On October 27, 2022, the President of Portugal, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, hosted a meeting with representatives of Portuguese startups participating in the “Road to Web Summit 2022” program, promoted by Startup Portugal. The event took place at the former Royal Riding School of the National Coach Museum in Lisbon.

The credit of images: Presidência da República Portuguesa

The meeting began with welcoming remarks by the Executive Director of Startup Portugal, António Dias Martins, followed by a pitch presentation of various projects and companies in attendance. The CEO of Web Summit, Paddy Cosgrave, and the Minister of Economy and the Sea, António Costa Silva, also spoke at the event.

One of the startups that had the opportunity to present their project was Greenment, a sustainable construction materials company. The CEO of Greenment, Omid Asgari, introduced their new product, a cement that can be used as a wall or floor and can also grow plants. This innovative product caught the attention of the President, who congratulated the team for their efforts in promoting sustainable development in the construction industry.

The meeting was a great opportunity for startups to showcase their projects and receive feedback from influential figures in the business and political sectors. It was also an opportunity to discuss the importance of supporting entrepreneurship and innovation in Portugal, as well as to highlight the role of startups in driving economic growth and job creation.

The “Road to Web Summit 2022” program, which led up to the main event, is an initiative that supports Portuguese startups in their journey towards participating in Web Summit, one of the largest technology conferences in the world. The program provides startups with mentorship, networking opportunities, and resources to help them scale their businesses and make the most of the Web Summit experience.

Greenment was among the startups that participated in the program, and the opportunity to pitch their project in front of the President of Portugal was a testament to their hard work and dedication to sustainability in the construction industry. This recognition will undoubtedly help them to gain more exposure and attract new investors and customers who share their values.

In conclusion, the meeting with Portuguese startups at the former Royal Riding School of the National Coach Museum was a remarkable event that highlighted the importance of supporting innovation and entrepreneurship in Portugal. The presence of the President, along with other influential figures in business and politics, shows the commitment of the Portuguese government to promoting startups and driving economic growth. Greenment’s participation in the event and its innovative product demonstrate the potential of Portuguese startups to make a significant impact on the global stage.