The Municipality of Porto, the University of Porto and the Polytechnic Institute of Porto launch PITCH Innovation
This strategic project aims to strengthen the innovation ecosystem, competitiveness and the ability to attract talent in Greater Porto.
The Municipality of Porto, the University of Porto and the Polytechnic Institute of Porto have signed a memorandum of understanding to establish the Porto Innovation and Technology Community Hub (PITCH), a strategic initiative designed to strengthen the innovation ecosystem across Greater Porto.
Presented by Professor António Fontainhas Fernandes, the project aims to connect science, industry and territory, positioning Porto as a leading European innovation hub while fostering technology transfer, qualified employment, talent retention and international investment.
The initiative is structured around three development phases and represents a total planned investment of €900 million. The first phase includes a central hub with laboratories, prototyping centres, offices and event spaces. Subsequent phases will focus on attracting innovation centres, multinational companies, startups and dedicated business campuses.
The project has also received support from the Portuguese Government, which highlighted PITCH as a potential candidate for the next European funding cycle focused on competitiveness and innovation.
According to Porto Mayor Pedro Duarte, the initiative will help diversify the city’s economic base and reinforce its position at the forefront of innovation. The proposed location for the first phase is the former Pires de Lima School, where innovation, science, creativity and culture are expected to converge.
By bringing together public institutions, academia and industry, PITCH seeks to create a long-term framework for collaboration that can accelerate economic transformation and strengthen Porto’s role within Europe’s innovation landscape.
