IPFN at Técnico Innovation Summit 2026
IPFN took part in the Técnico Innovation Summit 2026 (TIS 2026) on 3 February 2026, bringing together R&D Units, PRR and European programme projects, spin-offs and the Técnico Partner Network at the Técnico Innovation Center (TIC). Building on the momentum of its 2024 debut, this one-day event focused on applied science, knowledge transfer, and technological entrepreneurship.
Among the 18 R&D Units, IPFN was present throughout the event, with the participation of several of its members, both in the scientific programme and in the exhibition area. During the event, the President of the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT), Prof. Madalena Alves, and the Minister for the Presidency and Administrative Reform, Gonçalo Saraiva Matias, visited the IPFN stand. On this occasion, the President of IPFN, Bruno Soares Gonçalves, discussed with them IPFN’s contributions to science and innovation.
Marta Fajardo and Luís Lemos Alves, both IPFN researchers, represented IPFN in the Summit’s discussion panels, contributing respectively to the Advanced Materials, Circular Economy and Green Buildings and Health and Biotechnology sessions.
At the IPFN stand, the NanoXCAN project was part of the exhibition, focusing on the development of a compact X-ray microscope capable of directly imaging viruses and viral structures. The project builds on laser–plasma interactions and advanced X-ray sources developed at the VOXEL Laboratory, with applications in health and biotechnology.
Within the Innovation Impact area, dedicated to Instituto Superior Técnico spin-offs, GTechPlasma, a spin-off rooted in IPFN research, presented graphene samples produced using its patented plasma technology. This technology enables the production of high-quality graphene and graphene composites, including developments in ultralight materials for electromagnetic shielding.
In the Innovation Arena, visitors encountered HELIANTO, a capstone project on sustainable mobility, through a solar-powered rail vehicle proof-of-concept. The concept combines advanced solar panels, energy storage and autonomous systems within a collaborative effort involving IPFN.
The Técnico Innovation Summit 2026 provided a context for exchange with industry, policymakers and the academic community, reinforcing IPFN’s role in research driven innovation.
