Sofia Lai Amândio

Portugal Social Innovation (PSI), established in 2014, is a pioneering government initiative under the Portuguese Ministry of Territorial Cohesion. Its mission is to promote social entrepreneurship, innovation, and impact investment. Portugal became the first EU Member State to allocate European social funds specifically for testing innovative financing mechanisms aimed at addressing social challenges. This approach has significantly strengthened the social innovation ecosystem, supporting the development, scaling, and funding of solutions to pressing social issues. PSI aligns with global and European frameworks, contributing to the United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and following the principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights. To date, the initiative has mobilized EUR 152 million to design and implement innovative financial instruments aimed at addressing social challenges. It has launched 18 Calls for Proposals, approving 698 social innovation projects. PSI actively collaborates with 481 innovative organizations and 848 social investors, including corporations, municipalities, foundations, and banks, to drive meaningful social change across the country.