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The 50 largest companies with in-house R&D in Portugal

Tamtam tracks 154 companies with in-house R&D headquartered in Portugal. This list ranks the 50 largest by number of employees on LinkedIn, led by EDP, Faculdade de Engenharia da Universidade do Porto and Parfois. Their median headcount is 1,167. Half of them were founded in 1977 or later. The most common headquarters are Lisbon (13), Porto (12) and Coimbra (3).

🇵🇹 Portugal50 companiesUpdated Nov 13, 2026

This selection of Portuguese organizations with in-house R&D includes several large groups, notably in energy and manufacturing, alongside prominent higher education and healthcare institutions. Among them are EDP, a global energy company focused on renewables; Parfois, a fast-growing brand in women's fashion accessories; Critical TechWorks, developing software systems for BMW vehicles; and The Navigator Company, an integrated producer of forest, pulp, and paper products.

A notable pattern is the strong presence of higher education institutions, with many universities like the Faculdade de Engenharia da Universidade do Porto and the Universidade de Aveiro appearing. There is also a concentration of organizations headquartered in Porto and Lisbon, indicating these cities as key hubs for research and development activities in Portugal.

#CompanyIndustryHeadquarters EmployeesFounded
1
EDPedp.com

A global energy company focusing on renewable sources, aiming for 100% green energy by 2030 and promoting sustainability worldwide

Utilities 🇵🇹 Lisbon 13,952 n/a
2
Faculdade de Engenharia da Universidade do Portoup.pt

Leading institution with international reputation, excelling in research and teaching, and at the forefront of engineering universities since 1837.

Higher Education 🇵🇹 Porto 4,379 1837
3
Parfoisparfois.com

A fast-growing brand offering women's fashion accessories and clothing with stores in over 80 countries, known for trendy designs and affordable prices

Retail 🇵🇹 Porto 3,708 n/a
4
Universidade de Aveiroua.pt

Provides undergraduate and postgraduate education, generates research, and promotes cooperation with society since 1973 as a dynamic and innovative public foundation.

Higher Education 🇵🇹 Aveiro 3,703 1973
5
Critical TechWorkscriticaltechworks.com

This company is developing innovative software systems for future BMW vehicles, focusing on autonomous driving, electrification, car sharing, and connectivity

IT Services and IT Consulting 🇵🇹 Porto 3,040 2018
6
Universidade de Coimbrauc.pt

Portuguese public higher education institution, providing education, training, and research, with a rich heritage and global recognition in sustainable development.

Research Services 🇵🇹 Coimbra 2,988 n/a
7
ULS São Joãoportal-ulssjoao.min-saude.pt

Providing specialized medical care, surgical services, and diagnostic support while conducting clinical research and medical training as a primary national reference hospital center.

Hospitals and Health Care 🇵🇹 2,975 1959
8
Sodeciasodecia.com

Global company with 39 business units across five continents, specializing in stamping, welding, automotive components, tools & equipment manufacturing, and collaborative engineering services

Motor Vehicle Manufacturing 🇵🇹 Porto 2,719 1980
9
Efacecefacec.com

Innovative solutions provider for energy, mobility, and the environment Specializing in technologically advanced products and systems for global markets

Appliances, Electrical, and Electronics Manufacturing 🇵🇹 Matosinhos 2,312 1948
10
The Navigator Companythenavigatorcompany.com

Integrated producer of forest, pulp, paper, tissue, and energy with strong focus on innovation, sustainability, and carbon neutrality goals.

Paper and Forest Product Manufacturing 🇵🇹 Lisbon 2,282 1953
11
University of Lisbonulisboa.pt

A prestigious university in Lisbon offering a wide range of programs with high-quality teachers, fostering academic success and career opportunities for students

Higher Education 🇵🇹 Lisbon 2,203 n/a
12
Universidade Lusófona - Centro Universitário Lisboaulusofona.pt

Higher education institution in Lisbon offering diverse programs from Bachelor's to PhD level with an international focus on teaching and research

Higher Education 🇵🇹 Lisbon 1,876 n/a
13
Rovensarovensa.com

Global leader in sustainable agricultural solutions, developing and commercializing innovative products to help farmers produce safe, healthy, and nutritious food worldwide

Farming 🇵🇹 Parque das Nações 1,834 n/a
14
ULS Santo Antónioulssa.pt

A healthcare organization formed by merging multiple hospitals and medical centers to provide comprehensive medical services in Portugal

Hospitals and Health Care 🇵🇹 Porto 1,758 n/a
15
Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Portoisep.ipp.pt

ISEP is a successful Portuguese institution dedicated to teaching and innovation in engineering, specializing in training creative and entrepreneurial engineering professionals since 1852

Higher Education 🇵🇹 Porto 1,647 1852
16
Grupo Casaiscasais.pt

A leading construction group in Portugal offering diverse services in engineering, trade, tourism, real estate, energy, and more Focus on innovation and sustainability

Construction 🇵🇹 Braga 1,639 1958
17
Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra (CHUC)chuc.min-saude.pt

A leading Portuguese hospital and research center offering high-quality care, education, and innovation in various medical specialties

Hospitals and Health Care 🇵🇹 Coimbra 1,603 2011
18
Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douroutad.pt

A public university in Vila Real, Portugal, known for teaching, research, and regional development since its establishment in 1973

Higher Education 🇵🇹 Vila Real 1,603 1986
19
Simoldes Plasticssimoldes.com

A multinational organization specializing in plastic manufacturing for the automotive industry with multiple plants and global reach

Motor Vehicle Manufacturing 🇵🇹 Oliveira de Azeméis 1,567 1980
20
Bosch Portugalbosch.pt

A leading IoT company offering innovative solutions for smart homes, cities, industry, and mobility Focused on creating a connected lifestyle and improving quality of life

Software Development 🇵🇹 Lisbon 1,542 1911
21
Instituto Pedro Nunesipn.pt

A non-profit organization promoting innovation, technology transfer, and specialized training through incubation, research, and technological development activities for startups and researchers

Research Services 🇵🇹 Coimbra 1,405 1991
22
Polytechnic of Leiriaipleiria.pt

A public Portuguese institution of higher education offering modern facilities, support services, and research activities in various fields for students

Higher Education 🇵🇹 Leiria 1,372 1980
23
Instituto Português de Oncologia do Porto (IPO-Porto)ipoporto.pt

The company provides timely patient-centered healthcare, prevention, research, education, and training in the field of oncology with a focus on quality, humanism, and efficiency

Hospitals and Health Care 🇵🇹 Porto 1,305 1974
24
ISQisq.pt

Delivers integrated, innovative solutions supporting customers in risk reduction, operational efficiency improvement, and competitiveness increase through engineering, inspection, tests, and training.

Research Services 🇵🇹 Oeiras 1,190 1965
25
Blip.ptblip.pt

Tech and innovation hub specializing in software engineering solutions for sports betting and gaming, delivering products to millions of customers worldwide

Technology, Information and Internet 🇵🇹 Porto 1,167 2009

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26
Corticeira Amorimamorim.com

Leading player in cork industry, globally providing sustainable products to diverse sectors like aerospace, automobile, construction, energy, design, and wines/spirits

Paper and Forest Product Manufacturing 🇵🇹 Mozelos 1,127 1870
27
Bialbial.com

An innovative international pharmaceutical company focused on therapeutic innovation, with a strong commitment to research in neurosciences and rare diseases

Pharmaceutical Manufacturing 🇵🇹 Trofa 988 1924
28
Prozisprozis.breezy.hr

Product developing powerhouse with proprietary technology, vertical process, in-house manufacturing, and commitment to high quality, fair pricing Emphasizes innovation, design, and customer satisfaction

Wellness and Fitness Services 🇵🇹 Caniçal 945 2007
29
Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboamedicina.ulisboa.pt

A medical school integrated within the University of Lisbon, providing training for physicians, conducting research in medicine and biomedical sciences

Higher Education 🇵🇹 Lisbon 940 1825
30
IPOLisboaipolisboa.min-saude.pt

A leading oncology hospital in Portugal offering specialized and differentiated cancer care, with national recognition, high quality standards, and a humanistic approach

Hospitals and Health Care 🇵🇹 Lisbon 925 1923
31
Champalimaud Foundationfchampalimaud.org

The company focuses on advanced biomedical research, translating scientific discoveries into solutions to improve global healthcare with ethical standards

Hospitals and Health Care 🇵🇹 Lisbon 894 2004
32
SONAE ARAUCOsonaearauco.com

A global alliance creating innovative wood solutions for a sustainable future, with industrial and commercial units in 9 countries and 2 continents

Paper and Forest Product Manufacturing 🇵🇹 Maia 885 2016
33
TEKEVERtekever.com

Leading provider of real-time maritime surveillance solutions, using software, electronics, and aerospace expertise to enhance safety and save lives worldwide

IT Services and IT Consulting 🇵🇹 Lisbon 885 2001
34
Altice Labsalticelabs.com

This company develops innovative products and services for ICT markets, collaborates with universities and research institutes, and focuses on technological innovation to improve people's lives

Telecommunications 🇵🇹 Aveiro 882 n/a
35
Tintas CINcin.com

A leading paint and coatings manufacturer with over 100 years of experience, operating in various market segments across Europe, Africa, and the Americas

Chemical Manufacturing 🇵🇹 Porto 875 1917
36
Grupo Lactogalgrupolactogal.com

Portuguese agri-food company specializing in dairy products, playing an active role in national milk production, with a diverse portfolio of dairy items

Food and Beverage Services 🇵🇹 Porto 868 1996
37
Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboaciencias.ulisboa.pt

The Faculty of Sciences at Universidade de Lisboa offers high-quality scientific education, research, and collaboration opportunities, producing professionals for the global market

Higher Education 🇵🇹 Lisbon 858 1911
38
NOVA Medical School - Faculdade de Ciências Médicasunl.pt

Educates students to transform healthcare through teaching, research, and community involvement, fostering innovative minds committed to a healthier and more inclusive future.

Higher Education 🇵🇹 Lisbon 839 1977
39
Unidade Local de Saúde de Matosinhosulsm.min-saude.pt

Integrated public health institution providing primary, hospital, and long-term care with a focus on excellence, humanity, and innovation in serving the community

Hospitals and Health Care 🇵🇹 Matosinhos 808 1999
40
i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúdei3s.up.pt

A transdisciplinary institution promoting research and innovation in Health Sciences, carrying out graduate training, and contributing to societal challenges

Research Services 🇵🇹 Porto 777 2015
41
Universidade dos Açoresuac.pt

A public university based in the Azores, providing educational opportunities and research initiatives for students in the region

Higher Education 🇵🇹 Ponta Delgada 775 1976
42
Tecnimede Grouptecnimede.com

A Portuguese pharmaceutical group specializing in the development, manufacturing, and marketing of medicinal products, with a strong focus on research, quality, and international expansion

Pharmaceutical Manufacturing 🇵🇹 Sintra 759 n/a
43
EDP Portugaledp.com

A global energy company focused on promoting renewable sources, achieving 100% green energy by 2030, and supporting decentralized solar energy and electric mobility

Utilities 🇵🇹 Lisbon 707 n/a
44
Universidade Lusófonaulusofona.pt

Leading institution in Portugal dedicated to the development of Portuguese-speaking countries, offering a wide range of undergraduate, master's, PhD, and post-graduate programs

Higher Education 🇵🇹 686 1987
45
Ispa - Instituto Universitárioispa.pt

A pioneering institution in Psychology and Behavior education and research with a strong reputation for quality programs and scientific research Founded in 1962

Higher Education 🇵🇹 Lisbon 681 1962
46
Sugal Groupsugal-group.com

Family-owned global leader in tomato paste and fruit purees, ensuring freshness, taste, and food safety from cultivation to products like soups, sauces, and juices.

Food and Beverage Manufacturing 🇵🇹 Benavente 681 1957
47
SOGRAPEsogrape.com

A global wine producer with a history of innovation, boasting top quality wines from vineyards in five different countries

Wineries 🇵🇹 Vila Nova de Gaia 674 1942
48
CESPU - Cooperativa de Ensino Superior Politécnico e Universitáriocespu.pt

A non-profit private institution overseeing multiple health science schools, promoting education, research, and community service in the Higher Education sector

Higher Education 🇵🇹 Gandra - Paredes 662 1982
49
Instituto Politécnico do Portoipp.pt

The company offers a wide range of educational programs in eight areas of study through its eight schools located across three campuses

Higher Education 🇵🇹 Porto 660 1985
50
Hospital Pedro Hispanoulsm.min-saude.pt

A pioneer in integrating healthcare, academia, and innovation, focusing on holistic and personalized health promotion while prioritizing sustainability and quality care

Hospitals and Health Care 🇵🇹 Senhora da Hora 644 1997

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How this list is built

Every company on this list has a Tamtam company profile. The industry is the one the company gives on LinkedIn; categories such as SaaS or fintech are classified by Tamtam's AI from the company's website and LinkedIn page; and the headquarters city must match the company's own address. Companies are ranked by the number of employees on LinkedIn, and the list is refreshed every night. Classifications can be wrong, so treat the list as a starting point rather than an official ranking. Last updated Nov 13, 2026.

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