Campus and Community

22 projects developed by Técnico students awarded at the 11th edition of CA2ECTécnico

July 7th

The competition that awards and recognises extracurricular activities awarded 25,000 euros to initiatives developed by students’ organisations in various scientific, technological, and cultural fields.

The 11th edition of the competition that awards and recognises extracurricular activities of students’ organisations at Técnico (CA2ECTécnico), supported by Caixa Geral de Depósitos, a member of the Técnico Partner Network, awarded 22 projects. The ceremony took place on 2 June at the Técnico Innovation Center powered by Fidelidade.

The students’ organisations pitched their projects across a wide range of scientific, technological and cultural fields. Rogério Colaço, the President of Instituto Superior Técnico, highlighted the importance that Técnico places on extracurricular activities, which are already recognised through the optional master’s curricular units – Extracurricular Activities I and II. He also highlighted the role of the Students’ Organisations, describing them as “true partners of Técnico” in strengthening campus life, while thanking Caixa Geral de Depósitos for its continued partnership and long-standing support.

Isabel Dias, Vice-President of Técnico for Financial Management, emphasised the collaboration between Técnico and Caixa Geral de Depósitos while reflecting on the evolution of CA2ECTécnico. The total funding provided through the programme has tripled, reaching €25,000 in this edition, while the number of supported Students’ Organisations has increased fivefold. “This is a true partnership that deserves to be celebrated”, she said.

The event also featured a panel discussion titled “The Female Impact in Students’ Organisations”, bringing together women leaders from several Students’ Organisations and Madalena Talone, Executive Board Member of Caixa Geral de Depósitos and a Técnico alumna. The discussion explored topics such as the challenges and experiences of women in leadership positions, the importance of promoting gender balance in STEM fields, and the role of extracurricular activities in students’ academic journeys.

According to Madalena Talone, the initiative provides an opportunity to recognise aspects that go beyond the academic curriculum. “This competition is designed to support projects that emerge from the desire to create, experiment, and go beyond what is expected”, she said, also highlighting the ability of these initiatives to address real-world challenges.

The partnership between Instituto Superior Técnico and Caixa Geral de Depósitos spans more than a decade and has consistently supported projects with a significant impact on academia. Over the years, it has promoted STEM outreach initiatives through school visits, encouraged Intellectual Property awareness and protection through the IP Talks series, the improvement of Técnico’s laboratories and teaching facilities, while supporting the Digital+ Programme, which promotes technological modernisation and strengthens digital skills in higher education.

The 12th edition of CA2ECTécnico, for the 2026/2027 academic year, is also part of this portfolio of initiatives. Applications are scheduled to open during September.

The 20 students’ organisations awarded were as follows: