On Wednesday, 11 partners signed a memorandum of understanding at the University of Minho’s campus in Guimarães, in the presence of representatives from the partner entities, CCDR-Norte, the Portuguese Innovation Agency (ANI), the Rector of the University of Minho, and the Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation. The meeting was marked by a shared institutional commitment to strengthen innovation and competitiveness in Northern Portugal by aligning resources, infrastructures, and common agendas.

In addition to Fibrenamics, the collaborative network includes the following Centres of Technology and Innovation (CTIs): the Centre for Graphic Computing (CCG), the Polymer Engineering Innovation Hub (PIEP), the Technology Centre for the Textile and Clothing Industries of Portugal (CITEVE), the Centre for Nanotechnology and Technical, Functional, and Smart Materials (CeNTI), the Centre for Waste Valorization (CVR), and the Centre for Industrial Technological Interface (CITIN). The alliance also includes the Collaborative Laboratory in Digital Transformation (DTx), the University-Enterprise Association for Development (TecMinho), and the Centre of Competence for the Agro-Food Sector for Meat (TECMEAT).

The ceremony focused on the strategic potential of the UMinho Innovation Alliance as a platform for strategic cooperation aimed at addressing current challenges through innovation at various levels. To achieve this, the integration of Technology and Innovation Centres (CTIs) and other entities from the University of Minho's ecosystem was highlighted as key to consolidating innovation in the region, as well as the importance of an effective governance model that prevents fragmentation and promotes an integrated approach.

Eugénio Campos Ferreira, Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation, emphasized the role of the University of Minho as a leading reference in innovation. The University’s Rector, Rui Vieira de Castro, also shared this vision, and highlighted the importance of effective coordination between internal and external entities, reinforcing the institutional commitment to a coordinated response to innovation challenges.

The President of the ANI, António Grilo, praised the potential of the alliance to create value not only at the regional level but also nationally and internationally. In this context, António M. Cunha, President of CCDR-Norte, added that this alliance should address strategic challenges and European positioning priorities, such as digital and energy transformation.

The central objective of the UMinho Innovation Alliance is to complement resources, skills, and networks to accelerate the development of new products and innovative solutions. Fibrenamics’ participation in the alliance reflects the Institute’s commitment to strengthening regional innovation and competitiveness.

After the ceremony, the President of ANI, António Grilo, visited the Fibrenamics facilities, where he had the opportunity to witness the real-world impact of the innovations developed by the Institute.