“What we realised is simple... Madeira doesn’t lack talent — it lacks opportunity, context, and access. The Tech Lab exists to connect our young people with the incredible international tech community already living on the island, and to turn that connection into real products, real confidence, and real futures built here, not abroad.”

Luis Calado, Madeira Friends co-founder

Together for Madeira's youth:

Help fund a laptop for Madeira Friends newest program: the Tech Lab, where local talent meets international mentors. A laptop today could mean a new Madeiran startup tomorrow, so this Christmas, give the gift of opportunity.

At the Tech Lab, we're currently working with 7 young entrepreneurs to help them go from an idea to a platform and a real business. We're leveraging the power of AI and the knowledge the international community brings to the island.

We couldn't be happier with our first cohort of local entrepreneurs, but we can't make an omelette without eggs, in this case, the laptop is the "eggs" they need! Without the proper hardware, they will not be able to build Madeira's next generation of projects and that's why we want to provide them with a laptop that is fast, reliable and won't stop working ever!

Who we are:

madeirafriends.org is a non-profit with NIF 516898787 and besides all the work connecting locals and internationals, it has a great track record of giving-back and helping local non-profits linked to animals, children, environment and others. Madeira Friends is a long-term social project, with the aim of giving a greater purpose and continuity to the digital nomads program started in the region by the local government and Startup Madeira. A real community is built with a mix of locals and internationals. The digital economy allows Madeira to develop without the traditional setbacks or geographical obstacles. We see a huge potential in sharing knowledge, opportunities and transferring digital skills between the international community, nomads, remote workers and locals, specially with the youth at schools. Madeira Friends was created to integrate this community on the island and at the same time ensure that this new community leaves a positive footprint for future generations, through the creation of programs with real impact, from networking to education, well-being to sustainability, promoting a true social and inclusive integration with the locals.

In 2025, we proudly launched the Madeira Friends Tech Lab, a program designed to empower young local talent through technology, digital skills, and hands-on learning, supported by an incredible international mentor network.

In short, the Madeira Friends Tech Lab is a 3‐month, mentor‐powered, community‐driven incubation program that enables local talent to design, build, and launch AI‐powered digital products. Participants move rapidly from uncertainty or low technical confidence to building real, functional products. The program prioritizes execution over theory, using AI tools and intensive mentorship to compress learning cycles.

Why it matters? Because it lowers barriers to tech creation, retains and activates local talent, converts international expertise into local value and positions Madeira as a practical innovation hub, not just a tourism destination. The Tech Lab is not just teaching skills; it is creating product builders, founders, and local innovators.

Why this fundraiser:

Every Christmas, Madeira Friends runs a different campaign. After years of supporting children, families, and animals, this year our focus is the youth and access to technology.

Young people in Madeira have strong motivation and potential in digital skills but lack access to proper opportunities, the right environment, and of course, they need good computers. Without the right equipment, learning, creativity, and career development is limited. We believe talent should never be stopped due to the lack of resources.

What we are raising funds for:

Our goal this Christmas is to raise funds to buy a proper laptop to support:

Our minimum goal is to get at least one laptop, with the hope of acquiring more if the community wants to. If the fundraising goal is exceeded, additional funds will be used for:

When:

Fundraising period: December 2025

Proven community impact:

From planting trees to building digital bridges, Madeira Friends continues to grow as a connector between locals and internationals. With the launch of the Tech Lab, young Madeirans are now working alongside international mentors to learn about AI, vibe coding, online platforms, and real-world digital skills.

The first edition of the Tech Lab has already been featured in Diário de Notícias (September 2025), highlighting the importance of this initiative for the island’s digital future. The demo day is on January 29 where we'll showcase all the effort and hard work the talents and mentors together have put into during the last months.

Why your support matters:

A laptop is not just a device, it is access to education, opportunity, and independence. By supporting this fundraiser, you are investing directly in: