13-01-2026
A research team from the NOVA School of Science and Technology played a key role in the development of a new sustainable battery, recently granted a European patent, as part of a collaboration with NOS Inovação.
The technology was developed through a partnership between NOS Inovação and the CENIMAT|i3N research center at NOVA FCT and enables batteries to be charged using energy dissipated by television set-top boxes, recovering energy that would otherwise be wasted.
The solution is based on an innovative gel electrolyte made from naturally sourced materials, including cellulose and cork, highlighting the contribution of scientific research to the development of sustainable technologies aligned with circular economy principles.
According to Eurico Cabrita, Vice-Dean for Innovation and Research at NOVA FCT, the patent reflects “the opportunities created by a close relationship with NOS, both in research and in the education of students.” He also emphasized that integrating students into industry-based theses “leads to excellent results and enables the development of innovative solutions, reinforcing NOVA’s position as a university committed to an active strategy for intellectual property valorization.”
João Ferreira, Director of NOS Inovação, highlighted the technology’s potential, noting that “given the possible energy recovery, this technology could lead to significant advances in sustainability,” and stressed the importance of collaboration with academia in developing products and services with positive environmental impact.
This European recognition comes in the context of strong investment in research and development. In 2024, NOS Inovação was the Portuguese organization with the highest number of patent applications, submitting a total of 22.
NOVA FCT’s participation in this project reinforces the School’s role as a strategic partner to industry, fostering technological innovation, sustainability, and knowledge transfer, and contributing to solutions with scientific, economic, and societal impact.
