Accelerating Innovation in Tourism. From Startups to
Real-World Impact.

Rocket Booster is a flagship innovation program connecting startups, corporates and investors to build, test and scale solutions for the future of tourism.

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Open Call Until: 31st March, 2026

Rocket Booster

About

A single platform. Two powerful programs.
Rocket Booster is an innovation initiative promoted by PCI – Creative Science Park Aveiro
Region, in partnership with startUP23,with the support of Turismo de Portugal.
Designed to strengthen the tourism innovation ecosystem, Rocket Booster operates through two
complementary programs — Acceleration and Open Innovation — connecting startups,
corporates, investors and mentors around real challenges and real impact.

Key dates:

Think your startup has what it takes to redefine the tourism landscape?

THE PROGRAMS

Rocket Booster Acceleration

A high-intensity 2 months acceleration program for startups looking to validate, enter the market and prepare for investment.

Hands-on mentoring with experts and mentors
Structured bootcamps focused on market, product and business
Direct access to investors and funding readiness

Workshop – Mentoring – Investment Readiness

Rocket Booster Open Innovation

A corporate-startup collaboration program focused on solving real industry challenges through pilots and co-creation.

Access to real challenges from tourism companies
Co-design and pilot implementation
Agile project management and impact tracking
Clear path from pilot to deployment

Discovery – Pilot Design – Pilot Dev

Are you a change-maker in the tourism industry?

Rocket Booster

VERTICAL:

Seamless Experience

The “Seamless Experience” vertical addresses the growing need to rethink the tourist journey — from inspiration to post-trip — with a focus on personalization, integration and frictionless
interactions.

Topics:

  • Remove friction across touchpoints
  • Automate and integrate services
  • Improve mobility, booking, stay and destination experiences
  • Create connected, memorable and human-centered journeys

Think your startup has what it takes to redefine the tourism landscape?

Our Partners

Supporting Tourism Startups Together

Our partners play a crucial role in the success of the Rocket Booster program.
With their diverse skills and expertise, they help us offer a well-rounded and dynamic experience to the startups. We are proud to collaborate with the following organizations:

Turismo de Portugal

Turismo de Portugal is a key partner. Their deep industry knowledge and networks have been instrumental in shaping the program and providing a platform for our startups.

Universidade de Aveiro Incubator

The program is promoted by PCI · Creative Science Park – Aveiro Region, through the Universidade de Aveiro Incubator, which brings a wealth of experience in supporting innovative and technological projects with high growth potential.

startUP23

startUP23 helps startups through ideation and acceleration programs and contributes to the Rocket Booster Program by sharing its expertise in startup acceleration and investment.

For Startups

Who is Rocket Booster for?

Whether you’re part of the international ecosystem or from the heart of Portugal, Rocket Booster program welcomes all innovative startups within the tourism sector that are eager to take their businesses to new heights.

Ready to fast-track your startup's growth with the best resources, mentorship, and funding opportunities?

We're searching for:

Startups

For startups with a validated or looking to validate product or early traction looking to scale, access strategic partners and close first investment rounds.

Corporates & Tourism Operators

For organizations seeking innovation, pilots and technology-driven solutions to solve real operational challenges.

Scaleups

For companies with proven traction that need structure, market expansion and investor readiness to accelerate growth.

Mentors

For experts who want hands-on involvement and direct impact on startup growth and ecosystem development.

Ready to fast-track your startup's growth with the best resources, mentorship, and funding opportunities?

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Sergio Guerreiro
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Cristina Salsinha
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Filipa Silva
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Jorge Cabaço
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Bruno Lima
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Valter Duarte
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Djalmo Edgar Gomes
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Miguel Alves Ribeiro
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Carolina Amorim
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Tânia Costa
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Adriana Costa
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Tomás Caeiro
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Filipe Cordeiro
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Miguel Barbosa
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Daniel Barradas
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Teresa Preta
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Corrinke Boon
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Ricardo Figueiredo
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Christian Rôças
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Eduardo Sette Camara
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José Alberto Rocha
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Miguel Rocha Fernandes
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Diogo Bhovan
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João Freitas
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Stewart Noakes
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João de Sousa Aroso
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Nelson Cid
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Pierre Gein
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Fostering innovation in the tourism sector

Meet our Mentors

Our mentors are the backbone of the Rocket Booster Program. With over 30 experienced professionals from a range of fields, our mentors provide personalized support, valuable insights, and industry expertise to each startup in our program.

Connect with our network of experienced mentors today!

Supporting tourism startups and transforming the industry

DIGITAL FACTORY

Prototype. Test. Validate. Faster.
A unique competitive advantage powered by PCI's Digital Factory.
One of Rocket Booster's key differentiators is access to the Digital Factory at PCI – Creative Science Park Aveiro Region.
Unlike traditional programs that focus only on mentoring and strategy, Rocket Booster provides startups and pilot partners with access to advanced infrastructure that enables digital and physical prototyping, rapid validation and real-world experimentation.
  • Digital prototyping (platforms, interfaces, user journeys)
  • Simulation environments using emerging technologies (AI, AR/VR, Digital Twin)
  • Physical prototyping support through integrated design capabilities
  • Rapid testing of customer experience flows
  • Validation before full-scale deployment
  • Faster validation cycle
  • Reduced time-to-market
  • Stronger proof-of-concept before investment
  • Real pilot environments
  • Lower implementation risk
  • Controlled testing before full deployment
  • Measurable innovation outcomes
Ready to take your startup to the next level?

Launch Your Startup to Success

Rocket Booster invites all innovative startups in the tourism sector to apply for our acceleration program. We are eager to discover and support startups that aim to reshape the tourism landscape. Let’s launch your startup together!

Here are some important dates:
Eligibility Criteria

The startup must operate within the tourism sector.
The startup must have at least one product ready to be tested or implemented in the market.
Startups from any location are eligible to apply, but those from the Portuguese ecosystem are strongly encouraged.

We'd love to hear from you
Contact us

Have a question about the Rocket Booster Program? Interested in partnering with us or want to become a mentor? We’d love to hear from you. Reach out to us via the contact details below or fill out the contact form.