Deadline: 15-May-2026
The Call for Advanced Computing Projects (Portugal) is a national initiative that supports scientific research and innovation through access to advanced computing infrastructure. It provides researchers and institutions with access to high-performance computing (HPC), artificial intelligence systems, cloud computing environments, and visualization tools. The program is designed to improve computational research capacity and support innovation across scientific and technological domains.
Purpose and Strategic Goals
The program aims to strengthen Portugal’s advanced computing ecosystem and improve national research competitiveness. It promotes collaboration between computing centers, supports development of scientific and technological innovation, encourages national and international partnerships, and enhances computational efficiency through optimization, benchmarking, and scalability testing.
Focus Areas of the Program
The initiative covers multiple advanced computing domains including high-performance computing (HPC), artificial intelligence computing, cloud computing systems, data visualization technologies, software performance testing, code optimization, scalability evaluation, benchmarking, and broader research and innovation activities.
Who is Eligible
Eligibility includes research and development institutions, collaborative laboratories, science and technology infrastructures, scientific networks and consortia, digital innovation hubs, and public or private non-profit organizations involved in research activities. Companies may also apply if they are engaged in pre-competitive research and innovation projects without immediate commercial outcomes. Individual researchers working in Portugal on advanced computing projects are also eligible.
Access Levels and Project Types
The program provides two access categories. A0 access is intended for experimental use by teams with limited or no prior experience in advanced computing, allowing exploration of resources for up to six months. A1 access supports development-oriented work such as software testing, optimization, scalability evaluation, and benchmarking, with project durations ranging from three to twelve months.
How It Works (Step-by-Step Process)
Applicants must first select the appropriate access level based on project needs. They then prepare a detailed proposal outlining objectives, computational requirements, methodology, and expected outcomes. The application is submitted for evaluation, where it is assessed for technical feasibility, resource justification, and alignment with advanced computing goals. Expert technical teams validate proposals and determine access approval.
Evaluation Criteria
Applications are evaluated based on technical suitability for advanced computing resources, clarity and quality of the proposed work plan, and justification of computational resource usage. Reviewers also assess efficiency in resource allocation, feasibility of execution, and overall scientific or innovation impact.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Common errors include unclear project objectives, incorrect selection of access level, insufficient justification for computational resources, incomplete work plans, and lack of measurable outcomes. Weak alignment with advanced computing requirements such as HPC or AI systems can also reduce approval chances.
Application Tips for Success
Successful applications clearly define research goals, demonstrate strong use of advanced computing infrastructure, and provide detailed computational requirements. Applicants should ensure structured timelines, realistic budgets, and well-explained methodologies. Strong proposals also highlight efficiency, scalability, and potential scientific or technological impact.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The Call for Advanced Computing Projects (Portugal) provides access to HPC, AI computing, cloud systems, and visualization resources for research and innovation. It is managed by the Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT), which coordinates Portugal’s national computing infrastructure strategy. Eligible applicants include research institutions, laboratories, innovation hubs, non-profits, companies in pre-competitive research, and individual researchers in Portugal. The program offers A0 access for experimental use up to six months and A1 access for development activities lasting three to twelve months. Applications are evaluated based on technical feasibility, resource justification, and clarity of the work plan. The initiative promotes collaboration between national and international computing centers.
Conclusion
The Call for Advanced Computing Projects (Portugal) supports advanced scientific and technological research through structured access to national computing infrastructure. Managed by the Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, it enables researchers and institutions to conduct high-performance computing, AI, and data-intensive projects efficiently. The program strengthens Portugal’s research ecosystem by promoting innovation, collaboration, and scalable computing solutions.
For more information, visit FCT.