https://startuptools.builduplabs.com/founder-opportunities/non-dilutive/ Equity-free startup grants, vouchers, prizes, and funded programmes curated for founders who want capital or support without giving up ownership. en Tue, 14 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMT https://startuptools.builduplabs.com/founder-opportunities/non-dilutive/?opportunity=startup-portugal-start-from-knowledge#startup-portugal-start-from-knowledge https://startuptools.builduplabs.com/founder-opportunities/non-dilutive/?opportunity=startup-portugal-start-from-knowledge#startup-portugal-start-from-knowledge Tue, 16 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMT €30,000 non-repayable voucher per project, paid 100% in advance after approval, to fund early business creation and validation steps such as incubation, acceleration, company setup, events, marketing, pitch materials, proof of concept, pilots, IP protection, and regulatory or certification mapping. Best fit: Portugal-based academic founders turning research, theses, R&D projects, or proofs of concept into a startup, especially students, researchers, or faculty connected to a national higher-education institution. Requirements: For micro, small, and medium-sized companies, including startups. The company must be majority-owned by an individual who is currently, or was in the previous two calendar years, enrolled in a degree programme at a Portuguese higher-education institution or working as a researcher or teacher at one. Applications are submitted through Startup Portugal's official funding platform; ANI and Startup Portugal support the technical review, and FITEC decides within 30 working days after the notice closes. https://startuptools.builduplabs.com/founder-opportunities/non-dilutive/?opportunity=rect-hackathon-beyond-the-cv-2026#rect-hackathon-beyond-the-cv-2026 https://startuptools.builduplabs.com/founder-opportunities/non-dilutive/?opportunity=rect-hackathon-beyond-the-cv-2026#rect-hackathon-beyond-the-cv-2026 Tue, 14 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMT Deadline or key date: new rect hackathon beyond the cv 2026 ai data software engineering hackathon lisbon rect solutions applications open 40 participants selected 10 11 oct 2026 best fit for technical founders and early-career engineers with up to three years of experience in full-stack backend ai or data engineering who can attend in lisbon and want to demonstrate their skills through a live build rather than a cv RecT gives 40 selected participants a two-day team hackathon at IDEA Spaces Saldanha, a 2,000 cash prize for the winning team, fast-track interviews with RecT partners, and a verified profile shared with RecT's network of tech founders and CTOs. Best fit: Technical founders and early-career engineers with up to three years of experience in full-stack, backend, AI, or data engineering who can attend in Lisbon and want to demonstrate their skills through a live build rather than a CV. Requirements: Applications are open, with no closing date stated on the event page. Applicants must have up to three years of experience in full-stack, backend, AI, or data engineering and be available in Lisbon on 10-11 Oct 2026. Teams of four are formed at the event, and all projects must start from scratch during the weekend. https://startuptools.builduplabs.com/founder-opportunities/non-dilutive/?opportunity=swans-applied-ai-hackathon-lisbon-2026#swans-applied-ai-hackathon-lisbon-2026 https://startuptools.builduplabs.com/founder-opportunities/non-dilutive/?opportunity=swans-applied-ai-hackathon-lisbon-2026#swans-applied-ai-hackathon-lisbon-2026 Wed, 08 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMT Deadline or key date: Apply by 17 Jul 2026 Swans gives 80 selected builders a real operational problem from a U.S. personal injury law firm, 12 hours to build with any AI, automation, no-code, agent, or custom-code stack, live judging by Swans engineers and actual buyers, a $2,000 prize pool, and finalist fast-track interviews with Swans. Best fit: AI builders, technical founders, operator-founders, and automation-heavy startup teams in Lisbon who want to ship a working AI prototype against a real business brief in one intense day. Requirements: Applications close 17 Jul 2026. Applicants should be ready to attend in Lisbon on Friday 24 Jul 2026, build from 09:00-21:00, and show what they have built. The event is selective, with 80 places for Lisbon builders and finalists expected to present the prototype clearly to Swans engineering leadership and buyer-side judges. https://startuptools.builduplabs.com/founder-opportunities/non-dilutive/?opportunity=healthtech-showroom-2026#healthtech-showroom-2026 https://startuptools.builduplabs.com/founder-opportunities/non-dilutive/?opportunity=healthtech-showroom-2026#healthtech-showroom-2026 Sat, 04 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMT Deadline or key date: Apply by 7 Sep 2026 Selected teams showcase at the IHT Conference HealthTech Showroom, join guided tours with expert groups, connect with clinicians, healthcare decision-makers and potential partners, get direct feedback, unlock pilot, validation and funding conversations, and receive two free full-access conference tickets. Best fit: Early-stage startups and SMEs with health-focused digital solutions that want healthcare stakeholder exposure, pilot or validation opportunities, clinical feedback, and visibility in Portugal's health innovation ecosystem. Requirements: Applications close 7 Sep 2026. Applicants should be SMEs with health-focused digital solutions and meet the startup criteria stated in the guidelines: established less than five years ago and annual revenue below €1M. Selected teams are expected to confirm participation between 14-21 Sep 2026 and attend the showroom at IHT Conference on 27-28 Oct 2026. https://startuptools.builduplabs.com/founder-opportunities/non-dilutive/?opportunity=web-summit-2026-alpha-startup-programme#web-summit-2026-alpha-startup-programme https://startuptools.builduplabs.com/founder-opportunities/non-dilutive/?opportunity=web-summit-2026-alpha-startup-programme#web-summit-2026-alpha-startup-programme Fri, 03 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMT Deadline or key date: event runs 9-12 Nov 2026 Selected ALPHA startups receive three Web Summit tickets, a startup profile visible to attendees, investors, media, and partners, a one-day exhibition booth, a printed exhibition board, access to the Web Summit app, Startup Lounge, startup activations, and support from a dedicated startup success manager. Accepted startups can also apply for activations such as PITCH, Startup Showcase, 40 Words, Mentor Hours, masterclasses, roundtables, and investor-to-startup meetings. Best fit: Early-stage startups with outstanding potential that want Web Summit visibility in Lisbon, investor and media exposure, startup activations, and a structured event preparation path with the startup success team. Requirements: Apply through Web Summit's 2026 startup programme page with a business email address. Web Summit assesses applicants for high potential and programme fit. PITCH is open to ALPHA and BETA startups exhibiting at Web Summit that have received less than €5M in funding to date and have not had a discernible change in business model in the last three years. https://startuptools.builduplabs.com/founder-opportunities/non-dilutive/?opportunity=web-summit-2026-beta-startup-programme#web-summit-2026-beta-startup-programme https://startuptools.builduplabs.com/founder-opportunities/non-dilutive/?opportunity=web-summit-2026-beta-startup-programme#web-summit-2026-beta-startup-programme Fri, 03 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMT Accepted BETA startups can use Web Summit to build visibility with attendees, investors, international media, strategic partners, and potential customers. The startup programme highlights access to investor-to-startup meetings, Mentor Hours, Startup Showcase, 40 Words, startup masterclasses, PITCH eligibility, the Web Summit app, and startup success support to prepare for the event. Best fit: Startups with traction or fundraising momentum that fit Web Summit's BETA route and want concentrated access to investors, media, startup showcases, mentor sessions, and Web Summit's global founder network in Lisbon. Requirements: Apply through Web Summit's 2026 startup programme page with a business email address. Web Summit reviews companies for high potential and fit. BETA startups exhibiting at Web Summit may apply for PITCH if they have raised less than €5M to date and have not had a discernible business-model change in the last three years. https://startuptools.builduplabs.com/founder-opportunities/non-dilutive/?opportunity=european-defence-fund-2026-sme-calls#european-defence-fund-2026-sme-calls https://startuptools.builduplabs.com/founder-opportunities/non-dilutive/?opportunity=european-defence-fund-2026-sme-calls#european-defence-fund-2026-sme-calls Sat, 27 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMT Deadline or key date: Apply by 29 Sep 2026, 17:00 Brussels time The EDF 2026 work programme allocates about €1B to collaborative defence R&D, including dedicated EUDIS non-thematic SME calls. SME-led research actions can fund projects up to €4M and SME development actions up to €6M, with business coaching support to help move R&D results toward defence products and market entry. Best fit: European SMEs, startups, and research organisations building defence or dual-use technologies, especially teams with AI, cyber, quantum, energy, surveillance, digital, hardware, advanced materials, or other deep tech that can be adapted to defence applications. Requirements: Applications close 29 Sep 2026 at 17:00 Brussels time via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal. EDF projects generally require cross-border consortia from EU Member States or Norway; the SME research call requires an SME coordinator, at least TRL 4, disruptive defence impact, and limits research organisations to 40% of the requested grant budget. https://startuptools.builduplabs.com/founder-opportunities/non-dilutive/?opportunity=premio-empreendedorismo-e-inovacao-credito-agricola-2026#premio-empreendedorismo-e-inovacao-credito-agricola-2026 https://startuptools.builduplabs.com/founder-opportunities/non-dilutive/?opportunity=premio-empreendedorismo-e-inovacao-credito-agricola-2026#premio-empreendedorismo-e-inovacao-credito-agricola-2026 Wed, 24 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMT Deadline or key date: Apply by 9 Aug 2026 The 13th edition awards €35,000 in total prizes: €10,000 for each of the three main categories, plus promotional video support for winning projects, and a €5,000 Prémio Revelação for an early-stage project with high development and scalability potential. Best fit: Portuguese founders, startups, companies, research centres, universities, associations, cooperatives, NGOs, public bodies, and other teams with innovative products, services, organisational methods, or marketing approaches for agriculture, agri-food, forestry, rural development, local value chains, or climate adaptation. Requirements: Applications are open until 9 Aug 2026 through the official form. Each promoter may submit one original project in one category: Investigação e Inovação, Desenvolvimento Local, or Impacto Climático e Adaptação. Projects must be directly or indirectly related to the agricultural, agri-food, or forestry sectors. An optional 1-2 minute Portuguese video pitch and supporting files can strengthen the application. https://startuptools.builduplabs.com/founder-opportunities/non-dilutive/?opportunity=path-bootcamp-2026#path-bootcamp-2026 https://startuptools.builduplabs.com/founder-opportunities/non-dilutive/?opportunity=path-bootcamp-2026#path-bootcamp-2026 Sun, 21 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMT Deadline or key date: Apply by 14 Aug 2026 Structured 13-week training programme with practical tools and strategic guidance for regulatory compliance and market access in Europe. Previous editions have supported 100+ participants from 50 companies, including companies that later attracted more than €4M in investment. Best fit: Medical device, in vitro diagnostic, and digital health startups, professionals, organizations, and stakeholders who need practical regulatory strategy, health technology assessment, reimbursement, or European market-access guidance. Requirements: Applications are open until 14 Aug 2026 and places are limited. Participants should be working on or supporting medical device, IVD, digital health, regulatory affairs, technology assessment, or market-access strategies in Europe. https://startuptools.builduplabs.com/founder-opportunities/non-dilutive/?opportunity=twilio-ai-startup-searchlight-2026#twilio-ai-startup-searchlight-2026 https://startuptools.builduplabs.com/founder-opportunities/non-dilutive/?opportunity=twilio-ai-startup-searchlight-2026#twilio-ai-startup-searchlight-2026 Sun, 21 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMT Deadline or key date: Apply by 11 Sep 2026 Recognition as one of 30 honorees, potential co-marketing opportunities with Twilio, additional marketing/prize opportunities for strong demos, possible showcase in TwilioWorld, and consideration for invite-only Founders Connect Fellowship opportunities. Best fit: Early-stage AI startups building the next generation of communications, customer engagement, developer tools, automation, or AI-enabled business workflows, especially teams already using or able to use Twilio. Requirements: Applicants must have a Twilio account. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and close Friday, 11 Sep 2026, with final honoree selection in late September to late October and honorees announced in mid to late November. https://startuptools.builduplabs.com/founder-opportunities/non-dilutive/?opportunity=women-techeu-2026-2028#women-techeu-2026-2028 https://startuptools.builduplabs.com/founder-opportunities/non-dilutive/?opportunity=women-techeu-2026-2028#women-techeu-2026-2028 Fri, 19 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMT Deadline or key date: next cut-off 14 Jul 2026 €75,000 equity-free grant funding plus personalised business development support, mentoring, training, expert guidance, matchmaking, networking, and help bridging toward other EIC funding and support schemes. Best fit: Women-founded or women-co-founded early-stage deep tech startups in EU Member States or eligible Horizon Europe Pillar III Associated Countries, especially teams preparing to move from validated technology toward market readiness. Requirements: Woman founder or co-founder in a top management role such as CEO or CTO, with at least 25% of company shares at submission. Company must be a commercial SME registered for at least six months and no more than five years, be before high-fidelity MVP stage (TRL4-TRL6), have raised less than €1M in equity, and must not have already benefitted from Women TechEU or EIC Accelerator. The eligibility strand has weekly Tuesday cut-offs at 17:00 Brussels time until 13 Jul 2027; the next near-term cut-off is 14 Jul 2026. https://startuptools.builduplabs.com/founder-opportunities/non-dilutive/?opportunity=startup-summit-lisbon-2026#startup-summit-lisbon-2026 https://startuptools.builduplabs.com/founder-opportunities/non-dilutive/?opportunity=startup-summit-lisbon-2026#startup-summit-lisbon-2026 Thu, 18 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMT Deadline or key date: 17-18 Sep 2026, Beato Innovation District, Lisbon Two days of talks across three stages, workshops and panels, startup showcase access, summit community access, and pass options that can include founder-only meetups, investor networking sessions, pitch competition eligibility, startup directory listing, or a startup booth. Best fit: Early-stage and growth-stage founders, startup teams, operators, investors, and ecosystem builders who want a Lisbon-based event for practical learning, founder networking, startup visibility, and investor conversations. Requirements: Choose the pass that fits the goal: General for talks and expo, Founder for stronger networking and pitch eligibility, Startup Booth for exhibiting with two summit passes, Investor for curated deal flow, or VIP for premium access. Payment / Cost: early prices listed from €49 General, €99 Founder, €199 Startup Booth, €199 Investor, and €249 VIP; Build Up Labs partner link gives 50% discount. https://startuptools.builduplabs.com/founder-opportunities/non-dilutive/?opportunity=inovia-vouchers-for-innovation#inovia-vouchers-for-innovation https://startuptools.builduplabs.com/founder-opportunities/non-dilutive/?opportunity=inovia-vouchers-for-innovation#inovia-vouchers-for-innovation Invalid Date Deadline or key date: 31 Dec 2026, first-come first-served while resources last CPU / GPU hours and storage on advanced computing infrastructure. Best fit: Portuguese startups, SMEs, and eligible national entities needing advanced compute resources.; best for AI, simulation, scientific-computing, and compute-heavy startups. Requirements: Eligible Portuguese entities with pre-commercial innovation projects.