Become a Member

Benefits

people

Community

Connect with other professionals and startups in the local tech ecosystem

work

Projects & Clients

Access R&D projects and clients through the cooperative's network

structure

Cooperative Model

The agility of working independently, with the social protection of employment.

governance

Voice & Vote

Participate in cooperative decisions at the GA, help shape the direction and guide its future

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cooperative's mission?

The cooperative's mission has two pillars. The first is to contribute to the wellbeing of our members and the success of their projects — this is our priority. The second is the transformation of the Viana do Castelo district through technology. Members are at the intersection of these two objectives: through their professional activity, they create value for themselves and for the local community.

Is the cooperative right for me?

The cooperative is for technologists — not just software engineers or programmers, but anyone involved in technology projects, especially those with a scientific or ESG component. Any professional can fit in, as long as they're aligned with the cooperative's values and objectives. The Cooperator tier is quite flexible with no rigid obligations — it can work simply as a way to support the cooperative and get to know how we work. Another way to increase your involvement is through our initiatives.

What are the membership fees for?

The fees aren't the main source of funding for the cooperative — our financial sustainability comes from the projects we develop. However, economic participation is a cooperative principle we take seriously, which is why involvement requires this contribution. It's valuable support for covering fixed costs. Our expectation is that with more members, we can pool more resources and offer more benefits.

Who are the members?

We have independent professionals who want to work on projects aligned with their values. We have professionals employed elsewhere who want to collaborate on side projects. We have residents abroad who want to support the cooperative and participate occasionally. We have foreigners living in the district who want to connect with the territory through their expertise. For startups, we have a cooperative incubator — an autonomous branch governed by the startups themselves, with access to shared resources and administrative support.

What about SMEs and Organizations?

Currently we're focusing on two branches: "collective" — for professionals — and "incubator" — for startups. Having companies and other organizations as members would be interesting in the future, but it's something that needs to be carefully considered at a different scale to retain our autonomy and independence. For now, representatives from these structures can join as cooperators. Meanwhile, we're very interested in collaborating as partners with companies whose vision aligns with ours — we can participate in joint projects or provide services. Get in touch.

Become a Member

Cooperative Professional

Cooperative Startup

I'm interested

Benefits

Community

Projects & Clients

Cooperative Model

Voice & Vote

Frequently Asked Questions

Sustainable innovation.

Supported by CASES

Become a Member

Cooperative Professional

Cooperative Startup

I'm interested

Benefits

Community

Projects & Clients

Cooperative Model

Voice & Vote

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cooperative's mission?

Is the cooperative right for me?

What are the membership fees for?

Who are the members?

What about SMEs and Organizations?

Express interest

Sustainable innovation.

Supported by CASES