ExpressTEC, a spin-off incubated at the University of Algarve, was one of seven Portuguese technology-based companies led by women selected for the Women TechEU program, promoted by the European Innovation Council, and which received a pecuniary value of 75 thousand euros.
Founded in 2022 by Ana Teresa Maia and Joana Xavier, PhD researchers with a combined experience of over 35 years in the field of cancer, expressTEC is dedicated to the development of complementary in-vitro diagnostic (IVD) genetic tests, with the aim of increase the accuracy and effectiveness of targeted treatments in oncology.
In addition to monetary support, the founders of expressTEC will receive «mentoring guidance and coaching, through the “Women Leadership Programme”, and have «networking opportunities throughout the European Union», two «very important aspects of this program to promote entrepreneurship feminine in technology».
According to the researchers, «this recognition is very important for a small and young company with still limited resources, as it will accelerate the business, increase the network of contacts and attract private investment. All of this will help us achieve our goal of transforming oncology healthcare with cutting-edge technology.”
Available data indicate that Portugal obtained a success rate much higher than the European average (29%), with seven of the 14 applications submitted approved (50%). In addition to expressTEC, the companies AgroGrIN Tech, NeuroSoV, Fetalix, Ablute, GreenH2Wave and Nitrogen Sensing Solutions were selected.
This European Commission initiative aims to promote female entrepreneurship in technology. In Portugal, the programme, part of Horizon Europe: European Innovation Ecosystems, is monitored by ANI – National Innovation Agency, through the PERIN network.