“The recipe for success is enthusiasm”, argues Carlos Oliveira Cruz, a professor at Instituto Superior Técnico. Throughout the three days of the Web Summit 2025, this enthusiasm seems to define Técnico’s presence at the event: a passion for learning, thinking, and applying knowledge to serve society. “When we see startups being founded, we witness the result of teaching people to think”, explains the professor. “Our students learn to solve problems and implement solutions in the real world. That is what gives meaning to our mission as professors.”
On the last day of the event, rain falls steadily outside the venue, but at the Técnico stand, visitors are often captivated by Amália, the first hybrid rocket built by the AeroTéc students’ organisation, which uses solid fuel and a liquid oxidizer. “Amália competed in our last challenge, although the outcome was not ideal”, explains Tomás Ferreira, a third-year Mechanical Engineering student at Técnico. “During the competition, the engine had a small crack, and for safety reasons, it was not launched. However, the fact that Técnico brought us to their stand shows that they recognise our work as a valuable product of what is done at the School, regardless of the result”, he adds.
Nearby, discussions are thriving about new applications and pathways for technology. Among the alumni, João Januário, co-founder of StoneBrick, a startup that develops modeling software for architecture and engineering, shares that “the best tool Técnico offers is a way of thinking”. “More than just technical knowledge, we learn to analyse, question, and seek solutions— and that is what has led to so many successful companies emerging from Técnico”, he adds.
GovHorizon, founded by Guido Santos, a Computer Science and Engineering alumnus, presents its AI-powered governance platform that transforms fragmented data into strategic intelligence. “We’ll never know if we don’t try”, Guido emphasises when asked about the difficulties of creating a start-up. “The idea is to take risks, experiment, and learn from the process. Having master’s and doctoral students with us reinforces the link between research and practical application”.
At the Experience Stage, student projects once again reflect the spirit of teamwork and innovation at Técnico. Beatriz Tomé, a student in the Master’s Programme in Industrial Engineering and Management, presented FST Lisboa on behalf of a team of 70 Técnico students. “The spirit at FST is one of mutual support. We spend hours and hours on tests and trials, fully aware that our collective effort enables us to innovate and achieve meaningful results”. In August, the team became three-time champions in the Formula Student Portugal competition with their new 100% electric and autonomous prototype. Teammate Inês Silva also emphasises the importance of continuity and ambition in the project: “My goal is to leave behind an organised and united team so that future members will know they can surpass our achievements”.
Amid demonstrations and presentations, interaction with participants remains constant. One of the highlights is the interactive roulette wheel, which invites visitors to reflect on the impact of Técnico in various areas of knowledge. When spinning the wheel, each participant receives a yellow sticker to place on the corresponding thematic panel – from health to energy, from mobility to digital technologies. A board filled with yellow stickers shows the general perception of Técnico’s mission.
TLMoto also contributed its competitive spirit and applied engineering at the Web Summit. For Martim Carneiro, a Mechanical Engineering undergraduate student, the invitation to participate in the Web Summit “is recognition of the consistent work we have been doing in recent years”. Pedro Neves, an Aerospace Engineering master’s student, highlighted the scale of the event: Having the chance to promote our project to the international community at the Web Summit, with the support of Técnico, is a unique opportunity to showcase what we do at our School. The students’ organisation presented their fourth electric motorbike with “engineering reliability at its core”.
Over the course of three days, around a hundred members of the Técnico community participated in the event, more than 40 startups founded by alumni were represented, five prototypes were exhibited at the stand, and four students’ organisations took to the Experience stage for the first time.
Técnico’s participation in the Web Summit concluded with the same energy it began with – characterised by what Carlos Cruz describes as the true “recipe”: an “enthusiasm for learning, thinking and transforming knowledge into added value”.
News published on the 1st day of the Web Summit: Technology, Research and Técnico students at the Web Summit 2025
News published on the 2nd day of the Web Summit: “Técnico is still part of me” – Students’ Organisations and alumni network strengthen community spirit at the Web Summit 2025
