Information & Communication Technologies
The Azores are positioning themselves as a territory ready to host Digital Economy companies, thanks to a strong network of fiber-optic communication infrastructure and submarine cable connections to the United States, Europe, and other Atlantic islands. This connectivity ensures high speed, security, and reliability — essential for international operations and the establishment of technology-based services.
The sector also benefits from the presence of science and technology parks, such as NONAGON (São Miguel) and TERINOV (Terceira), which provide an ecosystem conducive to innovation, incubation, and the growth of startups and tech companies. Combined with a competitive business environment, a skilled workforce, and attractive tax incentives, this framework positions the Azores as an emerging ICT hub in the Atlantic.
© Lux Werk
Sea Economy
With one of the largest exclusive economic zones in the European Union, the Azores are at the center of strategies related to the sea and the sustainable blue economy. The region combines tradition and innovation: from “Dolphin Safe” certified artisanal fishing and an export-driven canning industry, to the growing potential of aquaculture and ocean-based renewable energy.
The archipelago is also a hub for cutting-edge scientific research, particularly in marine ecosystem monitoring and ocean floor resource mapping. These advancements, combined with specialized infrastructure such as the MARTEC Technopole (opening soon) on Faial Island, reinforce the Azores as a strategic territory for the development of marine-related activities, blending sustainability, innovation, and global competitiveness.
© Bruno Ázera
Space & Data Science
The geostrategic position of the Azores in the Atlantic, combined with their natural conditions, turns the region into a living laboratory for space and data science. Santa Maria Island hosts unique tracking and space monitoring infrastructures, integrated into European and international networks, while Terceira Island strengthens this commitment through projects related to Earth, ocean, and atmospheric observation.
With the creation of the Portuguese Space Agency and the implementation of the Portugal Space 2030 strategy, the Azores are consolidating their role as an Atlantic hub for space activities, fostering synergies between scientific research, technology companies, and government entities.
Access to space and environmental data, combined with innovation centers such as NONAGON and TERINOV, paves the way for new opportunities in areas like big data analytics, artificial intelligence, environmental monitoring, and global sustainability.
© Ricardo Preto
Research & Development
The Azores position themselves as a territory of scientific and technological innovation, supported by public policies and a growing network of excellence institutions. The region is home to the NONAGON and TERINOV science and technology parks, the Azores Business Incubator Network (RIEA), and the MARTEC Technopole (opening soon) on Faial Island, which will strengthen research related to the sea and biotechnologies.
The Regional Government supports R&D through incentives aimed at promoting applied research projects, knowledge transfer, and partnerships between companies, universities, and research centers.
With a qualified local talent pool, access to unique natural resources, and connections to international networks, the Azores offer a solid ecosystem for knowledge creation and the development of innovative solutions capable of competing and generating global impact.
© Bruno Ázera
Agriculture & Agrofood
Agriculture is one of the pillars of the Azorean economy, marked by the quality and authenticity of its products. The archipelago is the national leader in milk and dairy production, with internationally renowned cheeses. In addition to some cheeses, the Azores have other products with Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) and Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) certification. The production of high-quality beef, the cultivation of proteas — for which the Azores are recognized as one of Europe’s leading producers — and the unique distinction of being the only European territory to produce tea industrially, all reinforce the agricultural diversity of the Region. The Azorean agrofood industry combines tradition and innovation, with a growing investment in processing technologies that add value to local resources and create higher-value products for global markets. The “Marca Açores” contributes to promoting the authenticity, sustainability, and competitiveness of these products.
With unique natural resources, sustainable farming practices, and strategic public support, the Azores offer excellent investment opportunities in an innovative, export-oriented agrofood industry.
© Bruno Ázera
Tourism & Heritage
The Azores are a world-class destination for sustainable tourism, recognized by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council and awarded as Europe’s Leading Adventure Tourism Destination by the World Travel Awards. The archipelago combines pristine nature — with lakes, volcanoes, caves, trails, and whale watching — with a rich historical and cultural heritage expressed in local traditions, classified historic centers, and Azorean hospitality.
The Azores Geopark and several UNESCO Biosphere Reserves reinforce the region’s uniqueness, positioning it as an authentic destination for travelers seeking experiences connected to nature, well-being, and culture. At the same time, the tourism sector represents a growing investment opportunity, supported by public policies, diversification of offerings, and the enhancement of natural and cultural heritage.
© Bruno Ázera
Healthcare
Healthcare is another strategic area for the Azores, combining well-being policies, investment in technology, and new business opportunities. The Regional Government has been strengthening accessibility and the digitalization of healthcare services, promoting greater integration between hospitals, health centers, and local care services.
The archipelago is also investing in emerging areas such as active aging, mental health, thermalism, and thalassotherapy, leveraging the region’s unique natural resources. These dynamics are supported by innovation incentives that encourage the creation of technological solutions and research projects within the sector.
Combining quality of life, sustainability, and an integrated vision of well-being, the Azores position themselves as a territory of excellence for developing health and wellness projects with global impact.