Sofia 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.