On its most recent mission to the USA, Fibrenamics started two new projects with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and consolidated a strategic collaboration with the University of Massachusetts - UMass Lowell, through the HEROES laboratory, associated with the US Army. These collaborations are aimed at developing advanced products in the fields of defense and sustainability (construction and health and well-being).

This mission, led by Raul Fangueiro, President of Fibrenamics, and Fernando Cunha, CEO, stands out for the impact of the initiatives agreed, reflecting Fibrenamics' international recognition and its leading role in knowledge transfer and technological development in areas of great global relevance.

Image 1 - Fibrenamics delegation on a mission in the USA.

At MIT, Fibrenamics, through the MITPortugal Programme, secured the approval of two innovative projects focused on sustainability in the fields of construction and health and well-being:

• “Investigating fiber-based reinforcement networks for low-carbon concrete construction”

This project aims to reduce the high carbon emissions associated with concrete by proposing the use of natural fibre structures as an alternative to steel in construction. The expected impact is a significant reduction in the carbon footprint, making construction more sustainable and efficient.

• “Ocean-derived pollution-reducing fabrics for healthcare and space applications”

The second project aims to develop sustainable products from fibres derived from marine resources, with thermoregulation, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. These fibres will have significant applications in health and space exploration environments.

Fibrenamics' collaboration with UMass Lowell was also realized during this mission, with the involvement of the HEROES laboratory, associated with the US Army. This partnership will focus on developing innovative solutions for defense and security, taking advantage of Fibrenamics' experience in fibrous materials and advanced composites.

Image 2 - Collaboration between Fibrenamics and UMass Lowell.

For Raul Fangueiro, President of Fibrenamics, this mission represents a milestone in the institution's international trajectory, highlighting this as ‘an extremely important moment for the process of internationalization and affirmation of Fibrenamics in the globalization of the generation, enhancement, and transfer of knowledge. It is also an international recognition of the work that Fibrenamics has done over the last few years, positioning it at a level of maximum demand and responsibility.’

The Consul General of Portugal in Boston, who was also present at the negotiations, emphasized the impact of this mission on relations between Portugal and the USA: ‘The partnerships and projects initiated this week by Fibrenamics with MIT and UMass Lowell prove the excellence of the science and innovation ecosystem that is developing around the University of Minho. Portugal and Massachusetts have a long-standing connection, based on a strong Portuguese presence and shared Atlantic interests. Both sides have a lot to benefit from this collaboration, and the paths now opened up by Fibrenamics with US universities with a global dimension will certainly contribute to this process.’

Image 3 - The Fibrenamics team forges closer ties with US partners.

The beginning of these projects marks a new chapter in Fibrenamics' internationalization, strengthening its leading position in the development of innovative and sustainable solutions. The partnerships with MIT and UMass Lowell open doors to new collaboration opportunities that will transform key sectors such as construction, health, and defense. With a vision focused on the future, Fibrenamics continues to drive the creation of technologies with global impact, responding to the most pressing challenges of our time.

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International mission financed by: