INOV@IERA – Innovation in Support for Entrepreneurship

INOV@IERA - Inovação no apoio ao empreendedorismo na Região de Aveiro

The INOV@IERA project aims to strengthen support for entrepreneurs in the Aveiro Region, with an innovative approach that focuses not only on awareness and skills development but also on cooperation with both newly created and established companies. This project seeks to help these companies adapt to ongoing market changes, encouraging the creation of new initiatives and strengthening the region’s business fabric.

The AIDA CCI – Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Aveiro District plays a key role in the project, acting as the entity responsible for implementing specific activities under Axis 2 – Connect. This axis is essential to bridge the gap between the needs of local companies and entrepreneurs, creating opportunities for cooperation, development, and internationalisation, as part of an integrated strategy for regional economic growth.

The project is supported by the European Social Fund (ESF) under the Centro Regional Operational Programme and aims, among other objectives, to promote the internationalisation of the regional economy, enhance the innovation ecosystem, and facilitate technology transfer.

The main activities include:

Awareness: Encouraging University of Aveiro students and the general community to recognise the importance of entrepreneurship.
Capacity Building: Providing entrepreneurs with the tools and knowledge necessary to validate, implement, and accelerate new business ideas and startups.
Networking: Promoting interaction between entrepreneurs and business owners, creating new cooperation and internationalisation opportunities.
Technological Development: Supporting technology transfer and the development of key technological capabilities that foster territorial specialisation in the region.

In addition, AIDA CCI facilitates the creation of a network of regional business owners, providing guidance and support to entrepreneurs in developing their businesses. This network aims to promote a collaborative environment and create synergies among the various stakeholders in the Aveiro Region’s business ecosystem.