Where Corporates and Innovation Connect
Union Nest creates tailored innovation programs that bring together corporates, startups and academic research teams.
We design collaborative journeys to identify, pilot and unlock technologies that solve real business challenges — helping corporates innovate faster and smarter, and enabling startups to access market opportunities earlier.
These programs are more than a match-making exercise: they are designed to spark co-creation and generate new ventures with commercial potential.
What We Offer
Custom Innovation programs
Built around corporate priorities, open challenges, or sectoral trends.
Spin-off & Tech Scouting
Access to scientific innovation and IP from top research institutions.
Startup-Corporate Collaboration Labs
Structured formats for pilots, partnerships and product validation.
Innovation Activation Workshops
Engagements with internal teams to accelerate decision-making and opportunity framing.
Why Union Nest Works
- We understand how corporates operate — and how to integrate startup collaboration into complex environments.
- We’re connected to universities and spin-offs, giving you early access to high-potential technologies.
- Our expert team supports every step: from scouting to co-creation, from design to execution.
Ideal for:
- Corporates looking to open up to innovation but unsure where to begin
- Innovation teams seeking to translate strategy into actionable collaborations
- R&D departments exploring tech transfer and academic partnerships
UNION nest programs
Discover our partnerships
Startup Lab
Designed to help startups succeed in today’s competitive market.
Our program is the most market-oriented and validation-driven program in the ecosystem: we use a unique framework composed of mentoring and master sessions with the most reputed experts in the market, and hands-on workshops with partner companies from relevant sectors.
Smart home Hub
The SmartHome Hub provides startups and SMEs with advanced tools and expert support to develop, validate and scale smart home technologies.
Combining cutting-edge testing facilities, real-world product evaluation environments, and strategic business support, the Hub empowers companies to bring innovative solutions to market — faster and with greater confidence.
NOS inovação
The NOS Innovation Program aims to lead Portugal’s innovation ecosystem by transferring cutting-edge technologies and IP to startups, accelerating product development and market impact. Applying world-class innovation practices, we empower startups to create new solutions while positioning NOS as a benchmark in technology transfer and collaborative growth.
Discover the UNION ecosystem
Tailored Venture Building
From lab to market: We transform ideas and research into startups ready for scale and investment.
Investor Community & Funds
A curated club of investors backing rigorously validated startups with deep-tech or academic foundations.
Corporate Innovation & Ignition
Co-created programs with corporates and universities to identify, pilot and scale high-potential technologies.