The Navigator Company, Galp e Amorim Cork distinguem projetos inovadores de Estudantes da NOVA FCT

LeClanché, the grand winner of the NOVA FCT BioChem Industry Challenge

The LeClanché team, composed of students Bernardo Ribeiro, Reinaldo Martinez and Sebastião Carvalhal, was the grand winner of the NOVA FCT BioChem Industry Challenge, simultaneously winning the Global Challenge and 1st place in the challenge proposed by Amorim Cork.

The NOVA FCT BioChem Industry Challenge promoted collaboration between students and three leading companies — The Navigator Company, Galp and Amorim Cork — in the search for sustainable solutions to real industrial challenges. Over an intensive week of work, the teams were supported by specialists from the companies and NOVA FCT faculty members, applying scientific knowledge in Biological Chemistry to the development of innovative strategies that contribute to a more sustainable industry.

In the challenge launched by Amorim Cork, dedicated to the use of cork powder, the LeClanché team presented the winning proposal. The work was developed in collaboration with Eng. Luís Cabrita, Head of Department at Amorim Cork Research, who accompanied the students throughout the process.

Galp, in turn, distinguished the MMS team, formed by Matilde Dias Romão, Sofia Rosário Aires and Ana Margarida Gonçalves Alves, for the best proposal in the challenge focused on the decarbonisation of the Sines Refinery. The group had technical support from Eng. Maria António Santos (Communication and Community Liaison Officer), Eng. Hugo Carabineiro (Head of Refining Technology) and Eng. Bruno Teles (Head of Digital Office).

The challenge promoted by The Navigator Company, led by its Employer Branding team and centred on the Energy Trilemma — security, sustainability and competitiveness — was won by the PaWER team, composed of students Daniela Pereira and Gonçalo Cotovio. This collaboration was guided by Eng. José Sarilho (Coordinator of Decarbonisation Projects) and Eng. Nuno Rodrigues (Director of Energy and Energy Transition), who shared Navigator’s vision on the strategic challenges of the energy transition.

Coordinated by NOVA FCT professor Mário Eusébio, the initiative reinforces the School’s commitment to bringing science, innovation and industry closer together, challenging its students to contribute actively to a more sustainable future.