COTEC-BPI SME Innovation Award 2025 – Applications Open
A AIDA CCI announces that applications are now open for the 21st edition of the COTEC-BPI SME Innovation Award, a benchmark initiative that recognises national Small and Medium-sized Enterprises that stand out for their innovation, leadership and quality of management.
The COTEC-BPI SME Innovation Award highlights companies that lead through innovation, invest in R&D, talent and sustainability, and make internationalisation a growth strategy. Acknowledged as the most demanding and prestigious business award in Portugal, it has, for more than two decades, been a reference in identifying companies that are charting the future of the Portuguese economy.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the award, companies must meet the following requirements:
Registered office in Portugal – Portuguese-based companies
Number of employees – Minimum of 10 staff members
Turnover – Equal to or greater than €200,000
Years in operation – At least 3 years of activity
Evaluation Model
The evaluation model encompasses rigorous criteria, including:
Strategic vision and execution capability
Financial strength and economic-financial performance
Capacity for innovation and creation of intangible assets
Collaboration within innovation ecosystems
Commitment to competitive and responsible growth
Strategic ambition for growth
Impact of innovation on the organisation
Culture of experimentation and learning
Talent management and processes
Focus on business model sustainability
Track Record of Excellence
Since 2005, the award-winning companies have shown robust, sustained growth over the past decade, with an average growth rate of 10%, operating in high-value-added sectors such as information technology, engineering, agri-food, mobility, technical textiles, robotics, automation and pharmaceuticals.
Application Process
Applications are straightforward and require only the submission of a copy of the National Scientific and Technological Potential Survey (IPCTN24). If IPCTN24 validation is not yet available, IPCTN23 may be submitted instead.
Application deadline: Until 12 September 2025
Application form: Available at Applications
Jury and Evaluation Process
The jury comprises renowned experts, chaired by Ana Rosas Oliveira (Banco BPI), and includes representatives from FEP – University of Porto, ANI – National Innovation Agency, BIAL, INESC TEC, ISEG and others.
The selection process is based on a multidimensional analysis that combines economic rigour with qualitative innovation criteria, including Innovation Scoring – an innovation maturity model developed by COTEC Portugal.
Important links about the COTEC-BPI SME Innovation Award 2025:
For more information: https://premiopmeinovacao.cotec.pt/
Regulations: Microsoft Word – COTEC-BPI SME Innovation Award Regulations
Application form: https://near.tl/sm/Ck4p1P0sc
This is a unique opportunity for companies to demonstrate how they turn knowledge into impact and aspire to shape the future of the Portuguese economy.
For further details, consult the Regulations and submit your application via the initiative’s official website.
