From May 11 to 15, the Polytechnic University of Setúbal hosted the “Rural Startup Incubators Bootcamp 2026” (RuralUP), a Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) organised by IPS and part of and under the E³UDRES² label. Over the course of a week, the event brought together students, faculty, mentors, and representatives from incubators across various European countries in Setúbal to reflect on the role of innovation and entrepreneurship in the sustainable development of rural and regional areas.
The program, delivered in a hybrid format, combined preparatory online sessions with an intensive in-person week, fostering an international environment of collaboration, creativity, and hands-on learning – with the initiative focusing on the challenges faced by incubators and entrepreneurial ecosystems in low-density regions, encouraging participants to develop innovative solutions capable of strengthening the local and regional impact of these structures.
During the bootcamp, participants worked in multicultural and multidisciplinary teams, exploring methodologies of design thinking, co-creation, and collaborative problem-solving. Between work sessions, workshops, and moments of reflection, students were challenged to think of new ways to promote entrepreneurship, attract talent, strengthen communities, and create sustainable opportunities outside major urban centers.
The program also included opportunities for direct interaction with incubators, experts, and regional innovation stakeholders, providing a concrete understanding of the realities and needs of the regions. The “Regional Innovation Hubs Forum”, held at the Livramento Market, stood out as a space for dialogue on financial sustainability, community impact, talent retention, and cooperation among different actors in the entrepreneurial ecosystem – such as the startup incubators in Setúbal, Barreiro, Montemor-o-Novo, and Fundão – which challenged the students to address real-world problems they face on a daily basis.
Beyond the educational component, RuralUP sought to emphasize the connection to the local area and the human dimension of the experience. Outdoor activities in the Serra da Arrábida, cultural tours of the city of Setúbal, and opportunities for socializing and networking helped strengthen team spirit, intercultural exchange, and the creation of international networks among participants and institutions.
Throughout the week, students developed key skills for increasingly global and collaborative professional contexts, particularly in the areas of intercultural communication, critical thinking, creativity, adaptability, and teamwork. At the same time, they had the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and potential of Europe’s rural regions, reflecting on the role of innovation as a driver of sustainable territorial development.
For the institutions involved, initiatives such as RuralUP represent an opportunity to strengthen teaching and learning models that are more participatory, international, and oriented toward social and regional impact. The program also underscored the importance of European cooperation in developing innovative responses to common challenges, bringing higher education closer to communities, businesses, and local areas.
At a time when many European regions face challenges related to depopulation, an aging population, and unequal opportunities, RuralUP demonstrated how international collaboration, innovation, and entrepreneurship can contribute to creating more resilient, attractive, and sustainable regions.
The bootcamp thus reaffirmed the commitment of E³UDRES² and IPS to higher education that is closer to people, regions, and the challenges of the future.
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➞ IPS, Polytechnic University of Setúbal
Article created by: IPS
