“We say with conviction that the future of innovation in Portugal begins at Técnico”, said Rogério Colaço, president of Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, at the opening session of the Técnico Innovation Summit 2026, held on February 3, at Técnico Innovation Center powered by Fidelidade. “In a school focused on science and engineering like ours, innovation is fundamental: it is the natural way to fulfill our public mission of knowledge”.
Recalling the first edition of the event, held in November 2024, Rogério Colaço highlighted the consolidation of the initiative that brings together research units affiliated with Técnico, companies, and public decision-makers. “Today, in this second edition of the summit, we are not just continuing our efforts but deepening a culture: a culture of networking that brings laboratories closer to the real world, and accelerates technology transfer”.
Various prototypes at the entrance to the building served as a starting point for technical conversations and practical curiosity. A drone resting on the floor caught the attention of those passing by. “We use this equipment for image acquisition and three-dimensional scanning of natural stone blocks”, explained Gustavo Paneiro, a professor at Técnico and a researcher at Centro de Recursos Naturais e Ambiente (CERENA). “By simulating the three-dimensional model of the block before cutting, we can optimise the process and reduce material waste”, he added, referring to the Sustainable Stone project, which is part of the PRR agenda dedicated to researching ‘green’ materials.
At the same time, the continuous sound of a 3D printer led to the Mechanical Engineering Institute (IdMEC) exhibition space. On the table, limestone and granite “powder” showed the origin of the material. “We are giving new use to stone cutting waste”, explained researcher Dora Sousa. “The sludge represents a very significant part of the inert material generated. By using it as raw material for additive manufacturing, we reduce waste and promote a circular economy”. Several pieces have already been produced from these materials, including sets inspired by chessboards, which illustrate the result of this reuse process.
Further on, the conversation revolved around small transparent lenses and simulation glasses. “We are developing hydrogel-based contact lenses—a 3D polymer network with a high capacity to absorb water—that function as medical devices”, explained Diana Silva, a researcher at Centro de Química Estrutural (CQE), referring to their application in eye diseases. “The lens allows for controlled release or monitoring, depending on the pathology, ensuring that the necessary concentration of the drug is maintained over time”. By putting on the simulation glasses, visitors experienced the visual limitations associated with different conditions, in a direct link between materials, chemistry, and health.
During the roundtables, research conducted at Técnico was discussed continuously, from digital transformation to sustainable energy, including applications in health, mobility, infrastructure, and security, highlighting the connection between different scientific areas of the School and specific technological and industrial challenges. The series of talks featured Gonçalo Matias, Deputy Minister and Minister for State Reform, who highlighted the link between universities and companies as a key element of the growth strategy. “We must recognise Técnico for its vibrant ecosystem in action. The goal is to transfer the knowledge accumulated by universities to companies and convert it into economic growth”, he said, advocating for the mobilisation of this effort on a national scale.
“Looking at academic work as a basis for real-world applications”
Academic entrepreneurship was prominently showcased among exhibitors, spin-offs, and startups founded by Técnico students, researchers, and alumni. Gonçalo Roiz, a master’s student in Engineering Physics, described the FlashGuard project, which focuses on monitoring beams in flash radiotherapy. “It is a treatment with very high dose rates that can keep the tumor under control with fewer side effects, but beam monitoring is critical” he explained. “We moved from the concept to a working prototype and started structuring the solution from a business perspective as well. Acceleration programmes like Lab2Market helped us take that step”. In 2025, the group won the 9th edition of Lab2Market, organised by Técnico with the support of NTT Data.
Aliya Ibrahimo, a Mechanical Engineering master’s student, presented the R.AI.Lspect project, describing a system of sensors and algorithms for continuous monitoring of the railway track. “Our aim is to support the transition from preventive to predictive maintenance, identifying irregularities before they become problems”, she said, stressing that “initiatives to support entrepreneurship allow us to look at academic work as a basis for real-world applications”.
The strategic dimension of innovation was explored in depth in the panel dedicated to innovation policy, funding, and competitiveness, moderated by Arlindo Oliveira, professor at Técnico and president of Instituto de Engenharia de Sistemas e Computadores (INESC). Alexandra Vilela, Chair of the Board of Directors of COMPETE 2030, advocated for greater directionality in public support, emphasising the “importance of defining priority areas and bottlenecks for optimising sectoral performance”, where “public investment should complement private investment”.
From an industry perspective, João Maciel, Managing Director of EDP and Técnico alumnus (Electrical and Computer Engineering), pointed out that the relationship between companies and academia only consolidates when solutions are used on a large scale. “Innovation efforts extend far beyond technology”, he said, associating it with performance, market creation, and trend anticipation. Pedro Dominguinhos, president at the National Monitoring Committee (CNA) of the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR), highlighted the need to create spaces for interaction and transform knowledge into economic value, highlighting the importance of institutional capacity building and a focus on outcomes as essential conditions for research to enhance competitiveness.
Técnico spin-offs: “taking the leap from academia to the market”
The last panel of the day was dedicated to Técnico spin-offs. The conversation focused on the barriers faced by those who “decide to take the leap from academia to the market” – fear of the unknown, time and resource management, and the complexity of processes. The “need for self-confidence, support networks, and contact with realities outside the academic context” was highlighted as a key factor in this journey. Carlos Moedas, Mayor of Lisbon and Técnico alumnus, gave the closing remarks. “I owe my life to Técnico”, he said, highlighting that innovation is crucial for job creation. He defended the importance of the intersection between disciplines, science, and society, delivering a final message of confidence in our collective ability to turn knowledge into a better future.
Throughout the day, the exhibition space brought together, in four distinct areas, scientific projects at different levels of maturity, companies, and academic-based startups. The programme featured technical talks and demonstrations, 10 discussion panels and roundtables, with the participation of 18 research units affiliated with Técnico, 18 Técnico spin-offs, and 10 company representatives of Técnico Partner Network, reflecting the collaborative and strategic dimension of the event.
