Business Factory distinguished among Europe's Leading Startup Hubs
The Business Factory incubator, promoted by SBI Consulting in partnership with the Municipality of Mafra, was distinguished in the European ranking “Europe’s Leading Start-Up Hubs 2026”, promoted by the Financial Times in conjunction with Sifted and Statista, which identifies the 180 most relevant startup incubation and acceleration hubs across Europe.
The ranking, now in its third edition, evaluated innovation hubs using a methodology that involves feedback from alumni, expert opinions, and analysis of performance indicators, and includes hubs from 25 European countries. It follows rigorous criteria that include continuous operation since at least 2021, a physical presence in European territory, and the offering of incubation or acceleration programs, integrating a broad set of hubs that support the creation and growth of innovative companies.
Business Factory ranked 87th out of 180 recognized hubs in the ranking, being one of the leading Portuguese entities in this competitive environment. This position reinforces its history of supporting startups with technological potential and sustained economic impact, consolidating the incubator's relevance in the national and international innovation ecosystem.
Since 2015, Business Factory has supported more than 300 startups in its two hubs — in Mafra and Ericeira — with activities focused on strategic sectors such as Tourism, Blue Economy and Agri-food, as well as capacity-building initiatives and acceleration programs aimed at strengthening the local entrepreneurial ecosystem.
This inclusion in the ranking highlights the continuous consolidation of Business Factory as a platform to support technology-based business projects with territorial impact, also reinforcing the position of the Municipality of Mafra in the national and European innovation context.
According to Hugo Moreira Luís, Mayor of Mafra, “This recognition contributes to consolidating the innovation strategy of the Municipality of Mafra as a structuring priority. It is not just a mention in a ranking, but a confirmation that our commitment to creating conditions for the development of innovative businesses is producing results that have an international impact, aligning Mafra with the main entrepreneurship ecosystems in Europe.”
“This is the result of a strategic vision conceived in alliance with the potential of startups, valuing the municipality's openness to innovation and exploring the strategic resources of the region. The Business Factory thus reaches a new level, the result of perseverance and the conviction that it possesses the essential tools to position itself as a cornerstone in supporting the development of new businesses and a reference in the national innovation ecosystem,” affirms Marta Miraldes, Managing Partner of SBI Consulting, and coordinator of the Business Factory.