Inovação@UC 2025 showcases the best new ideas at the University of Coimbra

With 700 registered participants, around 80 companies, and 75 technologies showcased, the 5th edition of Inovação@UC was the largest to date. On 8 October, the Convento São Francisco brought together researchers, lecturers, students, and the wider community to explore advances in Quantum Computing, Advanced Materials and Sustainable Electronics, the Blue Economy, and Sustainability at the University of Coimbra (UC).

“Innovation does not arise from machines or algorithms alone — it is an attitude, the courage to question and challenge,” said Peter Villax, representative of the University of Coimbra General Council, who highlighted innovation as a cornerstone of the UC mission.

According to Jorge Salvador, Coordinator of the Innovation Committee of the General Council, the chosen themes were “strategic for the University,” reinforcing the importance of fostering collaboration between academia and industry.

Rector Amílcar Falcão emphasised that “people are the most important factor in the innovation process,” noting that UC currently holds over 90 active patents and manages around 50 million euros in ongoing projects — figures that reflect its strong commitment to innovation.

Guest speaker Carlos Tavares, former CEO of Stellantis, shared insights on innovation and urged participants to “shape the future of the country you want for your children,” while Jorge Portugal, Director-General of COTEC Portugal, described UC’s technology showcase as “a bright portrait of what the University has to offer.”

The winners of the 4th J. Norberto Pires Innovation Award — which honours innovative projects developed by UC’s community members — were also announced during the event.

Inovação@UC is organised by the Innovation, Service and Community Relations Committee of UC’s General Council and the UC Business Division of the Research Promotion and Management Service, with the High Patronage of the President of the Republic and the institutional support of Coimbra City Council and the Santander Portugal Foundation. This edition also received support from the regional project INOVC+, funded by Centro2030.