“114 years later, Técnico continues to fulfil its mission”, shares Rogério Colaço, president of Instituto Superior Técnico, watching the movement around him. “Our presence includes a very significant group of companies, initiatives, students and professors, with Técnico currently recognised as one of the most innovative institutions in the country”.
As visitors move through the exhibition stand, Rocky, the robot dog from the Department of Mineral and Energy Resources Engineering at Técnico, catches their attention by raising its front paw in greeting, which brings smiles and prompts many to hold up their mobile phones to capture the moment. The bright lights, the sound of prototypes in operation and conversations in various languages create an atmosphere of curiosity that marks the second day of the Web Summit 2025.
On the Experience Stage, attention is focused on the moments when teams take to the stage to present their projects. The Técnico Fuel Cell students’ organisation highlights the pioneering role it has played in sustainable mobility. “It’s a great feeling, and a huge responsibility to be here today on this stage”, shares Afonso Cruz, the team leader. “We are the only team in Portugal building hydrogen cars. It is very rewarding to see that our work has an impact and carries Técnico’s name further afield”. This year, the team launched its latest prototype, the TFC02, which promises to be “the most efficient hydrogen car developed by Portuguese students”.
Soon after, the Técnico Solar Boat students’ organisation took to the stage to present the results of months of work and testing. Under the metallic gleam of the boat’s hull reflected in the light of the projections, Francisco Barroso, a student in the Master’s Programme in Aerospace Engineering at Técnico, shares the process. “We spent many hours in the workshop. Seeing the result of all that here, at an event of this magnitude, is a source of immense pride”. At his side, Sara Serpa, a student in the Master’s Programme in Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering and member of the team, highlights the connection between her training and the project: “I want to dedicate my life to boats and the sea, both because of my training and Solar Boat. If that is my path, I know I will be happy”, she says with a confident smile.
Amidst the comings and goings of visitors and the constant buzz of conversation, the Técnico exhibition stand is a meeting point for generations. While the students’ organisations showcase current projects, the alumni network represents continuity, demonstrating how the journey at Técnico often marks the beginning of a “lasting connection”.
Among them is Maria Vilar, founder of Immersiv Studios and winner of the 1st edition of the Técnico Alumni Young Entrepreneur Award, who emphasises the feeling of belonging. “I left Técnico, but Técnico is still part of me”. “Here at the Web Summit, you can clearly see the impact that Técnico has made. We know we belong to this institution, and we can always return whenever we need to”. Immersiv Studios develops virtual reality, augmented reality and gamification experiences, collaborating with brands and companies in retail and corporate training contexts.
Leonor Pereira, from Lampsy Health, highlights the School’s support in the transition from research to the job market: “The Lab2Market programme created at Técnico helped us immensely as it allowed us to turn our idea into a real product”, she explains. “It provided me with the tools and confidence to face challenges. That sense of community is always with us – we are part of the Técnico community”.
Throughout the day, amid technological demonstrations, discussions and reunions, the exhibition stand is much more than just an educational platform. It is the meeting point for “a living community, with firm roots and open horizons”, as Maria Vilar describes it.
News published on the 1st day of the Web Summit: Technology, Research and Técnico students at the Web Summit 2025
News published on the 3rd day of the Web Summit: “Enthusiasm” as a recipe for success and “way of thinking” as a tool: Técnico concluded its participation in the Web Summit 2025
