Nestled in central Portugal’s Coimbra district, Penela is a historic village renowned for its medieval castle, lush landscapes, and proximity to the Schist Villages Network. With a population of 5,400 inhabitants —40% active, aging, and facing low education/entrepreneurial levels—Penela has embraced a bold strategy through its Director Program for Innovation, Competitiveness, and Entrepreneurship (DP-ICE). This vision, “Local resources to service innovation, innovation in the service of local resources,” drives sustainable development via three pillars: boosting the rural economy, fostering education/innovation, and valorizing territorial assets. Collaborations with regional networks (e.g., ENoLL network) and EU programs position Penela as a model for rural resilience.

KEY PROJECTS & FOCUS AREAS

As a Startup Village, Penela aims to revitalize its rural economy by fostering innovation in sustainable tourism, digital transformation, and circular economy. As a low-density territory, the municipality leverages its cultural heritage and natural resources to attract entrepreneurs, remote workers, and eco-conscious initiatives. Key objectives include continue to support the ecosystem for startups, promoting circular bioeconomy practices, and enhancing rural resilience through tech-driven solutions.

These are some examples of our activity:

  • Smart Rural Living Lab (SRLL): A European Network of Living Labs (ENoLL) member, focusing on natural resources, social well-being, tourism/identity, and citizenship/entrepreneurship.
  • HIESE Incubator: Supports startups in agribusiness, renewables, forestry, and ICT for rural services.
  • PROVERE Initiatives: Anchors like the Roman-inspired hotel (ex-paper mill rehab), Ferraria de São João village revival, and Camela affordable housing (40+ units).
  • Territorial Enhancement: Mountain biking hub, Pedra da Ferida leisure park, and agro-tourism via traditional organic markets.
  • Education & Entrepreneurship: School programs, IPN (Instituto Pedro Nunes) and University of Coimbra partnerships, and workshops focused on education and startups and entrepreneurship.

ONGOING EFFORTS & ACTIONS

  • Smart Rural ecosystem: Manages DP-ICE, supports startups and entrepreneurs, mentorship, and manages business incubators (Mini-HABITAT, smARTES and HIESE).
  • Tourism & Heritage: Promotion of tourism to attract new investors, Schist Villages Network integration, and Roman archeological sites and museum.
  • Healthcare & Mobility: Preventive medicine center promoted by a national ONG, promoting new routes and schedules to link Penela to Coimbra and viceversa.
  • EU Collaborations: Participation in Interreg SustForest+ (resin sector strategy), and H2020 ROSIA (telehealth).

LOCAL IMPACT

  • Job Creation: 50+ direct jobs in tourism (hotel, Schist Villages), healthcare, and startups.
  • Youth Retention: «Penela Young» incentives and Education Gala reduced outmigration aligned with the Smart Rural strategy to retain talent that wants to start their own business but remains a huge problem for the territory.
  • Economic Growth: Industrial Park expansion (12+ new companies) and more than 50 business projects supported in the HIESE incubator since the opening.
  • Sustainability: 20% carbon reduction through renewables, reforestation, and agroecology training.
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Foodcop, foodcop.eu, waste management strategies, rural village, food waste management, rural communities, circular bioeconomy, eu bioeconomy strategy, startup village, bioeconomy strategy, rural innovation projects, entrepreneurship in rural areas, food and sustainability, Foodcop european project
SPECIFIC CHALLENGES
  • Aging population (above national average) and low educational attainment hinder workforce development.
  • Bureaucratic delays in accessing EU funds and seasonal tourism volatility.
  • Balancing modernization with heritage preservation in community planning.
  • Limited high-speed internet connection in remote areas hinders tech adoption and the possibility to attract remote workers.
  • Leveraging EU Green Deal funds for carbon-neutral projects (e.g., agri-waste biofuels).
  • Expanding wellness tourism (Roman heritage, Sicó/Lousã mountain trails).
  • HIESE business incubator: the future to retain more talent and entrepreneurs to foster local economic development.
  • The proximity to good medical centers in the region and the reduced living costs aligned with the quality of life in rural areas are a beacon to attract more inhabitants.

EU/Regional: ENoLL, Interreg, PROVERE, ADXTUR schist villages network.

  • Academic: University of Coimbra, Pedro Nunes Institute, Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra.

Private Sector: HIESE startups, SME’s of Penela, Terras de Sicó development agency and NEP local SME’s association.

SUSTAINABILITY GOALS
  • Carbon Neutrality by 2030: Solar farms, forest management, and zero-waste agro-processing.
  • Circular Bioeconomy: Community composting, resin sector revival (SustForest+).
  • Resilient Tourism: Eco-certified trails, low-impact accommodations, and cultural preservation.
Foodcop, foodcop.eu, waste management strategies, rural village, food waste management, rural communities, circular bioeconomy, eu bioeconomy strategy, startup village, bioeconomy strategy, rural innovation projects, entrepreneurship in rural areas, food and sustainability, Foodcop european project

There are no territories doomed to failure, believe it’s the first step to make it happen!

Foodcop, foodcop.eu, waste management strategies, rural village, food waste management, rural communities, circular bioeconomy, eu bioeconomy strategy, startup village, bioeconomy strategy, rural innovation projects, entrepreneurship in rural areas, food and sustainability, Foodcop european project