In the month of November, the inaugural INESC Lisboa annual meeting stood as a momentous occasion, marking a significant milestone in the collaborative efforts of INESC Inovação (INOV), INESC ID, and INESC MN. This event, held on the 3rd of November, brought together these esteemed research institutions, serving as a platform for the convergence of ideas, expertise, and visionary pursuits.

Collaboration among such distinguished institutions is a cornerstone for fostering innovation and investigation in Portugal. The synergy of these intellectual powerhouses goes beyond symbolism; it reflects a collective commitment to advancing the nation’s progress through collaborative research and innovation efforts.

A noteworthy highlight of this historic gathering was the enlightening panel hosted by INOV, aptly titled “Cooperation with Value.” Under the capable moderation of Fernando Moreira, Chairman of the Board at INOV, the panel featured the active participation of several INOV partners who have played pivotal roles in the organization’s journey over the years.

The panel delved into the intricate dynamics of cultivating collaboration that reaches beyond mere innovation. It sought to create substantial, tangible value. In an age where the pursuit of knowledge is intricately intertwined with the pursuit of progress, the insights shared during this panel underscore the paramount importance of strategic cooperation in shaping the future of research and innovation.

Carlos Guerra, a Comandante Sub-regional from the Leiria Region, shared the captivating journey of the CICLOPE system. Rather than discarding the initial emphasis on human monitoring, the project chose to bolster it, resulting in a groundbreaking system. CICLOPE extended its reach beyond fire detection, offering Civil Protection comprehensive decision support. What’s particularly intriguing is the system’s ability to provide customized tools tailored precisely to the operational needs. It’s a story of evolution, fortitude, and adaptability.

Luis Santo leads the FAQtos project. His presentation introduced the audience to the world of FAQtos, shedding light on its goals and ambitions. Luis also revealed exciting collaborations with INOV, exploring other areas currently under development. What stood out was his revelation of additional partnerships with INESC Brussels Hub and INESC TEC, underlining the project’s commitment to wide-ranging innovation.

Paulo de Carvalho Pinto played a key role in the Key’N Go project, in which he oversaw the transformation of low-cost car rental. Under his leadership, the project successfully improved its Net Promoter Score (NPS) from negative to positive. In addition, Paulo highlighted the significant contributions of researchers such as Professor Miguel Mira da Silva, who wrote several impactful articles that profoundly influenced the project. Paulo’s story is testimony to the transformative power of innovation in enabling companies to adapt and thrive in a constantly evolving landscape, as well as INOV’s commitment to technology transfer.

Finally, Paulo Soeiro, Innovation Manager at Grupo Visabeira, brought to light the complexities of the Ria Stone unit, which plays an exclusive role in production for the global giant, IKEA. He emphasized the fundamental role of the quality control technology developed by INOV, an essential catalyst for progress. However, Paulo frankly acknowledged the challenges of productization, demonstrating the dynamic and constantly evolving nature of innovation. It was, in fact, to meet these challenges that the Unyma brand (including Unyma Quality) was born.

These interventions and discussions within the panel underscore the pivotal role of collaborative efforts in shaping technological advancements and driving innovation in Portugal. Such initiatives not only propel progress but also lay the foundation for a dynamic and robust future for research and innovation in the country.