14-11-2025
The winning projects of the first edition of the Sustainable and Innovative Ideas Competition – Terra & Mar | NOVA Ideas with Impact – have now been announced. The initiative promotes the development of solutions that enhance the natural and community resources of Costa da Caparica, encouraging the circular economy, local entrepreneurship, and the regeneration of coastal ecosystems.
First place was awarded to the project “Mycelium Processing as Packaging Material”, by Ebuzome Iyke Martins, which develops biodegradable packaging made from mycelium and local organic waste, such as coffee grounds. The solution offers a sustainable alternative to plastic and fosters the circular economy in the region.
Second place went to “VENTUS – Micro Wind Turbines on Lighting Poles”, by João Mira, which proposes the installation of vertical-axis microturbines on public lighting poles, generating renewable energy in urban environments without the need for new infrastructure.
An honourable mention was awarded to “From Sea to Sea”, by Sara de Sousa and Anna Rickmann, which collects and repurposes used neoprene wetsuits from the surfing community, transforming them into new low-impact artisanal products and strengthening the link between surfers and fishers.
The winning projects will have the opportunity to be incubated at Agroparque Terras da Costa e do Mar, a space for experimentation and acceleration of entrepreneurial ideas that promotes sustainable practices, the valorisation of local resources, and innovation.
The judging panel was composed of Lia Vasconcelos (MARE / NOVA FCT), João Galopim (AIP), Ana Filipa Barros (Almada City Council), Aneesh Zutshi (NOVA Executive Education), João Carrasquinho (Lifeshaker), and José Carlos Ferreira (NOVA FCT).
The competition was organised by NOVA FCT in partnership with MARE, the Portuguese Industrial Association (AIP), Ensaios e Diálogos Associação (EDA), Almada City Council (CMA), Madan Parque, and Airjobs, as part of the Integrated Local Operation (OIL) 2 – Costa de Caparica, financed by the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR).
