AI Innovation Factory in Lisbon aims to boost adoption of AI across all sectors
US tech giant Microsoft has opened an AI Innovation Factory in Lisbon in collaboration with Accenture, Avanade, and Unicorn Factory Lisboa.
Located in the AIhub within Alvalade’s Unicorn Factory district, this new facility aims to encourage the adoption of AI for public and private companies spanning all sectors.
As the team behind the AI Innovation Factory says in a statement, there is a growing need for businesses to adapt to advancements in AI. According to Microsoft’s Work Trend Index, while 79% of business leaders believe AI is essential for staying competitive, 60% worry their organisations lack a clear vision and plan for AI implementation. To address this challenge, Microsoft and its partners created a collaborative ecosystem to help companies integrate AI across operations, develop governance models, and establish responsible AI practices.
“Innovation is increasingly part of life in Lisbon,” says Lisbon mayor Carlos Moedas, cited in the statement. “In addition to hubs in Beato and Baixa, we now have two innovation centres in Alvalade, one in Saldanha, and another in Entrecampos, all launched this year. This is proof that Unicorn Factory is growing and operating as an engine for our local economy. The new partnership with Microsoft shows that Lisbon is at the forefront of a vital, contemporary issue like artificial intelligence. Here, our youth and our talent will find the tools needed to innovate and launch new projects that will transform our city for the better.”
The 170-square-metre space includes open areas designed for “productivity and teamwork”, brainstorming rooms, and facilities for conferences. The AI Innovation Factory is also described as a platform of inspiration and innovation, where companies can access demonstrations, real-world case studies, and guidance from industry experts. These resources are intended to help businesses identify AI opportunities and prioritise practical applications, while also offering training for essential skills in AI.
The facility’s support process is divided into three “immersive stages” onsite. Initially, companies attend an envisioning workshop tailored for decision-makers, where they can explore real-world AI use cases with technology and industry specialists. Following this, participants engage in strategy discussions to outline company goals, address challenges, and create an implementation roadmap. Finally, the programme culminates with sessions on architecture design, rapid prototyping workshops, and integrated training.
“The creation of this innovation centre marks a significant milestone, not only for Microsoft but for the Portuguese business community and the future we’re building for Portugal,” says Andrés Ortolá, General Manager at Microsoft Portugal. “We believe that the AI Innovation Factory can be a catalyst for transformation, combining talent, ideas, and innovation to enable companies to lead, reinvent themselves, and grow in an increasingly digital business environment.”
Also commenting on the opening were representatives of Accenture, Avanade and Unicorn Factory Lisboa.
“The AI Innovation Factory represents the beginning of a new chapter in our journey to transform Portugal’s business landscape. Companies will have access to leading data and AI specialists from Accenture, allowing them to experiment with new technologies and co-innovate to adopt AI on a large scale. We’re excited to empower Portuguese organisations on a journey from interest to action and value, responsibly and with clear business cases.,” said Manuela Vaz Soares, Country Managing Director for Accenture in Portugal.
Tiago Minchin, Country Manager for Avanade in Portugal, added that the opening of the facility marks an important step in the company’s journey to “harness all the potential of AI. By collaborating with Microsoft, Accenture and Unicorn Factory Lisboa, we are creating an ecosystem that empowers companies to find AI solutions in a responsible and effective way. This initiative not only accelerates the adoption of AI; but also guarantees that our clients are equipped with the tools and governance models they need to prosper in a world driven by AI.”
Lastly, Gil Azevedo, Executive Director of Unicorn Factory Lisboa, noted that the AI Innovation Factory is a “significant milestone” in strengthening its innovation network. “This strategic partnership with Microsoft, focused on AI, not only reinforces Lisbon’s standing as an innovative city but also highlights the potential of the emerging innovation districts we are developing. AIhub is part of a strategy to create spaces for high-growth industries, boosting the local economy, attracting investment, creating jobs, and supporting the expansion of startups and tech companies.”
