CEO, Porto Digital

With over 20 years of experience in leadership roles, Paulo has focused on exploring how innovation and technology can transform organisations—and more recently, cities and communities. As CEO and Board Member of Porto Digital since 2016, he has embraced a “startup” mindset to shape the organisation, growing it from a small team into a multidisciplinary force capable of driving urban innovation, implementing transformative digital strategies, and fostering collaboration to enhance urban life. Along the way, he has built a robust network of more than 270 international partners, strengthening Porto Digital’s reach and impact.

His career has spanned leading roles in academia, industry, and international non-profits. He previously served as Executive Director of the Competence Center for Cities of the Future at the University of Porto and the Telecommunications Institute, where he connected cutting-edge research with practical applications, focusing on business development and knowledge transfer.

In 2010, he co-founded EuroCloud, a European non-profit promoting Cloud Computing, where he served as vice-president for three years. During this time, he played a key role in expanding EuroCloud to over 31 countries, helping to shape Europe’s digital ecosystem and advance cloud technology adoption.

From 2020 to 2023, he served as Vice-Chair of OASC and Chairman of the Council of Cities. In this capacity, he collaborated with global partners to refocus the organisation’s mission and drive its ambitious growth, supporting smart city innovation across the globe.

Passionate about the intersection of technology, innovation, and urban life, he has actively contributed to national and international working groups on interoperability, certification, and the development of future cities.