NOVA University Lisbon has secured 3rd place in the Portugal’s Entrepreneurial Universities Ranking 2025, published by Startup Portugal. This ranking assesses higher education institutions most active in promoting entrepreneurship, innovation, and the transfer of knowledge to society. Its goal is to highlight the role of universities in driving the national entrepreneurial ecosystem, valuing initiatives that bring academia closer to businesses and startups.
According to the data now released, NOVA recorded the highest investment attraction among all universities, with €4.1 billion in total funding raised by start-ups founded by former students. In addition, companies created by NOVA alumni represent a global economic value of €19 billion, highlighting the university’s role as a driver of innovation and entrepreneurship.
The distinction was announced during the recent Web Summit 2025, Europe’s largest technology conference, held in Lisbon for the 10th consecutive year. The announcement took place in a dedicated session presenting the results and awarding certificates to the three highest-ranked universities.
NOVA was represented by the Vice-Rector for Innovation, Value Creation and Global Affairs, Isabel Rocha, who highlighted the importance of this recognition as a reflection of the University’s commitment to transforming knowledge into real impact, demonstrating how academic research can give rise to entrepreneurial initiatives and innovation-oriented start-ups.
More information about the ranking can be found here, and details about the Web Summit session here.