Together, these companies have already raised more than 11 million euros in investment and employ more than 160 people. But what I find truly interesting is not just these numbers. It is understanding what these companies are building and the international ambition behind them.

Diversity is perhaps the first sign of maturity. Enline uses artificial intelligence and digital twins to optimise energy networks and infrastructures. ExpertGrain applies artificial intelligence to the huge amount of information in agricultural markets, seeking to transform it into useful information for decision-makers. FRANK is developing artificial intelligence agents to automate operations in the insurance sector, while VeriCasa uses AI to automate compliance processes, document analysis and operations in the real estate market. CodePlatform works in an even deeper area of technological infrastructure, developing models and tools for the next generation of artificial intelligence systems.

In health, we find two equally interesting examples. Lampsy has developed a device based on artificial intelligence capable of monitoring epileptic seizures during sleep, technology I have had the opportunity to write about before. Octo Health is developing an integrated platform for personal health management and already works in the North American market. Noticed seeks to use artificial intelligence to make the creation and management of professional relationships more effective. Savearth applies technology and behavioural analysis to reduce water and energy consumption in hospitality. And C-MORE is building an operational risk database aimed at helping large organisations collect and use information more effectively.

Ten companies, ten different problems and a common characteristic: they were designed for much larger markets than Portugal. That is precisely what we must stimulate. A country with just over ten million inhabitants will hardly be able to create large technological companies if they are born limited to the national market. We need companies that use Portugal to develop talent, knowledge and technology, but that from the first moment look at Europe, the United States and the rest of the world as their natural market.

This is also why initiatives such as Portugal at SF Tech Week are important. Taking these companies to San Francisco should not be seen as an institutional trip. The program includes preparation for entering the North American market, attracting investment, commercial strategy and direct contact with investors, companies and potential partners. For a startup, finding the right customer, the right investor or simply better understanding how to enter a market like the United States can completely change its trajectory.

I have repeatedly argued that Portugal has much more business, technological and scientific talent than we normally recognise. The problem is no longer just creating startups. It is allowing them to grow, internationalise, find capital and maintain a strong economic connection to the country as they conquer other markets.

Of course, not all of these ten companies will grow into large international companies. Risk is part of innovation. But we do not need them all to succeed. We need to continually create hundreds of opportunities so that some can go very far.

In October, these ten companies will present themselves in one of the most competitive technological ecosystems in the world. We should wish them success, but above all pay attention to what they represent. Because an important part of the future of the Portuguese economy may be precisely in these companies that are still small today, but that were born thinking about the world.