Deadline: 15-Sep-2026
The Advanced Computing Projects Competition provides researchers and organisations in Portugal with access to national advanced computing resources through a competitive application process. The programme supports scientific research, innovation, and technological development by enabling the use of high-performance computing infrastructures.
Eligible applicants can request computational resources for projects lasting up to 6 or 12 months, depending on the access type, helping researchers accelerate advanced computing activities across different scientific fields.
What Is the Advanced Computing Projects Competition?
The Advanced Computing Projects Competition is an initiative that provides researchers and organisations with access to advanced computing capacity in Portugal.
The programme supports projects that require significant computational resources for:
- Scientific research
- Technology development
- Innovation activities
- Data processing
- Computational modelling
It helps researchers use national computing infrastructures efficiently to advance scientific and technological progress.
Purpose of the Programme
The main objective of the competition is to strengthen Portugal’s advanced computing ecosystem.
The programme aims to:
- Improve access to high-performance computing resources
- Encourage collaboration between computing centres
- Support research and innovation projects
- Strengthen national and international partnerships
- Promote efficient use of computational infrastructures
By providing structured access to computing capacity, the programme helps researchers solve complex scientific and technological challenges.
Programme Implementation
The initiative is implemented by the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT).
FCT supports the programme by:
- Coordinating access to advanced computing resources
- Promoting research collaboration
- Supporting innovation activities
- Connecting researchers with computational infrastructures
The programme contributes to the development of Portugal’s research and innovation ecosystem.
Supported Areas
The competition supports advanced computing projects across multiple scientific fields.
Eligible activities may include:
- Computational research
- Scientific simulations
- Artificial intelligence applications
- Data analysis
- Complex modelling
- Technology development
Projects must demonstrate a clear need for advanced computing resources.
Available Computing Resources
Applicants can request access to different computing platforms depending on project requirements.
Supported platforms may include:
- High Performance Computing (HPC)
- Scientific Cloud Computing (SCC)
- Virtual Research Environments (VRE)
The requested resources should match the technical needs of the project.
Project Duration
Projects may receive computing access for:
- Up to 6 months
- Up to 12 months
The duration depends on the type of access requested and the project requirements.
Who Can Apply?
The competition is open to researchers, institutions, and organisations involved in advanced computing 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 developing advanced computing projects
- Individuals based in Portugal working on advanced computing activities
Applicants may work in any scientific or technological field.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate:
- A valid research or innovation activity
- Appropriate use of computational resources
- A clear project plan
- Technical suitability for requested infrastructure
Projects must comply with administrative requirements before evaluation.
Application Requirements
Applicants must provide detailed project information.
Required details include:
- Project title
- Project description
- Project duration
- Requested computing resources
- Preferred computing platform
- Computational models and methods
- Scientific work plan
- Computational work plan
- Resource justification
- Research team details
- Responsible investigator information
How the Competition Works
The application process includes several stages.
Step 1: Submit the Application
Applicants prepare a proposal describing their computational needs and research objectives.
The proposal should explain:
- What problem the project addresses
- Why advanced computing resources are required
- How resources will be used
Step 2: Administrative Validation
Applications are checked to confirm:
- Eligibility requirements
- Required documentation
- Compliance with programme rules
Only eligible applications move forward for evaluation.
Step 3: Technical Evaluation
Applications are assessed based on:
- Suitability of requested resources
- Reasonableness of resource needs
- Quality of resource usage planning
- Technical feasibility
Step 4: Resource Allocation
Successful projects receive access to advanced computing infrastructures.
Benefits of the Programme
The competition helps researchers:
- Access powerful computing facilities
- Reduce computational barriers
- Accelerate research activities
- Improve scientific outcomes
- Develop innovative technologies
It supports researchers who need computing power beyond standard systems.
Why Advanced Computing Matters
Modern research increasingly depends on large-scale computing.
Advanced computing enables:
- Faster scientific discoveries
- More accurate simulations
- Processing of large datasets
- Development of artificial intelligence solutions
- Complex engineering and scientific analysis
The programme strengthens national capacity for research and innovation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
- Requesting resources without clear justification
- Choosing unsuitable computing platforms
- Providing incomplete technical information
- Underestimating computational requirements
- Failing to explain research impact
Strong applications should clearly connect:
- Research objectives
- Computational needs
- Expected outcomes
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who manages the Advanced Computing Projects Competition?
The programme is implemented by the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) to support access to advanced computing resources in Portugal.
2. What type of projects are supported?
The programme supports research, development, and innovation projects requiring advanced computational resources.
3. Who can apply?
Research institutions, innovation organisations, companies, and individuals in Portugal involved in advanced computing activities can apply.
4. How long can projects receive computing access?
Projects can request access for up to 6 or 12 months depending on the access type.
5. What computing platforms are available?
Applicants may request access to platforms such as HPC, SCC, or VRE depending on project requirements.
6. How are applications evaluated?
Applications are assessed based on resource suitability, justification of requested capacity, and planning for computational use.
7. Can companies apply?
Yes. Companies developing advanced computing projects may be eligible if they meet programme requirements.
Conclusion
The Advanced Computing Projects Competition provides researchers and organisations in Portugal with access to powerful computational infrastructures that support scientific discovery and innovation.
By enabling efficient use of advanced computing resources, the programme strengthens collaboration, accelerates research, and contributes to the growth of Portugal’s technology and innovation ecosystem.
For more information, visit FCT.