Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, hosted the 1st edition of the Jerónimo Martins Merit Award in Systems Analysis and Modelling, developed in partnership with the Jerónimo Martins Group. The initiative focuses on applying academic knowledge to real-world challenges in the AgriRetail sector. The session brought together Computer Science and Engineering undergraduate students, who participated in an ideas competition, presenting pitches to a jury comprising lecturers from the Systems Analysis and Modelling curricular unit and members of the company.
Daniela Alves and Tomás Esteves were the winners of the award, worth €1,200, for their project on specialisation of containers using IoT sensors and RFID technology, enabling more efficient monitoring and a reduction in food waste. Second place went to Pedro Vicente, Guilherme Lopes and Pedro Jerónimo (€900) and third place to Sérgio Santos and Inês Costa (€450).
Among the ideas showcased and evaluated by a jury comprising Técnico professors and Jerónimo Martins representatives were product classification systems to improve transportation, the use of IoT sensors and RFID technology for container monitoring, intelligent transport systems with real-time fault response, and digital platforms that promote the circular economy and the donation of surplus goods to social institutions.
Speaking on behalf of the winning team, Daniela Alves said: “We are very excited about this award. It was an excellent opportunity to put what we have learnt into practice, so we would like to thank everyone involved”.
In total, 53 students, divided into 18 teams, submitted proposals, with seven finalist groups selected to present their solutions. Each team had three minutes to deliver a pitch, followed by a question-and-answer session with the jury. The proposals focused on topics such as logistics optimisation, reducing food waste, smart product monitoring and promoting the circular economy.
Rogério Colaço, President of Técnico, highlighted the importance of these awards in the development of the School’s teaching model. “These initiatives, supported by companies, have been positively transforming education at Técnico and the relationship with its students”.
The Vice-President of Técnico for Corporate Interface, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Pedro Amaral, also highlighted the impact of such initiatives on students’ academic journey. “The awards focused on real-world challenges help students to better understand the practical relevance of what they learnt in class and step outside their comfort zone”.
Cláudia Vieira, Academic Partnerships Senior Manager at Jerónimo Martins, a member of Técnico Partner Network, also emphasised the importance of the collaboration with Técnico and the enthusiasm surrounding the solutions presented. “We are very excited about the pitches and proud of this partnership, which brings value to both the company and the students”.
José Borbinha, the senior lecturer of the curricular unit, highlighted the voluntary initiative. “Everyone is a winner for the effort they have shown. We hope this experience will help to demonstrate how the technical content covered in classes has practical applications in real life”.
The ceremony also included the award of certificates to all participants and a donation of 1,200 euros to the Department of Computer Science and Engineering (DEI) to improve teaching conditions. The Vice-President for Teaching at DEI, Daniel Gonçalves, expressed his gratitude, “this collaboration contributes to a more robust education that is closer to the realities of the business world. This support is a real asset to the department”.
