University of Coimbra: Supporting Nascent Entrepreneurs by Extra-curricular Activities

Abstract

University of Coimbra (UC) has been investing in fostering entrepreneurship amongst the region over the past three decades. It has used the academy as the epicentre of the major initiatives that have been developed. The initial phase prioritised the development of infrastructures to support start-ups in the region. However, in the past 5 years UC has concentrated in the capacitation of all these assets, namely establishing several integrated immaterial activities, framed by a structured regional entrepreneurship ecosystem that involves ten core partners and more than 600 regional stakeholders. This ecosystem is led directly by the UC Rectory Team and implemented, managed and monitored by the UC DITS (Divisão de Inovação e Transferências do Saber—Knowledge Transfer Unit). According to the Regional Innovation Scoreboard, the ecosystem and its vision has contributed largely to position the Centre Region of Portugal as one of the 100 most innovative regions in Europe. Consequently, the EE initiatives focus on fostering and supporting nascent entrepreneurs and supporting their companies with the help of partners from the regional ecosystem. The UC has a strong focus on extra-curricular activities coordinated by UC DITS in close collaboration with IPN—the university incubator.