What happened
Portugal stands out as European leader in artificial intelligence adoption, according to a Bain & Company study released in February 2026. The numbers are impressive: 62% of Portuguese users use AI daily, well above the European average of 52%.
This leadership is no accident. The Portuguese Government launched the National Artificial Intelligence Agenda (ANIA) with an investment exceeding 400 million euros until 2030, mostly with European funds. The focus is clear: accelerate AI adoption in small and medium enterprises and Public Administration.
The chairman of KPMG Portugal predicts that investments in AI will begin generating returns by the end of 2029, pointing to a two to three year return period. A Centre of Excellence will be created in the first semester of 2026 to coordinate this transformation.
What it means for your business
If you own a Portuguese SME, this news brings three practical advantages:
Access to real funding: With 400 million euros available until 2030, there will be support programs for companies wanting to implement AI. The money exists and is allocated to support businesses like yours.
Structured support ecosystem: The Centre of Excellence to be created in the first semester of 2026 will mean accessible training, consulting and technical resources. You won't be alone on this journey.
National competitive advantage: Being in a country leading AI adoption means access to better tools, more qualified professionals and a more mature market. Your customers are already used to technology - 62% use AI daily.
KPMG's 2-3 year return forecast is especially relevant. If you start now, you could see concrete results in your business by 2028-2029.
How you can use this
Step 1 - Watch for support programs: IAPMEI (Institute for Support to Small and Medium Enterprises) will likely manage part of these funds. Regularly check iapmei.pt for application announcements.
Step 2 - Identify a pilot area in your business: Don't try to transform everything at once. Choose a repetitive process that consumes time:
- Responding to customer emails
- Processing orders or requests
- Creating commercial proposals
- Organizing documentation
- Preparing reports
Step 3 - Prepare for the Centre of Excellence: When it opens in the first semester of 2026, you'll have access to training and consulting. Meanwhile, start documenting your current processes. The better you understand how you work today, the easier it will be to implement AI tomorrow.
Step 4 - Consider specialized support: With the expected return in 2-3 years, investing in specialized consulting now can significantly accelerate results. A well-done implementation from the start avoids future correction costs.
Our advice
This is a rare opportunity: having government support, available funding and a mature market at the same time.
The most common mistake we see in SMEs is waiting for "technology to get cheaper" or "tools to get simpler". Reality is the opposite: early adopters gain competitive advantage and learn faster.
With the Centre of Excellence opening this semester and funding programs on the way, 2026 is the year to start. It doesn't need to be perfect - it needs to start.
If you have questions about where to start, Line Consulting AI can help identify the best use case for your business and prepare applications for support when they open. We work specifically with Portuguese SMEs and know the national ecosystem well.
Portugal is at the front. Your company can be too.