FAQs

1. Who can apply to the Hub Azul Venture Building?

The program is aimed at researchers, R&D teams, faculty members, PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers, and research units connected to the Hub Azul Network or its partner institutions.

Projects involving intellectual property, research results, or ongoing research with commercialization potential in the Blue Economy sector are eligible to apply.

Applications may be submitted individually or as a team.

2. Is there a cost to participate?

No. Participation in the Hub Azul Venture Building is fully free of charge for all researchers and entities within the Hub Azul ecosystem.

3. What kind of support will I receive during the program?

Participants will have access to:

  • Mentors specialized in technology, market strategy, regulation, and intellectual property;
  • Weekly sprints focused on customer discovery, business modeling, prototyping, and pitching;
  • Support in intellectual property assessment and protection strategy;
  • Practical sessions on regulatory strategy and market entry pathways;
  • Ongoing support from the Beta-i and Hub Azul technical teams;
  • Direct connections to industrial partners, investors, and Hub Azul poles.

4. What happens after the 10-week Startup Studio?

After the program:

  • Projects are presented at a final event to partners, investors, and companies;
  • Teams may move forward with pilots, proof-of-concept initiatives, or incubation programs;
  • The most promising projects may receive additional support in structuring spin-offs;
  • Participants remain connected to the Hub Azul community and future collaboration and funding opportunities.

5. My project does not yet have a registered patent. Can I participate?

Yes. The program accepts:

  • Technologies without a registered patent;
  • Early-stage research results;
  • Assets with intellectual property protection in preparation.

During the program, participants receive support to assess and structure their IP strategy, including a preliminary patentability analysis.

6. What are the selection criteria?

Projects will be evaluated based on:

  • Customer Readiness Level (CRL);
  • Technology Readiness Level (TRL);
  • Business / Market Readiness Level (BRL);
  • IP Readiness Level (IPRL);
  • Team Readiness Level (TMRL);
  • Funding Readiness Level (FRL);
  • Team motivation and availability;

 

7. How does the selection process work?

Following the initial mapping phase and submission of the technical application form:

  • The 360º Evaluation Committee assesses each project using a structured readiness model;
  • Up to 10 projects are selected for the Startup Studio;
  • Selected researchers are contacted directly and receive onboarding instructions.

8. Is the program online or in person?

The Startup Studio follows a hybrid format:

  • Weekly synchronous sessions delivered primarily online, adapted to academic schedules;
  • A final in-person event with strategic partners.

9. Do I need to be part of the Hub Azul Network to participate?

Preference will be given to researchers and projects that are part of the Hub Azul ecosystem. However, projects outside the network may be considered if deemed strategically relevant.

10. How many hours per week should I expect to dedicate?

The Startup Studio is designed to accommodate researchers’ academic commitments and includes:

  • Weekly synchronous session(s);
  • Independent sprint-based work;
  • Mentoring sessions scheduled according to availability.

The total commitment is approximately 5 hours per week.

11. How can I apply?

Simply click “Submit Application” on the landing page and complete the technical form with the main information about your IP asset or research project.
You will then receive instructions regarding the next steps and timeline.