University of Coimbra presents Académica Start UC as an international best practice in promoting university entrepreneurship

The University of Coimbra (UC) attended the international conference of the University Industry Innovation Network (UIIN), held in Amsterdam, where it highlighted Académica Start UC as a success story and a good practice example in promoting entrepreneurship and innovation within the academic community.

This participation was proposed by Inês Sobral Escoval, a PhD student in Governance, Knowledge and Innovation and current 3rd Cycle Ambassador for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at UC. Recognising the relevance and impact of Académica Start UC in fostering students’ entrepreneurial skills, she submitted a proposal to the project secretariat to attend the event as a representative of UC’s ongoing commitment to promoting innovation and an entrepreneurial mindset in higher education.

Since its launch in 2016, Académica Start UC has gained recognition as a leading programme in both national and international contexts. It promotes innovation and entrepreneurship literacy through a range of activities, including training, mentoring, idea incubation, and connections with the business ecosystem. Developed in partnership with the Academic Association of Coimbra, the programme also benefits from the institutional support of Santander Universidades — both of which have played a key role in its growth and long-term sustainability.

At the conference, the University of Coimbra was represented by Gabriela Fernandes, Pro-Rector for Entrepreneurship, and Inês Sobral Escoval, who presented Académica Start UC as a best practice example for fostering student entrepreneurship. The University of Coimbra reaffirmed its commitment to valuing knowledge and fostering a culture of innovation, placing students at the heart of university transformation.

The event took place from 10 to 12 June.