“Tekever is present in many countries, but our home will always be here”, said Ricardo Mendes, co-founder of TEKEVER and Técnico alumnus (Computer Science and Engineering). On 16 May, the Main Building’s Meeting Room at Técnico – Alameda campus hosted the 1st edition of the Merit Award in Aerospace Engineering. This award, supported by TEKEVER, a member of the Técnico partner network and the most recent Portuguese unicorn founded by Técnico alumni, aimed to recognise the merit and excellence of the students in this master’s programme.
João Perdigão was the grand prize winner, receiving a prize worth 2,500 euros. In his speech, the student highlighted Técnico’s fundamental role in making some of his dreams come true, namely the opportunity to intern with a Formula 1 team. He also thanked Professor Fernando Lau, the coordinator of the master’s programme, who congratulated all candidates and emphasised TEKEVER’s crucial support for enhancing teaching.
The President of Técnico, Rogério Colaço, thanked TEKEVER for returning to the institution where the company was founded and emphasised that this award represents “an extra step in the school’s strategy”, which involves strengthening ties with the business community and creating synergies. Rogério Colaço added that although there were already many awards, “this award was needed”. Reflecting on his experience as a lecturer, he noted, “it’s a challenge to teach Aerospace Engineering students because they are truly exceptional”.
The jury, consisting of Técnico professors Fernando Lau, coordinator of the Master’s Programme in Aerospace Engineering, Paulo Rui Fernandes, Head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering (DEM), Nuno Horta, Head of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (DEEC) and Nuno Matos, R&D Aerospace Engineer at TEKEVER, selected the best three finalists: Adriana Oliveira, João Perdigão and José Medeiro. Additionally, a donation of €1,670 was given to the coordinators of the Master’s Programme in Aerospace Engineering, which is shared between DEM and DEEC. Jorge Fernandes, vice-head of DEEC, congratulated the students and emphasised the multidisciplinary nature of the course. Paulo Fernandes, head of DEM, emphasised that “the department’s job is to boost the talent that already exists within Técnico”, stressing that partnerships with companies are essential for the school’s growth.
During the session, Ricardo Mendes recalled the creation of Tekever, which he founded with four colleagues from Técnico: ‘The essence of TEKEVER is talent. It was this desire to make an impact that brought me to Técnico. Today, it’s an honour to give back and help reward the best students in the country’, he concluded.
