Deadline: August 25, 2023
Applications for the Lisbon 2023 Foras Programme are now open. This is an immersive international experience designed to support entrepreneurial ecosystem development for Scotland, open to Scotland-based startups and scaleups. This programme will build on recent successful cohort visits from the Foras team to Silicon Valley in April 2022, the Slush conference in Helsinki in Nov 2022 and NYC in April 2023.
This opportunity will be useful for Scotland-based businesses considering international market entry, raising capital from international investors, and establishing international partnership opportunities in Europe. In addition, this programme will foster peer relationships, founder education and break down barriers for some of Scotland’s most promising startup businesses who want to crack the next stage of their growth.
Expect to experience the vibrant culture of Lisbon, have quality time with established global startup success stories and Scottish diaspora businesses, visit world-class accelerators and be part of unique networking opportunities with entrepreneurial representatives and investors from around the world at Web Summit. The week will come to a close with a unique opportunity to pitch your business at an exclusive investor and ecosystem mixer event.
Cost
Organisers will cover the following:
- Return flights from Edinburgh to Lisbon.
- Twin-share hotel accommodation in Lisbon with breakfast (subsidised upgrades upon request and availability).
- Tickets to the 3-day Web Summit conference.
- Activities, workshops and professional visits including invite-only investor event.
- Subsidy for partner/children thanks to their sponsors.
Eligibility
- Open to Founder, Director or C-Suite Leader in a Scotland-based startup or scaleup. Applications are welcome from any industry, so long as you are a high-growth potential/scaleable business;
- Meet Portuguese travel/entry requirements;
- Can commit fully to the programme (11–18 Nov) and the two mandatory pre-programme events (13 Sep & 27 Sep);
- Excited to be part of this cohort and connect with the best and brightest from the global entrepreneurship scene.
Application
The programme will run November 11 – 18, 2023 with a mandatory finalist pitching event on Wednesday, September 13 in Glasgow, 11.00 – 15.00, and a pre-trip briefing session on Wednesday, September 27 in Edinburgh, 11.00 – 15.00.
For more information, visit Lisbon 2023 Foras Programme.
