23-03-2026
Photo: João Lima/NOVA FCT
NOVA FCT and Guardião, an app developed by a former student of the School, signed, on March 18, a protocol establishing a new framework for cooperation between academia and the business sector. The agreement strengthens both institutions’ commitment to promoting collaborative research, technology transfer, and the creation of opportunities for talent development.
Among the main areas of action planned are encouraging joint participation in innovation activities, supporting merit and project-based learning grants, promoting internships and cooperation programs, and participating in job fairs and other events organized by NOVA FCT.
The protocol also includes the development of chairs in areas of common interest and the creation of continuous and customized training programs tailored to the needs of companies and professionals.
The “Guardião” app, which gives its name to the partner company, was created by Rita Barbosa, a graduate of NOVA FCT’s Computer Engineering program. The project, awarded at the largest European Artificial Intelligence hackathon, uses AI to detect and block telephone fraud attempts, reinforcing the social and technological impact of the education offered at NOVA FCT.
In the next steps, alongside the strengthening of cooperation, Guardião will be recognized with the NOVA Spinoff label, further promoting entrepreneurship within the NOVA FCT ecosystem.
With this partnership, NOVA FCT and Guardião reinforce their active role in connecting scientific knowledge with business practice, contributing to the advancement of higher education, innovation, and qualified employment in Portugal.
