The Institute for Applied Research (I2A) of the Polytechnic University of Coimbra promoted a presentation of the “UNIgreen Innovation Challenge” as part of a session to publicise funding programmes geared towards applied research and business creation. The session took place on the 25th of February at the António Arnaut Auditorium of Coimbra Health School and gathered around 60 students, lecturers and managers.
I2A director Carla Henriques presented the challenge, which aims to stimulate entrepreneurship and innovation among students and alumni, support the development of ideas in their early stages and promote interdisciplinary and inter-institutional teams within the Alliance. Students from any UNIgreen partner and graduates who graduated less than a year ago can participate in teams of 1 to 6 members in various eligible areas. Applications can be submitted until the 5th of June, and the final selection will take place on June 22nd. At the local level, each institution will submit up to 2 projects.
The final event will take place at the UNIgreen Innovation Conference, to be held at SupBiotech in Paris on the 27-31 October 2026.
According to Carla Henriques, this challenge is a great opportunity for students because, in addition to being able to transform ideas into real solutions, they will have access to specialised mentoring and training at local and Alliance level, as well as a European network of stakeholders and incubators and international visibility.
