UPTEC celebrates 15 years of activity

2023 marks the 15th anniversary of IASP member UPTEC – Science and Technology Park of the University of Porto. The anniversary was celebrated with a programme of 15 events, including startup shows, artistic exhibitions, corporate volunteering, sessions on investment and talent, debates on ESG (environment, social and governance), innovation ecosystem meetups, and conversations on Diversity and Inclusion.

The programme was joined by the Rector of the University of Porto, António Sousa Pereira, who expressed satisfaction with the accomplishment of one of the main missions of the University of Porto, the economic and social enhancement of knowledge. UPTEC is a crucial socio-economic development mechanism in the metropolitan area of Porto, the Northern region and the country itself, promoting entrepreneurship and innovation among academic community members. 

The event also highlighted the role of UPTEC in attracting talent and driving the transition of the business fabric of Porto and the northern region towards a knowledge economy. Joana Resende, President of UPTEC and vice-rector of the University of Porto, emphasized the importance of the past, present and future potential of the institution. She highlighted the significance of the passage through the Science and Technology Park and the permanent availability to collaborate. The talent in the innovation district, full of students, teachers, and researchers, is a competitive advantage that must be recognized, nurtured, and valued. 

In the final speech, UPTEC's business director, Maria Moura Oliveira, presented data on the institution's economic impact study, followed by a showroom featuring five examples of businesses incubated at UPTEC. A concert by EU.CLIDES opened the doors of the cradle of innovation to the city, bringing good feelings to the garden of UPTEC Asprela I.

UPTEC, founded in 2007, has supported over 700 business projects, graduated 98 companies, and created over 3600 new jobs, 86% of which are highly qualified, in the arts, sciences, and technologies sector over the 15 years. 

Join us in wishing our colleagues at UPTEC all the best for their next 15 years!