Build. Deploy.
Win 10k.
FORGE is an acceleration program that turns operational challenges into innovative solutions in 6 weeks — and rewards the best project with 10k to take it further.
10,000€ for the winning project
At the end of the program, the team with the best prototype receives a 10,000€ prize to turn the solution into a product with real impact.
The problems companies can't solve alone
Complex operational challenges that require speed, expertise and innovation at the same time.
Lack of Time
Companies have urgent challenges that internal processes can't solve in time.
Lack of Specialized Talent
Companies need specific expertise they don't have in-house or that would take months to recruit.
Lack of Validation
Companies need working proofs of concept before investing in full solutions.
The FORGE
A revolutionary acceleration program that turns operational challenges into innovative solutions. Elite talent teams work intensively for 6 weeks to deliver functional, tested prototypes ready to scale.
Elite Talent
selected candidates
Limited Time
intensive execution
Proven Results
successful completion
From challenge to prototype
A clear, predictable process in 10 weeks.
Challenge Submission
Week 1The company describes its operational problem, success metrics and context. We assess feasibility and impact potential.
Matching and Preparation
Week 2-3We select the best team for the challenge. We run due diligence and prepare the team charter with clear objectives.
6 Weeks of Intensive Build
Week 4-9The team works in sprints with continuous validation. The company tracks progress and unblocks decisions. Funding is released through validation gates.
Delivery and Decision
Week 10The company receives a functional prototype, full tests, documentation and a pilot memo. It decides: implement, improve or archive.
FORGE Arena: the weekend test
Two days of real pressure to reveal talent, validate problems and form the right teams.
Saturday
Day 1- Short challenge pitches
- Temporary squad formation
- Mini-diagnosis sprints
- Intensive execution observation
Sunday
Day 2- Team rotation and renewed pressure
- Peer review and short panel
- Final talent ranking
- Shortlist of viable problems
Evaluation criteria
Ability to work as a team · Idea viability · Execution capacity
Outputs
Problem note · Builder card · Matching map
Build something that matters
Join an elite team, solve a real business challenge and compete for a prize to turn your prototype into a product with impact.
More than a program
10k prize for the winner
The winning team takes home 10k to scale the prototype into a real product.
Paid project
Funding per team throughout the program, released through validation gates.
Mentorship and network
Guidance from mentors and direct connections to companies, founders and investors.
Impact portfolio
You leave with a functional prototype used by a real company — not just another drawer project.
Talent that makes it happen
Final-year students, recent graduates or junior professionals eager to build.
Engineering & AI
Software, data, ML, infra or hardware.
Product & Design
PM, UX, UI, research, service design.
Business & Operations
Strategy, growth, operations, management.
Submit your application
Fill out the form and the FORGE team will get in touch with the next steps.
Turn challenges into solutions
Submit a real operational challenge and receive a functional prototype, tested and ready to scale — delivered by an elite talent team.
The Sponsor's contribution
So the team can deliver evidence in just a few weeks, we count on four contributions from your organization.
Real challenge
A real challenge focused on your organization's needs.
Success metric
What does improvement mean? Time? Cost? Errors? Conversion?
Access to internal data
Data, users, processes or observable workflows.
Support team
People who provide context and unblock decisions.
Why join FORGE?
Tailor-Made Solutions
Dedicated teams work exclusively on your challenge, with full access to your data and workflows. The result is a solution designed specifically for your operational reality.
Access to Elite Talent
Meet qualified, high-potential professionals who can join your organization or collaborate on future projects. Build relationships with the best talent in the ecosystem.
Continuous Innovation
Stay at the forefront of innovation. Early access to new ideas, technologies and approaches being developed in the program.
Association with Innovation
Strengthen your brand through the connection with FORGE and the Startup Leiria innovation ecosystem. Position yourself as an organization that invests in the future.
Choose how you get involved
Financial
- Supports operations and coordination
- Full access to benefits
- Priority in team selection
Technological
- AI tools and dev tooling
- Cloud computing credits
- APIs and specialized infrastructure
Mixed
- Maximum flexibility
- Adapted to your capabilities
- Maximum impact and visibility
Turn your challenge into an opportunity
Submit your challenge and discover how FORGE can help your organization innovate.
Startup Leiria & Casper Ventures
Dedicated structure
Clear accountability throughout every phase of the program.
Track record
Proven programs and an established network in the region.
Ecosystem
Talent, academia, startups, companies and regional initiatives.
Our Sponsors
Companies that believe in the power of innovation and elite talent.
Media Partner
Main Partner
