18 July 2025
Innovation with Purpose: The Winners of the NOVA impACT! Challenges 2025
On July 14th, the NOVA Rectorate hosted the Demo Day of the NOVA impACT! Challenges 2025 — an initiative promoted by the NOVA Impact Office to support innovative solutions with social and environmental impact, aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Over three weeks, 33 students, organized into 10 multidisciplinary teams, took part in workshops, mentoring sessions, and prototype development. On Demo Day, they presented their solutions to a jury composed by Hélder Lopes (NOVA), Manuel Gaspar (Casa do Impacto), and Inês Petrucci (3xP Global).
The GeoCura team (NOVA FCT) won 1st place with a self-healing concrete capable of significantly reducing CO₂ emissions in the construction sector. The team was awarded €2,000 to continue developing their solution.
An honorable mention was given to EcoSeal (NOVA FCT + Nova SBE), which presented a DIY energy-saving kit that helps families identify and fix energy inefficiencies at home.
The remaining finalist teams presented proposals with a strong focus on innovation and sustainability:
- Agora – Aims to make menstrual products freely available in workplaces and public spaces, tackling period poverty and promoting inclusion.
- Save&track – Introduces smart sterilization and radio-frequency tracking technologies in hospitals, reducing waste and improving safety.
- Idea Studio Africa – Creates opportunities for young African professionals to build independent careers through access to tools, mentorship, and networking.
- Project Unfolded – A digital platform for CEMS students to monitor their personal development, including self-assessments and skills dashboards.
- AvicenAI – A multilingual virtual assistant that manages calls and messages in clinics, books appointments, and gathers clinical information, reducing waiting times.
- ATBeHELP – A digital platform that integrates real-time microbiological data with clinical decision-support algorithms to promote the rational use of antibiotics.
- Lume – An intellectual property protection platform for SMEs, offering automatic alerts, infringement detection, and easy access to legal support.
- Monky – A mobile app for young people focused on financial well-being, offering emotional support and personalized saving recommendations.
All projects received an initial €500 grant to support prototype development.
