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The finalists for the 7th edition of the SME Heroes awards have been determined, an initiative promoted by Yunit Consulting that distinguishes Portuguese Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises with exemplary stories of overcoming adversity, innovation, and economic impact. This year, the initiative breaks records again, with a total of 135 applications received, representing a 52% increase compared to 2024, coming from 86 different companies – 56% more than the previous year – with the three finalists per category now selected.
Among the seven categories under evaluation, the “Revelation Start-up” category grew the most, registering a 250% increase in applications. Meanwhile, the “Small Company” category stood out as the most contested, with 39 applications. Regionally, the districts of Porto, Lisbon, and Leiria led in the number of applications, while the IT, services, and industry sectors asserted themselves as the most represented in this 7th edition.
Bernardo Maciel, CEO of Yunit Consulting reveals that “this expressive growth in the number of applications shows that Portuguese SMEs continue to believe in their value and the importance of sharing their stories. It is a sign that the SME Heroes movement is fulfilling its mission: giving visibility to the companies that are, in fact, the pillars of our economy”.
The finalist companies were selected after a careful evaluation by the organisation, which analysed criteria such as innovation, sustainable growth, economic and social impact, and adaptability.
The competing categories are:
Each category has three finalists, who will now be evaluated by an independent jury, composed of representatives from sponsors, institutional partners, and personalities from the business sector.
Menu: Small Company | Medium Company | Internationalisation | Digital Transformation | Sustainability | Startup
Destilaria António Cuco, finalist in the Micro Enterprise Category, proves that from adversity a national icon of resilience and flavour can be born.
Facing the disruption of AI, NILG.AI reinvented itself with courage. Finalist in the Micro Enterprise Category, it stands out in the AI strategy in Portugal.
From a basement was born the mission to democratise cybersecurity. CYBERS3C is a finalist in the Micro Enterprise Category and an example of courage with purpose.
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By transforming Swiss know-how into a national reference, Ventiplast became a finalist in the Small Company Category. Specialisation with precision, vision, and resilience.
From the ashes was born the strength to restart and innovate. Finalist in the Small Company Category, Globovac proves there are no limits to new beginnings.
By swapping petrochemicals for biotechnology, Next Generation Chemistry became a finalist in the Small Company Category. Innovation with purpose, impact, and future.
Even in full crisis, Primus Ceramics invested in the future. Finalist in the medium company category, it shows how success is moulded with resilience.
The first Portuguese AI company, SISCOG is a finalist in the medium company category. A story that takes national innovation across borders.
With courage and vision, Portas Arcuense opened its doors to the world. Finalist in the medium company category, proving that the future belongs to the bold.
To save the company they mortgaged everything. Today, Serralharia Cunha is a finalist in the medium company category and builds the future with vision and courage.
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From the crisis was born Rocket UI. Mediaweb, finalist in the Digital Transformation Category, shows that innovation is seeing opportunity where others see limits.
By transforming water into intelligence, Hidro-Ibérica is a finalist in the Digital Transformation Category. Sustainable, daring, and built to last.
Zone Soft reinvented the catering industry with BIIP. Finalist in the Digital Transformation Category, it transformed the sector with vision, courage, and innovation.
With precision and a Portuguese soul, Art in Vogue conquered the world. Finalist in the Internationalisation Category, it elevates metal to a global expression.
From carpentry in Rebordosa to luxury in 30 countries. ALEAL is a finalist in the Internationalisation Category and proves that Portuguese talent has no borders.
With courage and national talent, EST took Portuguese industrial electricity to Europe. Finalist in the Internationalisation Category, it is energy without borders.
At Twintex, sustainability is a lifestyle. Finalist in the Sustainability Category, it unites fashion, innovation, and respect in a single purpose.
From crisis to conquering new markets, ZEMBE is a finalist in the Sustainability Category and shows how resilience and energy are exported.
Reborn from the ashes with clean energy and hands in the dough. Finalist in the Sustainability Category, it is proof that growing can be a conscious act.
At Goparity, money moves the world for the better. Finalist in the Startup Category, it democratises sustainable investment with real and measurable impact.
Finalist in the Startup Category, ubbu is taking digital literacy to thousands of children, uniting technology, education, and inclusion with global impact.
From frustration was born innovation. Finalist in the Startup Category, VeriCasa transforms real estate legal paperwork into a simple and efficient process.
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Last update: 12 May 2025
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