The Incubation Program

A tailored, founder-driven program that adapts to your needs as your startup evolves, in the heart of Lisbon’s startup ecosystem.

Built for founders. Shaped by your stage.

Apply Now

Next Batch Applications close on Dec 1st

We don’t take equity
Join fully online, from anywhere
No registered company needed

+1000

Startups supported since 2012

+250

Startups currently active

+200

Mentors
(ex-founders, VCs, angel investors)

+150

Investors

+20

Corporate
Partners

From pre-seed to seed

From first idea to Series A.

Idea

You're here if you have a problem worth solving and want to test it with real customers.

At this stage, it’s still early for the Incubation Program. Focus on testing your idea first, until you have enough validation to join.

Discover Startup Academia

Pre-Seed

Where most startups are

You're here if you have an MVP and/or first users or are preparing your first round.

What we focus on

Early revenue | Fundraising readiness |
Founder development

Post-Seed

You're here if you've raised a round or are generating revenue, and need to grow your team and metrics.

Already scaling revenue

Senior team | Revenue growth | Series A readiness → Scaling Up

Check the Scaling-up Program

Series A

You're here if you're scaling your team and ready to go international.

What we focus on

Leadership | International expansion | Investor & corporate matching

Check the Scaling Up Program

Apply to incubation program

Selection Criteria

What we are looking for

Problem & Solution

A real, well-defined problem and a solution that tackles it in a distinctive way.

Team

Founders actively building the business, with the time, skills and commitment to execute.

Early Traction

Evidence that customers care: pilots, active users or first revenue.

Market Potential

A large or fast-growing market, with room to expand internationally.

Scalable Business Model

A tech-enabled model that can scale.

No restrictions on headquarters, nationalities, or industries.

What you get

Built on a framework that maps each startup’s stage and the key hypotheses it needs to validate, the program meets founders where they are and focuses on the milestones that matter most at each step of their journey.

First 10 weeks

Onboarding

Weekly expert sessions; Remote Demo Day

Once a quarter

Check-In

30-min call on progress and challengens

All year

Networking

Ongoing events, training and individual coaching

Mentorship

from experienced founders and industry experts

Fundraising support

to define your strategy and connect with investors

Corporate Matching

to define your pilots and connect with corporates

Founder Development

through workshops and hands-on sessions

Community

of founders and ecosystem for peer support

Perks

including legal, cloud, and accounting support

Global Opportunities

and access to international networks

Physical Space

coworking and offices in Lisbon

Start your journey

What Founders Say

Vicente Garção

Co-Founder & CEO, Lampsy Health

When I started Lampsy, we had no team, no money, and no traction. UFL was our starting point, and after a little over a year we were winning international competitions, partnering with hospitals, and getting investors, thanks to the power of this great community!

Gonçalo Gil

CEO & Co-founder, ROOTKey

At one point, 33% of our leads came through UFL, and our relationships with investors in the ecosystem began through Unicorn Factory's network and events. We're grateful for their support and the doors they opened for us along the way.

Rodolfo José Santos

Co-founder, VeriCasa

When VeriCasa was accepted into Unicorn Factory Lisboa, I never imagined we would go on to travel the world with such a tireless team and grow so much, both as an entrepreneur and as a person. The support and opportunities were worth far more than what we invested in incubation. What I value most is now being able to share what I've learned with other entrepreneurs, and having had the pleasure of working with an incredible team that gives everything to help startups succeed. Thank you all!

MEET OUR STARTUPS

Ready to take the next step?

Submit your application

Summer Batch

Apply by May, starts around July
Spring Batch

Apply by February, starts around April
Fall Batch

Apply by August, starts around October
Winter Batch

Apply by November, starts around January

Application screening

Our team reviews each application to assess fit and readiness for the program, after applications closing date. Shortlisted startups move to the next stage.

Jury day

Shortlisted founders are invited to pitch to our team and partners during Jury Day (3 min pitch + Q&A).

Contract & fees

Selected startups join the program with a €120 one-time enrollment fee and a €90 + VAT monthly fee (minimum 12 months).

What to prepare

Pitch deck (PDF)
Founding team and roles
Key metrics for your stage

Tips for a strong application

Be specific about traction. Numbers beat adjectives
Tell us why now, and why your team.
Say what you want to get from the program.

APPLY NOW

Start your journey

Price Model

Virtual Incubation Membership

€90/month

(12 months minimum) 120€ enrollment fee

No workspace: Join online or work from your own space. +0€
Coworking seat: Flexible desk in the Incubation Hub (downtown Lisbon). +100€ /seat
Private office: Your own office for the team. from +260€

Add a workplace (optional)

No workspace
Join online or work
from your own space
+0€

Coworking seat
Flexible desk in the Incubation
Hub (downtown Lisbon).
+100€/seat

Private office
Your own office
for the team
from +260€

Our Startups

Visit website

EXPLORE STARTUPS