Coimbra, Portugal, Oct. 8, 2025 (Lusa) - The fifth edition of Inovação@UC will focus on topics such as quantum computing and sustainability, in a day-long innovation event in Coimbra that "has been growing".
The annual initiative, which aims to put innovation at the centre of the University of Coimbra's (UC) activity, has seen growth over the years, with the 2025 edition bringing together more than 40 exhibitors and around 700 registrants, said UC rector Amílcar Falcão on Wednesday.
"Over the years, the University of Coimbra has focussed on strategic areas that change from year to year, depending on the university's interests and the dynamics of society," he said at the event's opening ceremony.
The programme features different panels, this year focusing on topics such as Space, Quantum Computing, Advanced Materials and Sustainable Electronics, the Blue Economy and Sustainability (which will be attended by members of the UC community).
Among the more than 20 speakers present throughout the day at the Convento São Francisco, the former CEO of Stellantis, Carlos Tavares, and the Director-General of COTEC Portugal, Jorge Portugal, stand out.
The UC rector also highlighted the presentations by members of the University, noting the DyeLoop project, which received €1.4 million in funding from the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation to develop equipment that allows fabrics to be dyed more sustainably, thereby reducing water and energy consumption.
Innovation@UC 2025 will take place throughout the day, showcasing participants with short and dynamic presentations of projects from a wide range of areas of knowledge, with links to the University of Coimbra and external companies and institutions.
At the end of the afternoon, the J. Norberto Pires Innovation Award will be announced and presented, which aims to recognise innovative initiatives conceived and developed by students, employees, teachers, UC researchers or people with any academic or functional link to the institution.
In his speech, Amílcar Falcão also recalled that of the approximately €50 million in Mobilising Agendas under the PRR, the UC currently has an effective implementation rate of just over 80%.
He also noted that the UC currently has 591 active patents, five of which were recently sold for around €1 million.
In addition, the higher education institution has made "concrete proposals to the government to reduce the IRS rate applied to inventors, thus encouraging the registration of the intellectual property they generate," he added.
Inovação@UC is organised by the Innovation, Service and Community Relations Committee of the UC General Council and the Technology Transfer Division - UC Business of the Research Promotion and Management Service of the University of Coimbra.
The event has 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 receives support from the INOVC+ regional project, funded by the Centro2030 programme.
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