A New Platform for Young Creators
The first edition of the Madeira Friends Tech Lab will begin in September 2025. The three-month program, created by the initiative Madeira Friends, is aimed at young people between 16 and 25 years old. Participation is free, and each group will be limited to a maximum of ten participants. A second edition is already scheduled for January 2026.
Focus on Practical Learning and Real Products, Not Just Developing
Unlike traditional courses, the Tech Lab is built around hands-on experience. Participants will work under the guidance of international mentors in areas such as artificial intelligence, product design, and digital marketing. They will be encouraged to design prototypes and develop applications that can be tested in the real market.
Unlike theoretical courses or one-off events, the Tech Lab focuses on practice and consistency. With the constant support and supervision of specialized mentors and professionals in the technology field, students will design and build prototypes, with the real goal of launching applications or web apps into the market. These will be based on artificial intelligence, using APIs, LLMs, mobile frameworks, vibe coding, among others. The challenge is to discover and prepare local creators of digital products, not only “programmers.”
Madeira Friends, JM-Madeira
“The aim is to discover and support creators of digital products, not only programmers,” the organizers explained in a statement. Projects are expected to involve tools such as large language models, mobile frameworks, and other emerging technologies.
The presence of digital nomads and remote workers on the island allows for the sharing of new knowledge, skills, and opportunities. We’re here to make it happen.
Luís Calado, Madeira Friends Co-Founder
Connecting Local Talent With International Expertise to Create Something Unique in Madeira
The initiative also highlights Madeira’s position as a meeting point between local talent and international professionals who now live on the island. Many remote workers on Madeira have backgrounds in global technology companies, and the program seeks to use this expertise to help the next generation of innovators.
The idea is to make use of the international human capital on the island — in other words, remote workers who are increasingly becoming permanent residents — and to truly connect these people with the local ecosystem. From this, new ideas and opportunities may arise, and perhaps even a Madeiran unicorn.
Madeira Friends, Diário de Notícias Madeira
Weekly in-person sessions will take place at the Madeira Friends Hub in Funchal. There will also be regular mentor meetings and a final public demo day, where participants will present their projects.
How to Apply For the Tech Lab
Applications are still open for the September group. Young people interested in entrepreneurship, app creation, and artificial intelligence can apply by completing a short online form. Those not selected this time will be able to try again for the January 2026 group.
Applications can be submitted through the official project page: www.madeirafriends.org/tech-lab-incubation-2025
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