This week on the roundup: climate impacts, conversations, European hubs, sustainability, business environments, talent beyond geography, the secret sauce, aerial surveys, funding opportunities, great adventures, momentum, isolation, golden evenings, research, milestones, dimensions, digital assets, integration, investment strategies, validation, and more!

But first, here are the IPBN highlights of the week: 

We announced the “Real-time climate impacts on coastal infrastructure" Panel discussion bringing together an exceptional group of experts to explore one of the most pressing challenges facing coastal regions today. To learn more about the speakers and the key themes, we invite you to read the full article about the panellists here and register to join us at the conference here!

And we introduced the “Technology Transforming Ocean Protection: What’s Next for Tech-Driven Marine Protection?” panel. The conversation will examine how innovation is opening a new era for ocean monitoring, protection, and sustainable development. Check the panel guest speakers here.

On Tuesday, Unicorn Factory Lisboa hosted the inaugural session of “Conversations with a Leader”, a new series by the Ireland Portugal Business Network (IPBN) in partnership with Writers' Bloc EU, at the Beato Innovation District. The session featured Gil Azevedo, our Executive Director, in a candid and in-depth conversation moderated by John B. , Founder of Writers’ Bloc. Together, they explored Lisbon’s innovation landscape, the vision behind Unicorn Factory Lisboa, and the city’s growing role as a leading European hub for entrepreneurship.

You can find more about it with more pictures here on our website, the audio recording of the conversation here on the IPBN Spotify channel, and the video recording here on the IPBN YouTube channel!

We shared details of the sustainability conference here and here.

And now...

Executive Partner PwC Portugal shared information about Legal Trends in 2026. The main legal trends that will shape the regulatory and business environment. Check the video out by clicking the link above. Please note it is in Portuguese.

IPBN Executive Partner Otonomee B Corp shared, "When Otonomee was founded, it was more than just about building a business. It was about building a culture to match. From day one, our Co-Founders Aidan O'Shea and Hilary O'Shea made a deliberate decision: Otonomee would be remote-first. For access to talent beyond geography. But there was something equally important. Find out more about it here."

IPBN member Elaine Godley shared, "DISCPlus is the Secret Sauce for Healthy, Happy, and Wealthy Teams. Every group—whether it is a school, a sports team, or a big company—works better when people understand each other. The DISCPlus model is like a special map. It helps people understand their own "behavioural style" and the styles of those around them. Here are the top 10 reasons why organisations use it to stay healthy and successful."

IPBN member GEOPALM Engineering Consulting said, "Aerial surveys using drones equipped with LiDAR sensors allow the collection of topographic and geographic information with a high level of detail. LiDAR scans even reveal structures that were previously hidden, allowing a more complete reading of the territory."

IPBN Academic Partners UC Business posted, "We want to help you stay up to date with open awards and funding opportunities. We started with one for innovations in pharmaceutical technology: Tecnimede Open Innovation Competition. Support: up to €100,000 + support in business, regulation, and IP protection. Deadline: March 12, 2026. Rules and registration are here.

IPBN member Academic Partner Hélia Gonçalves Pereira, Reitora Universidade Europeia (the venue of the next IPBN Sustainability conference) shared, "When I talk about Universidade Europeia and IADE, I always refer to the greatest adventure of my professional life. Today, I can say that 5 years have passed! And, after these 60 months, there is no doubt about the size of this project. I leave some highlights about this last year here."

Helia will open the conference on March 17 at the UE Green Campus in the presence of H.E. Alma Ní Choigligh, Ambassador of Ireland to Portugal. Check the full program here, where you can also register.

IPBN member Tony Redondo, Founder of Cosmos Currency Exchange, recently appeared on the “Three Questions” podcast (20 February 2026). In conversation with host Wayne Baxter, Tony discussed a topic of particular importance to internationally active businesses: the three essential questions companies should ask before engaging with overseas clients or suppliers. Read more and watch the video on YouTube here!

IPBN member John Byrne and Partner of the 2026 IPBN Conversation with a leader series posted, "The difference between a unicorn startup and everyone else is momentum. Not your position, not your starting point, but your direction and velocity. This was the core message from Gil Azevedo, head of the Unicorn Factory Lisboa at the IPBN's first Conversation with a leader event of the 2026 series. Fitting, as Lisbon itself followed the same path over the last 15 years, evolving from 'tourist hotspot' to a 'top-ten tech hub' in Europe. Gil and I covered his journey as a problem-solver, from engineer to consultant, and how those experiences shaped his approach to building Lisbon's startup ecosystem and more. Check it here."

IPBN Academic and Business Partner Diogo Vieira da Silva from the Porto Business School shared, "This week, on one of my recurring trips to Lisbon, I made a point of stopping by the Ireland Portugal Business Network's 'Conversation with a Leader' session at Unicorn Factory Lisboa (Beato Innovation District). A big thank you to Arnold Delville for the organisation and for curating the kind of room where people connect, challenge assumptions, and leave with new ideas (and new contacts). What I took with me is simple (and powerful): innovation doesn’t happen in isolation. Portugal has the talent. We also have the momentum. Now we need to keep building the bridges that turn potential into outcomes. Check more about Diogo's feedback here."

IPBN member Quinta do Lago posted, "With spring just one month away, the return of longer days and golden evenings bring with it the unmistakable rhythm of life at Quinta do Lago. Mornings by the lake, championship golf beneath clear skies, leisurely lunches in the sun, and unhurried walks along the beach at dusk, each moment defines the season in Europe’s most refined coastal destination. Secure your stay at The Magnolia Hotel before the season unfolds. Discover more and reserve your room here."

IPBN member Alexandra Santos from Vilamoura Dreams says, "I am currently conducting research for my first scientific article, focusing on the Traveler Profile in Vilamoura. As one of the most iconic destinations in the Algarve, understanding who visits and why is crucial for the future of local tourism. If you have ever visited Vilamoura, I would be incredibly grateful if you could spare 5 minutes to fill out this survey. Your contribution is vital to the success of this study and my academic journey. Access the survey here!

IPBN member Gerry Fagan posted, "Last year marked 25 years since my team and I began developing in Portugal. To recognise the milestone, we have created 25, a magazine that reflects on the journey so far and shares what we are working on next, with plenty still to come." You can view the digital edition here.

IPBN member HPA Health Group shared, "The HPA Health Group sponsored and participated, once again, in the 5th Algarve Breast Cancer Congress 2026, organized by Associação Mamativa, on February 27, 2026, in Lagos. The event focused on the multiple dimensions of pain associated with breast cancer in an integrated and multidisciplinary perspective. Throughout the event, topics such as acute and chronic pain, the emotional and traumatic impact of the disease, intimacy and sexuality, palliative care, and the impact of pain on caregivers were addressed."

IPBN member Swissquote Bank Europe posted, "Crypto-Assets in Regulated Funds: A Strategic Evolution. The Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier (CSSF) has issued an updated framework for regulated funds to access crypto-assets. This milestone facilitates the seamless integration of digital assets into mainstream finance, providing the clarity and opportunity required by investment fund professionals."

IPBN member Konceptness said, "Industrial Licensing in Portugal is regulated by the Responsible Industry System (SIR), under the terms of Decree-Law No. 169/2012 (and its amendments). This regime defines the technical and legal conditions for the installation and operation of industrial establishments, classifying them by typology and degree of risk. The correct framework avoids legal contingencies, investment delays, and constraints on access to financing. If you are installing, expanding or changing an industrial establishment, this is a critical point in your investment strategy."

IPBN member Overcast HQ is attending the European Broadcast Summit by DPP on 11–12 March in Paris, and CRO George Kilpatrick will be there representing Overcast. "This year, we will discuss how event-driven workflows can modernise broadcast compliance. As distribution multiplies and regulatory pressure increases, manual QC and fragmented systems introduce unnecessary risk. Validation should not sit at the end of the workflow — it should be embedded within it. Learn more about it here."