Startup Braga is looking for an Acceleration Program Manager to join the team and help develop the next generation of tech-based startups with a global impact.

Over the past decade, we have supported almost 500 startups, which have raised over €500 million in investment and created more than 2,500 skilled jobs. This track record has earned us recognition as one of Europe’s leading entrepreneurship hubs, including a ranking of 35th in the Financial Times. 

But we’re just getting started. Through the establishment of the future Bio-MedTech Hub and our growing connections to international innovation networks, our aim is to continue attracting talent, incubating and accelerating ambitious companies, and establishing Braga as one of the best places in Europe to launch startups. 

If you’re passionate about entrepreneurship, enjoy working directly with founders and are curious about new technologies, this opportunity could be perfect for you. 

Your role

You will be part of the team responsible for designing and delivering support programs for startups, from early validation stages to preparation for investment and international expansion. 

On a day-to-day basis, you will: 

• Plan and deliver pre-acceleration, acceleration and entrepreneurship training programs; 
• Manage the application, selection and monitoring processes for startups; 
• Work directly with founders to support their development throughout the programs; 
• Identify, develop and consolidate strategic national and international partnerships; 
• Represent Startup Braga at events, missions and international innovation networks; 
• Organise workshops, conferences, mentoring sessions and community events; 
• Facilitate connections between startups, investors, companies, universities and research centres. 

The profile we are looking for 

• Bachelor's or Master's degree; 
• Experience of managing projects, programs or innovation initiatives; 
• Fluency in Portuguese and English (spoken and written); 
• A connection to, or demonstrated interest in, the startup and entrepreneurship ecosystem; 
• Knowledge of methodologies for creating, validating and scaling startups; 
• An interest in emerging technologies, innovation and new business models; 
• The ability to interact effectively with entrepreneurs, investors, researchers, companies and institutional partners; 
• Excellent communication, critical thinking and problem-solving skills; 
• A high level of organisation, autonomy and execution; 
• The ability to work in dynamic, collaborative and constantly evolving environments; 
• Availability to start in September 2026. 

What we offer 

• A competitive salary, meal allowance and health insurance; 
• The chance to join a multidisciplinary, ambitious team with a strong international presence; 
• Daily contact with innovative startups and high-potential founders; 
• An informal, collaborative working environment focused on continuous learning; 
• Participation in leading European networks and programs, such as Horizon Europe and EIT Health; 
• Attendance at key events in the ecosystem, such as Web Summit and SIM Conference; 
• Opportunities for professional growth in one of the country’s most active entrepreneurial ecosystems; 
• Workplace at gnration in the historic centre of Braga (on-site role).

How to apply

Send your CV (including a brief cover letter) to info@startupbraga.com with the subject line “Application – Acceleration Program Manager” until 30 June 2026.

Join Startup Braga and help us transform ideas, science and technology into businesses with a global impact.