On January 20, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, inaugurated the Técnico ProtoLab powered by Galp, a new facility dedicated to prototyping. This space will support all students’ organisations in transforming innovative ideas into practical solutions for real-world problems. This laboratory is the result of a strategic partnership between Técnico and Galp, which reinforces the commitment of both institutions to technological innovation and the development of young talent.
The Técnico ProtoLab powered by Galp aims to provide the necessary tools for constructing composite materials, enabling groups to develop their projects in an environment specifically designed for this purpose. The laboratory is equipped with extraction systems, changing rooms, and appropriate technical and safety conditions, marking a qualitative leap forward in prototyping capabilities at Técnico. The facility reinforces the practical dimension of engineering training, promoting technological innovation, entrepreneurial spirit among students and the connection between academia and the real challenges of industry and society.
According to Rogério Colaço, President of Técnico, this inauguration fulfils “a long-standing dream that took time to come true”. He also pointed out that there is no other higher education institution in Portugal, or even at the European level, that “matches Técnico in terms of diversity and quality of prototyping”. He also emphasised the fundamental role of students’ organisations in promoting Técnico as a leading institution for training young talent, acknowledging that “the partners’ support is crucial to the quality and diversity of these projects”.
Pedro Amaral, Vice-President of Técnico for Corporate Interface, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, pointed out that one of the major challenges was “creating effective mechanisms to ensure that support actually reaches students”, which is one of the main goals of the partnership with Galp. He highlighted that Galp “has become a national entity that supports Técnico across the board”, describing the support for ProtoLab as “a cutting-edge initiative”. He also appealed to the students’ sense of responsibility: “this laboratory must be well preserved and cared for. It is your space, a space for development, and nothing can go wrong”.
Ana Casaca, Global Director of Innovation at Galp, shared “laboratories of this nature are fundamental because they allow experimentation”, which leads to “innovation and the development of new technological solutions”. According to the Galp representative, Técnico ProtoLab “promotes innovation by allowing students to test their ideas and accelerate their implementation. It also strengthens collaboration between students, academia and industry, which is vital for tackling current energy challenges”.
Within the scope of Técnico Partner Network, Galp will continue to support Técnico projects, such as Técnico Fuel Cell, a prototype hydrogen-powered racing car, TLMoto, an electric motorbike, and the Junior Enterprises at Instituto Superior Técnico (JUNITEC), through multi-year support. Each of these groups was represented by a student who had the opportunity to speak.
Luís Sousa, a professor at Técnico who has been involved in the design of the laboratory since 2022, highlighted that ProtoLab “will significantly increase the quality of the projects and prototyping developed at Técnico, as well as improve the safety of those involved”. “This laboratory is an ambition come true”, he said, also adding that this partnership “facilitates connections between the students’ organisations, the School and companies”, reinforcing Técnico’s efforts to bring academia and business closer.
The session also included the 1st Edition of GALP Award Ceremony 2025/2026 – CA2ECTécnico – Competition to Support the Extracurricular Activities of Técnico Students’ Organisations, featuring speeches by representatives from various students’ organisations, namely: Técnico Fuel Cell (TFC); TLMoto; Junior Enterprises at Instituto Superior Técnico (JUNITEC); Aerospace Engineering Students’ Organisation (AeroTéc); Board of European Students of Technology (BEST Lisbon); Diferencial; Grupo de Estratégia, Simulação e Tática (GEST); LISAT Space- Lisbon’s New Satellite (LISAT); Electronics Engineering Students’ Organisation (N3E); Environmental Engineering Students’ Organisation (NEEA); Industrial Engineering and Management Students’ Organisation (NEEGI); Extracurricular Activities Support Laboratory (LAGE2); Materials Engineering Students’ Organisation (NEMat); Chemical Engineering Students’ Organisation (NEQIST); Técnico Solar Boat (TSB).
In the Media:
- “Galp e Instituto Superior Técnico inauguram laboratório para inovação e prototipagem” (Jornal PTGreen)
- “Galp e Instituto Superior Técnico criam laboratório para promover a inovação” (Business.IT)
- “Galp e Instituto Superior Técnico inauguram laboratório para inovação e prototipagem” (Greensavers)
- “Galp e Instituto Superior Técnico inauguram Técnico ProtoLab” (Jornal Económico)
- “Galp e Instituto Superior Técnico criam laboratório para promover a inovação” (PC GUIA)
