9th Edition START-EAT-UP in Porto: Innovtourism Xmas Edition

When innovation sits at the restaurant table.

 

Porto hosted the 9th edition of START-EAT-UP, an event that once again brought together some of the main decision-makers, entrepreneurs, and leaders in the Portuguese restaurant and technology sector. Held on December 17th, at the Porto School of Hospitality and Tourism, this edition reinforced START-EAT-UP’s role as an essential space for sharing, learning, and connecting those who are transforming the sector.

In an environment marked by proximity, practical knowledge, and strategic vision, the event brought the major challenges facing the restaurant industry today to the forefront of the conversation: digitalization, technological integrations, sustainable growth, and consumer experience.

 

A program designed for the present and future of the sector

The afternoon began with check-in at 2:30 PM, followed by a welcome from the Porto School of Hospitality and Tourism and the START-EAT-UP team, who highlighted the importance of building bridges between education, innovation, and the real market.

 


The role of DIH in the growth of the restaurant industry

The first intervention was given by Roberto Antunes, Executive Director of NEST, on the topic
“The importance of DIH for the Development of Restaurant Companies”.

This session highlighted the role of Digital Innovation Hubs (DIH) as accelerators of digital transformation, helping companies test, adopt, and scale technology in a more accessible, strategic, and results-oriented way.



Panel 1 | Integrations that transform the experience

The first panel of the afternoon brought a highly practical conversation about
“Integrations to Transform Professional and Consumer Experience”, with the participation of:

  • Ivo Marinho, CPO & Co-Founder of storesace
  • Nelson Gaspar, Commercial Director of Zone Soft
  • Rafael Marques, Head of Sales at Grubtech
  • Francisco Soares, CTO of DIG-IN

Topics such as interoperability between systems, process automation, reduction of operational friction, and the direct impact of technological integrations on team efficiency and the end-customer experience were addressed.

It became clear that technology, when well integrated, ceases to be just a tool and becomes a true driver of growth.

 

Panel 2 | Technology as a lever for growth

After the break, the second panel offered a complementary perspective, focused on business and strategy:
“How Technology Drives the Growth of the Restaurant Business”.

This moment featured insights from those who live the sector on the ground:

  • António Pedro Leitão, Partner and Associate of Panorama Group
  • Carla Pinto, Managing Partner of Morabeza
  • Vasco Marques, Manager of Guará
  • Telmo Taipa, CEO & Co-Founder of ADECI Group

Real examples were shared of how technology can support strategic decisions, improve margins, scale operations, and create more resilient business models, even in a traditionally demanding and competitive sector.



Networking with a Christmas flavor

The afternoon ended with a networking session accompanied by XMAS’ Mulled Wine, in a relaxed atmosphere that encouraged open conversations, exchange of experiences, and the birth of new partnerships.

Once again, START-EAT-UP proved that networking goes far beyond exchanging contacts: it's about building real relationships, sharing challenges, and jointly building solutions.


What this edition reinforced

The 9th edition of START-EAT-UP in Porto delivered clear messages:

  • The restaurant industry is evolving rapidly, and technology is a central part of this evolution;
  • Integrations, data, and automation are now competitive differentiators;
  • Sustainable growth requires strategic vision and the right tools;
  • Sharing among startups, brands, operators, and partners is essential;
  • Communities like START-EAT-UP accelerate the sector's transformation.


START-EAT-UP continues to grow

With each edition, START-EAT-UP consolidates itself as an essential meeting point for those who believe that the future of the restaurant industry is built on innovation, collaboration, and practical knowledge.

New topics, new speakers, new cities — but always the same purpose:
to empower the restaurant sector for the future.

 

Stay tuned for upcoming editions.

 

The future is already at the table.
And we want to continue this journey with you.

 

See you at the next edition!

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