Morada Address Dirección
Edifício do Centro de Apoio Tecnológico Agro-Alimentar
Zona Industrial de Castelo Branco, Rua A
6000-459 Castelo Branco – Portugal
Horário Schedule Horario
09:00 - 13:00 | 14:00 - 18:00
InovCluster – Agroindustrial Cluster Association of the Center is headquartered at the Agro-Food Technological Support Center in Castelo Branco. Inovcluster’s contribution focuses on increasing the competitiveness of local and regional production systems. It also aims to promote the Central Region of Portugal at a national and international level. For this purpose, it establishes a cooperation platform amongst the key players of this sector. It provides companies support through innovation processes, R&D, knowledge transfer, training, new product development, services and processes, marketing and internationalization.
Currently, InovCluster has 148 associates of which 112, are companies, 15 are Associations/Cooperatives, 12 Higher Education Institutions and R&D institutions linked to the agribusiness and agro-food sector, and 9 public entities.
InovCluster has been supported by the Municipality of Castelo Branco and funded by COMPETE – Operational Competitiveness Factors Program, by the National Strategic Reference Framework and by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund.
The promotion of regional products and territories is a strategic priority for the affirmation of the agri-food sector in the Central Region and related regions, reinforcing the link between identity, quality and innovation. The heterogeneity of production, geographical dispersion and wealth of local knowledge require an integrated approach that promotes the origin, authenticity and added value of regional products. This positioning responds to the growing demand for differentiated, sustainable products with a connection to the territory, creating new opportunities in national and international markets. At the same time, it allows for the revitalisation of the local business fabric, the strengthening of gastronomic tourism and the promotion of the Region's brand. By investing in strategies that combine certification, territorial narrative, gastronomic partnerships and innovation based on local resources, InovCluster will be able to boost the competitiveness of companies and contribute to the sustainable and cohesive development of the territories it represents.
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Digital transition and technological innovation are critical factors for the modernisation and competitiveness of the agri-food sector. InovCluster is set to play a central role in supporting its members in the progressive adoption of digital technologies, from simple management solutions to advanced tools such as IoT, blockchain and automation. Growing market demands, the need for traceability and labour shortages reinforce the urgency of digitisation adapted to the reality of SMEs. By promoting digital diagnostics, pilot projects, practical training and links with technology start-ups, InovCluster can accelerate the digital transformation of the sector in an accessible and results-oriented way, not only increasing the efficiency and sustainability of companies, but also preparing them for new markets and regulatory challenges.
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Sustainability and adaptation to climate change are structural challenges for the agri-food sector, requiring changes in production, energy and logistics models. InovCluster can lead this process by supporting its members in adopting more sustainable and resilient practices, while promoting competitiveness and compliance with European regulatory requirements. The cluster's activities should focus on the reuse of by-products, efficient use of water and energy, support for the circular economy and the adoption of agro-ecological practices. It is equally important to train entrepreneurs on new environmental requirements, promote partnerships for green innovation and create mechanisms for monitoring and sharing good practices.
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Training and attracting talent are essential to ensure the renewal and competitiveness of the agri-food sector, particularly in a region with demographic challenges and a shortage of qualified technical profiles, as is the case in the Central Region and other parts of the country. InovCluster should act as a catalyst by promoting training tailored to the needs of the sector, in partnership with educational institutions and training centres. The promotion of internships, applied projects and visits to companies helps to bring young people closer to the sector and counteract stigmas associated with working in the agri-food sector. At the same time, the creation of communication campaigns and digital platforms for opportunities can reinforce the sector's attractiveness to new audiences. Investing in talent also means investing in the training of sector agents and in retaining young people in low-density areas. With this type of targeted action, InovCluster will contribute to a more qualified, attractive and prepared agri-food ecosystem.
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Internationalisation is crucial for the growth of the agri-food sector and for adding value to products in demanding and diverse markets. Given the inherent challenges faced by members (mostly micro-enterprises and SMEs), from lack of scale to lack of certification or market knowledge, InovCluster can support this process by strengthening the offer of personalised plans, joint presence at trade fairs, and promoting adapted certification and access to international distribution channels. The consolidation of a collective brand for internationalisation and the activation of partnerships with international commercial entities are strategic steps to increase the visibility of regional products. In addition, a market observatory can help members invested in internationalisation to anticipate trends and learn about legal requirements and standards for exporting to target countries.
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Encouraging entrepreneurship and the development of new ideas is essential for the renewal of the agri-food sector and for attracting talent and innovation to low-density areas. InovCluster can boost this dynamism by creating a support network for entrepreneurship, integrating incubators, R&D centres and established companies. Acceleration programmes, idea competitions and funds for proof of concept are tools that enable knowledge to be transformed into economic value. InovCluster can also take on a mediating role in cross-mentoring activities and the involvement of SMEs in guiding new initiatives. Promoting the emergence and consolidation of start-ups with solutions in areas such as digitalisation, sustainability or new products is a way to diversify the business fabric, attract young entrepreneurs and boost innovation in the sector.
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Morada Address Dirección
Edifício do Centro de Apoio Tecnológico Agro-Alimentar
Zona Industrial de Castelo Branco, Rua A
6000-459 Castelo Branco – Portugal
Horário Schedule Horario
09:00 - 13:00 | 14:00 - 18:00