# 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).

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.

🇵🇹 Portugal · 50 companies · Updated Nov 13, 2026

| # | Company | Industry | Headquarters | Employees | Founded |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | [EDP](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/edp) (edp.com)<br>A global energy company focusing on renewable sources, aiming for 100% green energy by 2030 and promoting sustainability worldwide | Utilities | 🇵🇹 Lisbon | 13,952 |  |
| 2 | [Faculdade de Engenharia da Universidade do Porto](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/faculdade-de-engenharia-da-universidade-do-porto) (up.pt)<br>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 | [Parfois](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/parfois) (parfois.com)<br>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 |  |
| 4 | [Universidade de Aveiro](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/universidade-de-aveiro) (ua.pt)<br>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 TechWorks](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/critical-techworks) (criticaltechworks.com)<br>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 Coimbra](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/universidade-de-coimbra) (uc.pt)<br>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 |  |
| 7 | [ULS São João](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/uls-sao-joao) (portal-ulssjoao.min-saude.pt)<br>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 | [Sodecia](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/sodecia) (sodecia.com)<br>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 | [Efacec](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/efacec) (efacec.com)<br>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 Company](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/the-navigator-company) (thenavigatorcompany.com)<br>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 Lisbon](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/university-of-lisbon) (ulisboa.pt)<br>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 |  |
| 12 | [Universidade Lusófona - Centro Universitário Lisboa](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/universidade-lusofona-centro-universitario-lisboa) (ulusofona.pt)<br>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 |  |
| 13 | [Rovensa](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/rovensa) (rovensa.com)<br>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 |  |
| 14 | [ULS Santo António](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/uls-santo-antonio) (ulssa.pt)<br>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 |  |
| 15 | [Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/instituto-superior-de-engenharia-do-porto) (isep.ipp.pt)<br>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 Casais](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/grupo-casais) (casais.pt)<br>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)](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/centro-hospitalar-e-universitario-de-coimbra-chuc) (chuc.min-saude.pt)<br>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 Douro](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/universidade-de-tras-os-montes-e-alto-douro) (utad.pt)<br>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 Plastics](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/simoldes-plastics) (simoldes.com)<br>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 Portugal](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/bosch-portugal) (bosch.pt)<br>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 Nunes](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/instituto-pedro-nunes) (ipn.pt)<br>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 Leiria](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/polytechnic-of-leiria) (ipleiria.pt)<br>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)](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/instituto-portugues-de-oncologia-do-porto-ipo-porto) (ipoporto.pt)<br>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 | [ISQ](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/isq) (isq.pt)<br>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.pt](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/blip-pt) (blip.pt)<br>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 |
| 26 | [Corticeira Amorim](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/corticeira-amorim) (amorim.com)<br>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 | [Bial](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/bial) (bial.com)<br>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 | [Prozis](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/prozis) (prozis.breezy.hr)<br>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 Lisboa](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/faculdade-de-medicina-da-universidade-de-lisboa) (medicina.ulisboa.pt)<br>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 | [IPOLisboa](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/ipolisboa) (ipolisboa.min-saude.pt)<br>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 Foundation](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/champalimaud-foundation) (fchampalimaud.org)<br>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 ARAUCO](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/sonae-arauco) (sonaearauco.com)<br>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 | [TEKEVER](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/tekever) (tekever.com)<br>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 Labs](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/altice-labs) (alticelabs.com)<br>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 |  |
| 35 | [Tintas CIN](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/tintas-cin) (cin.com)<br>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 Lactogal](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/grupo-lactogal) (grupolactogal.com)<br>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 Lisboa](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/faculdade-de-ciencias-da-universidade-de-lisboa) (ciencias.ulisboa.pt)<br>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 Médicas](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/nova-medical-school-faculdade-de-ciencias-medicas) (unl.pt)<br>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 Matosinhos](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/unidade-local-de-saude-de-matosinhos) (ulsm.min-saude.pt)<br>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 Saúde](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/i3s-instituto-de-investigacao-e-inovacao-em-saude) (i3s.up.pt)<br>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 Açores](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/universidade-dos-acores) (uac.pt)<br>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 Group](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/tecnimede-group) (tecnimede.com)<br>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 |  |
| 43 | [EDP Portugal](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/edp-portugal) (edp.com)<br>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 |  |
| 44 | [Universidade Lusófona](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/universidade-lusofona) (ulusofona.pt)<br>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 Universitário](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/ispa-instituto-universitario) (ispa.pt)<br>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 Group](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/sugal-group) (sugal-group.com)<br>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 | [SOGRAPE](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/sogrape) (sogrape.com)<br>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 Universitário](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/cespu-cooperativa-de-ensino-superior-politecnico-e-universitario) (cespu.pt)<br>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 Porto](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/instituto-politecnico-do-porto) (ipp.pt)<br>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 Hispano](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/hospital-pedro-hispano) (ulsm.min-saude.pt)<br>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 |

## 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.

## More company lists in Portugal

- [The largest companies in Portugal](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/largest-companies-portugal) (1,726)
- [Multinational companies in Portugal](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/multinational-companies-portugal) (428)
- [Manufacturers in Portugal](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/manufacturers-portugal) (168)
- [Public sector organisations in Portugal](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/public-sector-organisations-portugal) (167)
- [Retail chains in Portugal](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/retail-chains-portugal) (158)
- [Critical infrastructure operators in Portugal](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/critical-infrastructure-operators-portugal) (156)
- [Education providers in Portugal](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/education-companies-portugal) (135)
- [IT services companies in Portugal](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/it-services-companies-portugal) (128)
- [IT Services and IT Consulting companies in Portugal](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/it-services-and-it-consulting-companies-portugal) (111)
- [Higher Education companies in Portugal](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/higher-education-companies-portugal) (109)
- [Corporate groups and holding companies in Portugal](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/holding-companies-portugal) (99)
- [Software Development companies in Portugal](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/software-development-companies-portugal) (96)
- [Financial services firms in Portugal](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/financial-services-firms-portugal) (95)
- [Companies with a mobile app in Portugal](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/companies-with-mobile-app-portugal) (94)
- [Professional services firms in Portugal](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/professional-services-firms-portugal) (91)
- [Healthcare providers in Portugal](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/healthcare-providers-portugal) (84)
- [Consulting firms in Portugal](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/consulting-firms-portugal) (79)
- [Research institutes in Portugal](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-portugal) (74)
- [Hospitals and Health Care companies in Portugal](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/hospitals-and-health-care-companies-portugal) (70)
- [SaaS companies in Portugal](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/saas-companies-portugal) (63)
- [Hotel and hospitality groups in Portugal](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/hospitality-groups-portugal) (61)
- [Hardware manufacturers in Portugal](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/hardware-companies-portugal) (60)
- [E-commerce companies in Portugal](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/ecommerce-companies-portugal) (56)
- [Consumer goods companies in Portugal](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/consumer-goods-companies-portugal) (54)

## The same list elsewhere in Portugal

- [Companies with in-house R&D in Lisbon](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/r-and-d-companies-lisbon) (35)
- [Companies with in-house R&D in Porto](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/r-and-d-companies-porto) (25)

## The same list elsewhere

- [Companies with in-house R&D in the world](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/r-and-d-companies-in-the-world) (34,334)
- [Companies with in-house R&D in Europe](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/r-and-d-companies-in-europe) (20,166)

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Source: https://www.tamtam.ai/l/r-and-d-companies-portugal