A4TEC, the Association for the Advancement of Tissue Engineering and Cell Based Technologies & Therapies, is a non-profit scientific association founded in 2007. It brings together researchers and postgraduate students, primarily affiliated with the 3B’s Research Group at the University of Minho. Its mission is to advance tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, support scientific and technical education in biomedicine, and share research with scientific communities and the public.

A4TEC conducts and coordinates national and international research in tissue engineering, stem cells, regenerative medicine and nanomedicine. Its work includes developing and characterizing biomaterials, studying their biological and immunological behavior, advancing cell-culture methods, and improving techniques for collecting and growing stem cells. The association also provides technical and scientific services, consultancy and research and development support. It encourages collaboration, training, conferences, courses and workshops, and helps protect and manage intellectual property arising from research. A4TEC supports the commercialization of medical technologies through entrepreneurial initiatives and licensing to companies.