Join Tourism Advance, an open innovation program for startups creating solutions for the hospitality sector. Work directly with companies and industry partners in Portugal to test, adapt and develop your solution for real business challenges.
Tourism Advance is an open innovation program designed to connect startups with hospitality companies in Portugal.
It helps startups turn real hospitality challenges into pilot opportunities, working directly with hotels, hostels, resorts, short-term rentals and other accommodation operators looking for new solutions. Through a structured innovation journey, selected startups define use cases, test assumptions and develop solutions with market potential.
We are looking for startups with solutions that can help hospitality companies become more efficient, sustainable, intelligent and guest-centred. The final challenges will be defined with participating companies, but the program is focused on key areas shaping the future of hospitality.
Smarter Hospitality
Operations
How can hospitality companies automate tasks, improve team productivity and run smoother daily operations?
We are looking for startups helping hotels, hostels, resorts, short-term rentals and accommodation operators reduce manual work, optimise workflows and improve service quality across teams and properties.
Improve
Tourist Experience
How can hospitality companies create more personalised, seamless and engaging guest experiences before, during and after the stay?
We are looking for startups improving the way guests discover, book, arrive, communicate, experience and return to hospitality brands.
Data, Revenue and
Predictive Decisions
How can hospitality companies use data to make better decisions, forecast demand and unlock new revenue opportunities?
We are looking for startups that help accommodation operators use data more intelligently, from pricing and occupancy to demand forecasting, sales performance and business planning.
Sustainability and
Resource Efficiency
How can hospitality companies reduce waste, energy and water consumption while improving sustainability performance?
We are looking for startups helping hospitality companies become more efficient, transparent and sustainable without compromising guest comfort or operational performance.
We are especially interested in startups that already have a product, MVP or validated solution and are ready to adapt it to real company challenges.
TESTIMONIALS
Renato Leite
Managing Director, Global Blue
“More initiatives like this are extremely valuable and important because, from the corporate side, there is often limited exposure to emerging trends and new technologies. Programmes like this play a fundamental role in bridging that gap. Congratulations to everyone involved.”
Philippe Guitton
Group General Manager, Martinhal Family Hotels & Resorts
“I would like to thank the Tourism Advance team for their excellent work and the efficiency with which they managed the programme. The experience has been extremely positive so far. I believe initiatives like this are a great way to discover new technologies, innovative companies, and fresh opportunities for collaboration.”
Telmo Taipa
Co-Founder and CEO @ADECI Group
“We are truly grateful for the opportunity to be part of Tourism Advance. The programme fostered valuable connections and a strong partnership, and we look forward to continuing this relationship in the future.”
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COMPANIES INVOLVED
+130
MATCHMAKING SESSIONS
+50
MATCHINGS
+13
SUCCESSFUL PILOTS
Tourism Advance follows our open innovation journey. Startups apply with their solutions, selected teams meet hospitality companies and the best matches move forward to develop pilot opportunities.
01
Apply
Submit your startup and show us how your solution can create value for the hospitality sector
02
Get Selected
Applications are reviewed based on solution quality, team, market fit, implementation potential and relevance to the program challenges
03
Meet Hospitality Companies
Selected startups take part in matchmaking sessions with companies looking for solutions aligned with their challenges
04
Build the Use Case & Develop the Pilot
Startups and companies work together to define the opportunity and align expectations with bootcamps, mentoring and support from Fábrica de Startups.
05
Demo Day
Startups present their progress, pilot learnings and potential next steps to companies, partners and ecosystem stakeholders.
This is not just a program to learn. It is a program to get closer to your next client.
Access to Hospitality Companies
Meet companies that are actively looking for innovation and open to working with startups and work on concrete needs identified by the sector, not abstract innovation topics.
Bootcamps for Pilot Development Support
Get support to structure your use case, define assumptions, plan the pilot and prepare for implementation. A successful pilot can open the door to future contracts, partnerships, licensing, investment or further collaboration.
Mentorship & Expert Guidance
Work with mentors, innovation experts and industry stakeholders who can help you sharpen your solution and business case.
Market
Feedback
Receive direct feedback from our experts and advisory board and understand how your solution fits real hospitality operations.
TIMELINE
APPLICATIONS
3 JUNE TO 23 AUGUST
STARTUP
SELECTION
01 TO 10 OF SEPTEMBER
MATCHMAKING
14 TO 22 SEPTEMBER
BOOTCAMPS & PILOT DEVELOPMENT
01 TO 22 OF OCTOBER
DEMO
DAY
28 OF OCTOBER
Frequently asked questions
POWERED BY
Fábrica de Startups helps companies innovate and grow through programs that guide startups from idea creation to internationalization. Our unique methodology reduces risks and ensures the viability of business ideas. With 12 years of experience, we've earned the trust of over 50 companies and 4000 entrepreneurs.
SUPPORTED BY
Operating under the Ministry of Economy and Territorial Cohesion, Turismo de Portugal is the national tourism authority, promoting, enhancing and supporting sustainability in tourism.