Seven students from Instituto Superior Técnico were awarded at the first edition of the TecInnov Santander Innovators’ Challenge for proposing two initiatives aimed at improving common spaces on campi: a modular urban furniture system and the revitalisation of a green space at Alameda campus.
The Recharge Energy project was developed by students João Bettencourt (Master’s programme in Engineering and Management of Innovation and Entrepreneurship) and Stefany da Silva (Integrated Master’s Programme in Architecture). This proposal suggests implementing a modular system of sustainable urban furniture for outdoor spaces at Técnico. The solution includes a central base structure that allows for flexible configurations of elements such as adaptable benches, outdoor tables and multifunctional posts equipped with power supply. With a prize of €7,500, the project aims to transform outdoor spaces on campi into more comfortable, ecological and technologically advanced areas, promoting social interaction, outdoor study and environmental awareness.
Awarded €4,300, the Plano Integrado de Valorização do Jardim Sustentável (Integrated Plan for the Enhancement of the Sustainable Garden) was developed by Diogo Santos, Diana Chivato, Francisca Carvalho, Francisco Castro and João Camões, students enrolled in the Integrated Master’s Programme in Architecture. This project aims to revitalise a green area at Alameda campus, transforming it into an accessible and sustainable garden featuring pathways, resting areas and native vegetation. The project emphasises the inclusion of the academic community, inviting participation in the co-creation of a bench made from rammed earth, a natural and sustainable material. The project aims to strengthen the connection between Técnico and the city, while promoting sustainability and actively engaging the community in improving the campus environment.
At the inaugural edition of this award, the Fundação Santander launched a series of strategic challenges centred on sustainability in higher education. Key themes included building renovations, sustainable art installations, innovative technologies for resource management, mobility infrastructure, and zero-energy buildings. A total of fourteen applications were submitted for the competition.
The jury comprised Miguel Amado, Vice-President of Técnico for Sustainability and Infrastructures; Paulo Ferrão, Director of the Técnico Energy Initiative; Rosalina Castro, Director of the Técnico Sustainability Centre; Pedro Andrade, Sponsorship Manager at Fundação Santander; and Francisca Matias, Entrepreneurial Manager at the same institution.
TecInnov is a competition designed to support the development of innovative ideas and to promote the value of knowledge generated at Técnico. This programme encourages the academic community to transform technical skills into solutions that have economic, social, and environmental impacts.
