SystemEU

Summit NORTE

European Innovation Summit — System EU · Norte Region

Four days where Europe's boldest innovation valleys meet in Braga — the beating heart of Portugal's North. Startups, investors, industry and research, building what's next, together.

🇵🇹 BRAGA

Portugal

Five valleys, one network: Bayern · Norte · Castilla y León · Nord-Vest · Tuzlanski kanton

Dates

19–22 Oct 2026

Venue

Forum Braga

Language

English

Format

Summit · Academy · Immersion

See the agenda The Summit Travel guide
Time left to Summit Calculating...
Register now

Register as speaker, startup, general attendee or SystemEU team

SYSTEMEU and partner organisations

The Summit.

Where Europe's innovation valleys come to build.

The SystemEU Summit NORTE brings together founders, investors, corporates, researchers and public leaders from five European innovation regions for four intensive days of collaboration, matchmaking and deal-making. Set in Braga — a 2024 European Rising Innovative City — the programme moves from immersive ecosystem tours to a full international Summit, an Innovation Academy, and a Future Projects Forum tied to the SystemEU FSTP Open Call.

Four pillarsProgramme building blocks

01

Ecosystem Immersion

Guided tours of Braga's innovation hotspots in health, mobility and energy — from INL to Bosch and Startup Braga.

02

Innovation Academy

Hands-on training for systemic entrepreneurship and cross-border collaboration across the five regional valleys.

03

The Summit

Thematic panels on mobility, health, energy and startups × investors, plus Europe's Innovation Demo Day.

04

Matchmaking

Speed dating, FSTP Open Call office hours and a Future Projects Forum to turn pitches into partnerships.

Why NORTEHost region

One of Europe's most execution-driven innovation ecosystems.

Deep engineering, world-class research and a fast-growing layer of globally competitive startups. NORTE runs as a connected corridor — with Porto and Braga as complementary poles deploying a full value chain from R&D to new venture creation.

35%+ of Portugal's Phase 2–4 commercial clinical trials run through 2CA-Braga
7th in Europe Startup Braga, 250+ startups and €450M+ raised
440 scientists at INL — world's first intergovernmental nanotech lab
10+ petaflops from Deucalion, EuroHPC in Guimarães
39% of Portugal's national exports generated by the North
2024 European Rising Innovative City (iCapital Award)

Domains of specialization

VoicesSpeakers

Leaders shaping Europe's innovation agenda.

Full speaker lineup announced soon — featuring institutional, research and industry leaders from across the five valleys.

Mayor of Braga

Câmara Municipal de Braga

President, CCDR-N

Comissão de Coordenação e Desenvolvimento Regional do Norte

Rector, University of Minho

Universidade do Minho

INL

International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory

President, INESC

INESC TEC

President, 2CA

2CA-Braga · Clinical Academic Center

Programme & Agenda.

Four days in Braga: Ecosystem Immersion, Innovation Academy, the international Summit and Matchmaking — connecting five European innovation valleys.

Detailed AgendaSection 04 · Four days in Braga

Oct 19 · Monday Arrival & Welcome
Oct 20 · Tuesday Immersion & Academy
09:30
Immersion

Ecosystem Immersion

Welcome coffee, then a guided tour of Braga's innovation hotspots across health, mobility and energy.

Forum Braga · University of Minho · 2CA-Braga · INL · Bosch Braga · Startup Braga
12:30
Lunch

Lunch & Networking

Joint lunch across all five valleys.

Migaitas Forum
14:30
Innovation Academy

Innovation Academy

Interactive training on systemic entrepreneurship, knowledge exchange and building new ideas for interregional cooperation.

Forum Braga
18:30
Matchmaking

Co-creation: From Pitches to Partnerships

Speed dating and Open Call application office hours.

Forum Braga
Oct 21 · Wednesday System EU Summit
08:30
Registration

Registration & Welcome Coffee

Reception, registration, media interviews and press statements.

Forum Braga
09:30
Panels

Summit Opening & Thematic Panels

Common track plus Mobility, Health and Energy panels with experts, policymakers and industry.

Forum Braga
12:30
Lunch

Networking Lunch

Speakers, partners and participants continue the conversation.

Forum Braga
14:30
Panels · FSTP

Thematic Panels & FSTP Desk

Startups & Investors, Innovation, Mobility, Health and Energy panels, plus FSTP application office hours.

Forum Braga
16:30
Demo Day

Future Projects Forum & Demo Day

Europe's Innovation Demo Day: pitches, feedback and the SystemEU FSTP Open Call.

Forum Braga
Oct 22 · Thursday Porto immersion
09:00
Optional · Immersion

Ecosystem Immersion · Porto

Welcome coffee and an optional guided tour of Porto's innovation hotspots across health, mobility and energy.

i3S (health) · CEiiA (mobility) · INESC TEC (energy)
12:30
Closing

Closing Remarks

Wrap-up and next steps for the SystemEU network.

Porto immersion sites

Pocket AgendaSection 05 · At a glance

Click / tap to enlarge  ·  SystemEU Summit NORTE 2026

Pocket Agenda — SystemEU Summit NORTE 2026, October 19–22

Scroll to see full agenda

Download
Five valleys, one network 🇵🇹 Norte (Portugal) — Host 🇪🇸 Castilla y León 🇩🇪 Bayern 🇷🇴 Nord-Vest 🇧🇦 Tuzlanski kanton

Travel & City Guide.

6

Welcome to BragaSection 06 · Overview

Welcome to Braga — one of Iberia's oldest cities and its youngest at heart. Baroque churches and azulejo-lined streets meet nanotech labs and venture studios in the Norte region. The SystemEU Summit NORTE runs 19–22 October 2026, with Forum Braga as the main hub.

This guide helps delegates from the five SystemEU valleys plan travel, hotels and city time — with Booking links for recommended stays.

19–22 OctDates 2026
Forum BragaMain Hub
EnglishLanguage

Closest airport: Porto Francisco Sá Carneiro (OPO) — ~50 km / ~45–50 min to Braga. Lisbon (LIS) is a solid alternative (~3h30 by train). Format: Summit · Innovation Academy · Ecosystem Immersion · Matchmaking.

7

Travel by CountrySection 07 · Recommended routes & airlines

Fly into Porto (OPO) whenever possible — it is the closest hub to Braga. Lisbon (LIS) works well if fares or connections are better; then take a high-speed / long-distance train north. Below are recommended routes for the core SYSTEMEU consortium countries.

✈️

Search & book your flightsFind connections to Porto (OPO) or Lisbon (LIS), then continue to Braga

Search on Skyscanner Explore on FlightConnections

💡 On FlightConnections.com click OPO or LIS to see routes from your city. On Skyscanner compare Porto vs Lisbon — sometimes LIS + train is cheaper than a tight OPO connection.

🇩🇪

GermanyDirect & 1-stop options to Porto / Lisbon

RecommendedDirect / short-haul to Porto (OPO)

Frequent service from major German hubs to OPO: Lufthansa / Eurowings via Frankfurt / Munich / Düsseldorf, plus low-cost options (Ryanair, easyJet) depending on season. Flight time ≈ 2.5–3.5 h.

Lufthansa Ryanair Live route map

AlternativeVia Lisbon (LIS)

Very frequent flights from Germany to LIS with Lufthansa, TAP Air Portugal and partners. Then ~3 h Alfa Pendular / Intercidades train Lisbon → Braga (see Section 08).

🇪🇸

SpainShort hops · often the easiest trip

RecommendedMadrid / Barcelona / Bilbao → Porto (OPO)

Multiple daily options: TAP, Ryanair, Vueling, Iberia (via MAD). Flight time ≈ 1–1.5 h from MAD / BCN. From northern Spain, also check ground options (bus / car) into Norte.

TAP Ryanair Vueling Iberia

Castilla y León tipSalamanca / León / Valladolid

Often best to fly from MAD to OPO, or drive/bus into northern Portugal. Allow buffer time for border / road traffic if travelling by car.

🇧🇦

Bosnia & Herzegovina1-stop via European hubs to Porto / Lisbon

RecommendedSarajevo (SJJ) / Tuzla (TZL) → Porto (OPO)

No direct flights to Portugal — plan a 1-stop via hubs such as Vienna, Zurich, Frankfurt, Munich or Istanbul. From Sarajevo (SJJ) look for Austrian, SWISS, Lufthansa or Turkish Airlines. Total travel ≈ 7–10 h. Prefer OPO as final airport (~50–60 min to Braga).

Austrian Lufthansa SWISS Live route map

AlternativeVia Lisbon (LIS) + train

Sometimes cheaper or better timed connections land in LIS. Then take Alfa Pendular / Intercidades north to Braga (~3 h). From Tuzla (TZL), low-cost options (e.g. Wizz Air) to a European hub + onward flight also work — allow generous layover time.

🇷🇴

Romania1-stop via Western Europe hubs

RecommendedBucharest / Cluj → Porto (OPO)

Typical 1-stop routings via Frankfurt, Munich, Vienna, Paris or Amsterdam with Lufthansa, Austrian, TAP or partners. Total travel ≈ 6–9 h. Prefer OPO as final airport.

TAP Lufthansa Austrian Wizz Air

AlternativeVia Lisbon (LIS)

Often competitive fares to LIS; then train north to Braga. Build a comfortable layover and avoid late-night arrivals unless you have a pre-booked hotel transfer.

8

Getting to BragaSection 08 · Last-mile transport

Fly to Porto (OPO) — the closest airport, ~50 km / ~45 min away, with direct connections across Europe. Lisbon (LIS) is a ~3h30 train or drive. Plan transfers to Braga city centre or Forum Braga.

From Porto Airport (OPO)

Closest airport — about 50 km from Braga. Best gateway for international delegates.

🚌

Get Bus shuttle (recommended)

~50 min · ≈ 9 € · direct

Direct coaches from OPO to Braga (~50 min) via GetBus / FlixBus. Book online or pay the driver (cash where accepted). Multiple daily departures — check the timetable before landing.

🚇

Metro + train

~90–110 min · metro + CP

Metro (Line E / Violet) Airport → Porto, then CP train to Braga from Campanhã or São Bento. Good if you want flexibility with luggage schedules. Tickets: Metro do Porto + CP.

🚕

Taxi / Uber / Bolt / private transfer

~45–60 min · ≈ 55–75 €

Door-to-door convenience for late arrivals or groups. Ride-hailing apps work well in the Porto–Braga corridor.

From Lisbon Airport (LIS)

Major hub with more long-haul connections. Approx. 350 km / ~3 h by train to Braga.

🚆

Step 1 · Airport → Lisboa Oriente / Santa Apolónia

~20–30 min · metro / AeroBus / taxi

Take metro (Red Line) or AeroBus to a long-distance rail station. Oriente is usually the most convenient for northbound Alfa Pendular / Intercidades.

🚆

Step 2 · Train Lisbon → Braga / Porto

~2.5–3.5 h · book on cp.pt

Prefer Alfa Pendular for speed and comfort. Some services require a change in Porto Campanhã for the final leg to Braga — check your ticket carefully.

🚌

Alternative · Long-distance bus

~3.5–4.5 h · Rede Expressos / FlixBus

Frequent coaches Lisbon → Braga. Often cheaper than rail if booked early: Rede Expressos, FlixBus.

📍 Braga city centre: historic core around Sé / Avenida da Liberdade · Bus station & CP railway station are both close to the centre · Open Braga centre in Google Maps · Official tourism: cm-braga.pt

9

Venues by DaySection 09 · Forum Braga & immersion sites

Forum Braga is the Summit's main hub — a short ride from the historic centre. Most hotels are within walking distance of the old town. Shuttle details between hotels, Forum Braga and immersion sites will be shared with registered participants.

Day-by-day venues

  • Mon 19Hotel Vila Galé (TBC) — Welcome dinner
  • Tue 20Innovation hotspots · Forum Braga · Migaitas
  • Wed 21Forum Braga — full Summit day
  • Thu 22Porto immersion (optional) — i3S · CEiiA · INESC

Forum Braga

10

Where to StaySection 10 · Partner hotel shortlist

We recommend staying in central Braga, within walking distance of Liberdade Street and the historic core. A partner booking code will be shared with registered participants — book early, October is a popular month. Links open each property on Booking.com.

Need the full Booking list? Open Braga hotels and then filter by rating, distance to centre or free cancellation.

View all on Booking.com →

Meliá Braga Hotel & Spa

Meliá Braga Hotel & Spa

★★★★★ 5★ Tenões · Spa campus Booking ~8.7

Av. General Carrilho da Silva Pinto 8, 4715-380 Braga

Flagship 5★ stay with 800 m² spa, indoor & outdoor pools, gym and meeting capacity — ideal for larger groups. Short taxi / Uber to the historic centre and Forum Braga.

Indicative ≈ 90–140 € / night
Book on Booking.com → melia.com Maps
INNSiDE by Meliá Braga Centro

INNSiDE by Meliá Braga Centro

★★★★ 4★ City centre Design · Pools

Av. Central 107, 4710-310 Braga

Contemporary 4★ in the heart of Braga with indoor/outdoor pools, spa and gym — walkable to Avenida da Liberdade, Sé and evening venues.

Indicative ≈ 95–150 € / night
Book on Booking.com → melia.com Maps
Vila Galé Collection Braga

Vila Galé Collection Braga

★★★★ 4★ Historic centre Heritage · Collection

Largo Carlos Amarante 150, 4700-308 Braga

Restored 16th-century São Marcos hospital turned Collection hotel — vaulted ceilings, central location and strong dining. Also listed as a possible Monday welcome venue (TBC).

Indicative ≈ 100–160 € / night
Book on Booking.com → vilagale.com Maps
Mercure Braga Centro

Mercure Braga Centro

★★★★ 4★ Centro · Accor Business-friendly

Praceta João XXI, 4715-036 Braga

Reliable Accor 4★ with meeting rooms and restaurant — practical base for Summit days with easy access to the centre and Forum Braga corridor.

Indicative ≈ 85–130 € / night
Book on Booking.com → accor.com Maps
Holiday Inn Braga

Holiday Inn Braga, an IHG Hotel

★★★★ 4★ Braga · IHG International brand

Braga, Portugal

Familiar IHG comfort for international delegates — breakfast, Wi-Fi and consistent room standards for a stress-free Summit week.

Indicative ≈ 90–140 € / night
Book on Booking.com → Maps
Burgus Tribute & Design Hotel

Burgus Tribute & Design Hotel

Boutique Design stay Style · Intimate

Braga historic area

Design-led boutique hotel with a stronger aesthetic and quieter rooms — great if you prefer character over large conference campuses.

Indicative ≈ 80–130 € / night
Book on Booking.com → Maps
Porta Nova Collection House

Porta Nova Collection House

Boutique Old town Collection House

Central Braga

Intimate collection-house stay in the historic fabric of Braga — walkable evenings, cafés and culture right outside the door.

Indicative ≈ 75–120 € / night
Book on Booking.com → Maps
Basic Braga by AXIS

Basic Braga by AXIS

Mid-range Near centre Best value

Braga, Portugal

Clean, modern mid-range rooms with solid Wi-Fi — a smart pick for delegates who want comfort without the spa premium.

Indicative ≈ 55–85 € / night
Book on Booking.com → axis-hotels.com Maps
ibis Braga

ibis Braga

★★ 2★ Accor · Budget Simple & central

Braga, Portugal

Straightforward Accor budget stay — reliable beds, breakfast options and an easy walk or short ride to Summit venues when you want to keep costs lean.

Indicative ≈ 45–70 € / night
Book on Booking.com → Maps

Partner tip: a consolidated hotel list and booking code will be shared with registered participants. Prefer refundable rates until shuttle routes and exact evening venues are locked.

11

Discover BragaSection 11 · City & innovation landmarks

One of Iberia's oldest cities — and its youngest at heart. Baroque churches and azulejo-lined streets meet nanotech labs and venture studios. Featured locations for the Summit week:

Bom Jesus do Monte

Bom Jesus do Monte

UNESCO · Must-see

Iconic baroque stairway and sanctuary overlooking the city — take Bus 2 or a short Uber, then walk the stairs or ride the funicular.

Open in Google Maps
Avenida da Liberdade / Arcada

Liberdade Street & Arcada

City life · Cafés

The social spine of Braga — terraces, shops and the Arcada arcade for evening strolls after Summit sessions.

Open in Google Maps
Largo Carlos Amarante

Largo Carlos Amarante

Historic square

Elegant square by Vila Galé Collection / São Marcos — a landmark stop in the old-town walking loop.

Open in Google Maps
gnration

gnration

Culture · Innovation

Creative hub for digital culture, exhibitions and events — a taste of Braga's contemporary scene.

Open in Google Maps
INL — International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory

INL

Deep tech · Immersion

World's first intergovernmental nanotech lab — a flagship stop on the Ecosystem Immersion tour.

Open in Google Maps
University of Minho

University of Minho

Campus · Research

One of Portugal's leading research universities — part of Tuesday's immersion across health, mobility and energy.

Open in Google Maps
Jardim de Santa Bárbara

Jardim de Santa Bárbara

Garden · Pause

Formal gardens beside the Archiepiscopal Palace — a calm break between old-town walks.

Open in Google Maps
Guimarães

Guimarães (nearby)

UNESCO · ~25 min

Birthplace of Portugal — and home to Deucalion, the EuroHPC supercomputer powering the region's digital edge.

Open in Google Maps
Porto immersion

Porto immersion

Thu 22 · Optional

Optional Thursday tour: i3S (health), CEiiA (mobility) and INESC (energy) — Porto as Braga's complementary innovation pole.

Open in Google Maps
12

Entry Requirements & Airport TipsSection 12 · Portugal / Schengen

Portugal is an EU and Schengen member. Entry is straightforward for most SYSTEMEU consortium delegates. Always confirm with your embassy if you hold a non-EU passport.

🇪🇺 EU Citizens (DE, ES, RO) No visa

  • EU citizens may enter Portugal with a valid national ID card or passport.
  • No visa required for short stays within Schengen rules.
  • Travel with a document valid for the full duration of your stay.

🛂 At the Airport (OPO / LIS) Know before you go

  • Follow EU / Other passports lanes as indicated.
  • OPO is compact — baggage reclaim and exits to Get Bus / metro are well signed.
  • Keep boarding passes and hotel booking handy if asked for onward proof.

🌍 Non-EU Delegates (incl. Bosnia & Herzegovina) Verify

  • Bosnia & Herzegovina passport holders: confirm Schengen / Portugal entry rules and any visa requirement before booking.
  • UK / USA / many third countries: short Schengen stays often visa-free — confirm before travel.
  • Check ETIAS / EES updates closer to October 2026 (EU entry systems are rolling out).
  • Passport typically needs 3+ months validity beyond your exit date.

🏥 Health & Insurance EHIC OK

  • EU delegates: bring your EHIC / GHIC for necessary public healthcare.
  • Private travel insurance is still recommended for all participants.
  • Emergency numbers in Portugal: 112 (single European emergency number).

Important — always verify before you travel: Entry rules can change. Confirm with your national embassy or the Portuguese Immigration & Borders Service (SEF / AIMA) 2–4 weeks before departure.

13

Practical InfoSection 13 · Money, SIM & tips

EUR (€)Currency
PT · ENLanguages
14–22°COct weather

Money, SIM & tips

💶

Currency · Euro (EUR)

Cards are widely accepted. ATMs are easy to find in the centre. Keep a little cash for cafés, buses and small shops.

📶

SIM / eSIM & internet

EU roaming usually works for EU SIMs. Local options: MEO, NOS, Vodafone prepaid / eSIM. Hotel and café Wi-Fi is generally reliable.

🚖

Local transport

Braga is walkable in the centre. City buses (TUB), Uber and Bolt are common. Taxis available at stations and hotels.

Arrival recommendation

🗓️

Plan buffer time

Plan to arrive on Sunday 18 October (afternoon/evening) if the programme starts early on Monday 19. Prefer OPO over LIS for a shorter transfer.

🌤️

October weather

Mild autumn — typically 14–22°C. Pack a light jacket for evenings and possible rain.

✉️

Questions?

Write to summit@ccdr-n.pt — hosted by the Norte Region with the SystemEU network.

14

Map · VenuesSection 14 · Click a venue to preview

All programme venues on Google Maps — including locations still marked TBC. Select a pin to preview; open in Maps for directions.

Mon 19 Welcome
Tue 20 Immersion & Academy

Ecosystem immersion

Evening (TBC)

Wed 21 System EU Summit
Thu 22 Porto immersion (optional)

Hotel Vila Galé Collection Braga

Mon · Welcome dinner (TBC)

Open in Google Maps
Ready for SystemEU Summit NORTE? Four days. Five valleys. Secure your place — 19–22 October 2026 · Braga.

The project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 101161224

Co-Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

 

SYSTEMEU Copyright © 2026. All Rights Reserved.

Based on gender equality

About us

Privacy Policy

FAQs

info@systemeuvalley.eu

Linkedin Twitter Instagram Facebook-f