Created in December 1998, after the Porto branch of INESC, INESC Porto is the result of the latter deep restructuring process that began with progressive local specialization and independence of its different branches, concluded with the creation of a number of new institutions. Presently INESC Porto (the institution) is a legally independent, private, non-profit association, recognised as a public interest institution, appointed Associated Laboratory by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education.

Having as founding associates INESC, the University of Porto and the Faculty of Engineering (University of Porto), INESC Porto intends to continue to be a source of excellent R&D, performing a dynamic and progressive role in the development and scientific growth of our country. In June 2006, the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Porto and the Polytechnical Institute of Porto also became INESC Porto's associates.