association of Young Entrepreneurs (ANJE) and the University of the Algarve within the framework of Portugal 2020.
For ANJE, this is a partnership that «allows for an even more active collaboration between the two entities in the fields of entrepreneurship, incubation, training and research».
The INTECH Algarve operation aims, above all, “the expansion and reorientation of the focus of activity”.
The idea is to improve conditions, namely through the requalification of business reception spaces, with a view to accelerating and systematizing the business creation process.
Entrepreneurs can now count on a reinforcement in the set of skills and specific support; offering flexible and cost-effective incubation spaces; access to mentors and investors; connection to various entities; promotion between companies and the market.
The main objective is to create all the conditions for an environment that can be increasingly favorable and stimulating for learning and entrepreneurship.
The link between the association and the University of the Algarve is also, admits ANJE, «an important step towards consolidating and strengthening the cooperation and exchange relations existing between the two institutions with a view to the pursuit of joint objectives and the promotion of scientific research, training and technological development in the academic and business ecosystems of the Algarve».
“It is very important that we manage to improve the quality and capacity of the services provided. It has also become increasingly important to contribute to the better preparation of entrepreneurs and students in various dimensions, namely, for the social and relational issues that the market presents», explains Hugo Vieira, vice president of the National Directorate of ANJE.
“We want, above all, to promote the entrepreneurial spirit that facilitates, for example, support for the economic exploitation of new ideas and encourages the creation of new companies, including through business incubators”, says Hugo Vieira.
The investments will all be made in the Algarve and the focus will be, above all, to contribute to the improvement of the incubation conditions and acceleration of technology and knowledge-based companies.
«CRIA – Division of Entrepreneurship and Technology Transfer of the University of Algarve assumes the mission of supporting entrepreneurship and innovation, and promoting an effective interaction between the University and the business sector, facilitating its transfer to the market. Valuing the knowledge produced within the academy and boosting the resulting business relationships are priorities», highlights Hugo Barros, coordinator of CRIA.
«ANJE is a key partner in achieving our goals, especially if we consider the importance of having specialized advice, technical support and even help in identifying opportunities and financial means to support the business», adds the official.
Taking into account the current dynamics of the regional network of incubators, INTECH will, above all, strengthen and create support and development tools for the entire existing structure.
The aim is to expand what has always been the objective of the network of incubators: to achieve greater articulation of the spaces available, the services offered, the support that can be mobilized and also external promotion, which is important for the development of this ecosystem.
The support network for economic and social development thus starts to promote a more structured environment to support economic activity, which is important for the economic development of the region, stimulating an environment of trust for businessmen and entrepreneurs.
This union is especially relevant, taking into account the disparities in the economic dynamics of the coastal territory and the interior territory and the fragilities of the economic fabric.
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