OVIA has officially been granted Public Utility Status through Order No. 7321/2026, published in the Portuguese Official Gazette (Diário da República), a distinction awarded by the Government of the Portuguese Republic.
This distinction represents a historic milestone in OVIA’s institutional development and constitutes public recognition of the work carried out since its establishment in support of economic development, innovation, entrepreneurship, technology, and the promotion of Oeiras and Portugal. The Order also acknowledges OVIA’s close cooperation with the Municipality of Oeiras in pursuing these strategic objectives.
The granting of Public Utility Status is of particular significance, as it is reserved exclusively for organizations that consistently pursue objectives of public interest and make an effective contribution to the development of Portuguese society, while meeting rigorous legal standards of integrity, merit and public impact.
Over recent years, OVIA has established itself as a leading platform for attracting both domestic and foreign investment, promoting the internationalization of Oeiras Valley, and fostering strategic partnerships among businesses, universities, research centres, investors and public institutions. Its activities have significantly strengthened the positioning of Oeiras as one of Europe’s and the world’s most dynamic ecosystems for science, technology, innovation and economic development.
This recognition further enhances OVIA’s institutional credibility among investors, national and international partners, and public authorities, while providing renewed encouragement to continue developing projects of significant economic and social impact, promoting competitiveness, innovation and value creation for Oeiras, Portugal and its international partners.
The award of Public Utility Status therefore represents not only recognition of OVIA’s achievements to date, but also an even greater responsibility in fulfilling its mission: to promote Oeiras as an international platform for investment, innovation and sustainable development, contributing to the creation of a territory that is increasingly competitive, globally connected and prepared to meet the challenges of the future.
