02-07-2026
NOVA FCT once again asserts itself as one of the leading drivers of scientific and technological innovation in Portugal, with three projects among the ten finalists of the competitive HiTech 2026 program, which were presented at the closing session on July 1 at the Tivoli BBVA Theatre in Lisbon.
The event marked the culmination of four months of intensive work, during which research teams developed business cases to valorize innovative technologies, supported by experienced mentors and a structured program focused on technology commercialization.
The 2026 edition featured two distinct tracks: Technology Push, aimed at advancing scientific results developed by the teams themselves toward commercialization, and Market Pull, focused on creating solutions to real-world challenges posed by partner companies such as Quantum Leap and Sonae Arauco.
Among the ten finalist projects, three originate from NOVA FCT, highlighting the Faculty’s relevance within the national innovation ecosystem.
The FlexForge project proposes a modular prototyping platform for flexible electronic circuits, enabling rapid and efficient creation and testing of configurations, significantly reducing development time, cost, and complexity. The team includes Ângelo Santos, Emanuel Carlos, Maria Pereira, Sara Silvestre, and Pedro Barquinha.
Another finalist is the PetriTag project, developed within AlmaScience (one of NOVA FCT’s nine CoLABs). The team presented an innovative solution for real-time monitoring of food spoilage. By integrating microbiological indicators into packaging, the system enables early detection of contamination, reduces food waste, and enhances food safety.
Finally, the SPARCS project completes the list. The team, composed of Rui G. Gonçalves, António T. Vicente, and Manuel J. Mendes, proposes a next-generation modular and adaptive solar platform that allows the assembly and reconfiguration of solar energy systems without the need for tools or specialized technical knowledge.
HiTech is an intensive 18-week program that supports research teams in transforming deep tech innovations into market-ready solutions through specialized training, mentorship, and connections to industry.
The strong representation of NOVA FCT within this select group of finalists reflects the Faculty’s commitment to promoting the HiSeedTech initiative within its community, in line with its strategy to maintain a leading role in knowledge transfer and in fostering innovative solutions with impact on the market and society.
