Deadline: 15-Sep-2026
The Advanced Computing Projects Competition supports researchers, institutions, and organisations in Portugal by providing competitive access to national advanced computing resources. The programme strengthens research, development, and innovation by enabling the use of high-performance computing infrastructure across scientific and technological fields.
Eligible applicants can request computing resources through the National Network for Advanced Computing to support advanced research projects and innovation activities.
What Is the Advanced Computing Projects Competition?
The Advanced Computing Projects Competition is a funding and access initiative that enables researchers and organisations in Portugal to use advanced computing resources.
The programme supports projects requiring significant computational capacity for:
- Scientific research
- Technology development
- Data analysis
- Computational modelling
- Innovation activities
It provides structured access to national advanced computing infrastructure through a competitive allocation process.
Purpose of the Programme
The main purpose of the competition is to strengthen Portugal’s advanced computing ecosystem.
The programme aims to:
- Expand access to advanced computing resources
- Support research and innovation projects
- Improve cooperation between computing centres
- Encourage national and international partnerships
- Strengthen scientific and technological capacity
The initiative helps researchers solve complex problems that require high-performance computing environments.
Programme Background
The competition operates under the Advanced Computing Projects Regulation.
It focuses on:
- Aggregating national computing resources
- Improving infrastructure use
- Supporting advanced computing activities
- Encouraging collaboration among research and innovation actors
The programme contributes to Portugal’s scientific and technological development.
Supported Areas
The competition supports advanced computing projects across different scientific disciplines.
Eligible project areas may include:
- Computational science
- Artificial intelligence
- Data-intensive research
- Digital innovation
- Scientific simulations
- Engineering applications
- Technology development
Projects should demonstrate a clear need for advanced computational resources.
National Network for Advanced Computing
The programme supports the efficient use of the National Network for Advanced Computing.
The network helps researchers access:
- High-performance computing systems
- Advanced digital infrastructure
- Research computing environments
It allows organisations to conduct research activities that require significant processing power.
Computing Resource Access Categories
Applications in categories A0 and A1 are reviewed through technical suitability validation.
Evaluation considers:
- Compatibility with available computing resources
- Technical requirements of the project
- Reasonableness of requested resources
- Planning for resource usage
The assessment ensures computing capacity is allocated effectively.
Technical Evaluation Process
Applications are evaluated by technical teams responsible for operating computing platforms.
The review focuses on:
- Whether requested resources match project needs
- Feasibility of the computational approach
- Efficient resource management
- Appropriate use of infrastructure
Projects must demonstrate that requested computing resources are justified.
Who Can Apply?
The programme is open to researchers and organisations involved in research, development, and innovation activities.
Eligible applicants include:
- Research and development institutions
- Collaborative laboratories
- Technology interface centres
- Science and technology infrastructures
- Research networks and consortia
- Private non-profit R&D organisations
- Digital innovation hubs
- Public and private non-profit research organisations
- Companies working on advanced computing projects
- Individuals in Portugal conducting research and innovation activities
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Conduct research, development, or innovation activities
- Demonstrate a need for advanced computing resources
- Provide project and technical information
- Follow application requirements
Projects may come from any scientific or technological field.
How the Competition Works
The application process includes several stages.
Step 1: Prepare the Project Proposal
Applicants define:
- Research objectives
- Computational requirements
- Expected results
- Resource needs
The proposal should explain why advanced computing access is necessary.
Step 2: Submit the Application
Applicants provide details including:
- Project description
- Computing requirements
- Technical approach
- Expected impact
Step 3: Technical Validation
Technical teams assess:
- Resource suitability
- Computational feasibility
- Requested capacity
- Usage planning
Step 4: Resource Allocation
Approved projects receive access to available computing resources.
Benefits of the Programme
The competition helps researchers and organisations:
- Access advanced computing infrastructure
- Accelerate research activities
- Improve innovation capacity
- Support complex computational tasks
- Build collaboration networks
It enables projects that may not be possible with standard computing systems.
Why Advanced Computing Matters
Modern research increasingly depends on powerful computational tools.
Advanced computing supports:
- Faster scientific discoveries
- Large-scale data processing
- Complex simulations
- Artificial intelligence development
- Digital transformation
The programme strengthens Portugal’s ability to compete in science and technology.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
- Requesting computing resources without justification
- Providing incomplete technical details
- Choosing unsuitable computing resources
- Failing to explain research objectives
- Ignoring resource planning requirements
Strong applications should clearly connect:
- Research goals
- Computational needs
- Expected outcomes
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Advanced Computing Projects Competition?
It is a programme that provides competitive access to advanced computing resources in Portugal for research, development, and innovation projects.
2. Who manages the competition?
The programme operates under the Advanced Computing Projects Regulation and supports access to national advanced computing infrastructure.
3. Who can apply?
Research institutions, innovation organisations, companies, and individuals in Portugal involved in research and development activities can apply.
4. What types of projects are supported?
Projects requiring advanced computing resources for scientific research, technology development, simulations, data analysis, and innovation are supported.
5. How are applications evaluated?
Applications are reviewed based on technical suitability, resource requirements, and planning for effective computing use.
6. What are A0 and A1 applications?
A0 and A1 refer to application categories requiring technical suitability validation before computing resource allocation.
7. Can companies participate?
Yes. Companies involved in advanced computing projects may apply if they meet the programme conditions.
Conclusion
The Advanced Computing Projects Competition provides researchers and organisations in Portugal with access to advanced computing infrastructure needed for scientific discovery and innovation.
By supporting efficient use of national computing resources and encouraging collaboration, the programme strengthens Portugal’s research ecosystem and technological capabilities.
For more information, visit FCT.