Connect – OPEN and IDEA Programmes
NOVA University Lisbon is running six editions of the OPEN and IDEA programmes until 2027. These programmes are open to the general public and free of charge (subject to application).
Participants explore challenges and opportunities in the field of social and territorial innovation and develop exploratory projects using innovation methodologies. Each edition focuses on a specific thematic domain:
- Housing, habitat and mobility
- Public health
- Social and community cohesion (applications open)
- Sustainability, consumption and circular economy
- Employment, skills development and entrepreneurship
- Citizenship, participation and social inclusion
The OPEN and IDEA programmes are developed in the scope of Connect – Transforming Knowledge into Impact project, a Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship Initiative (IIES) led by a consortium bringing together the NOVA University Lisbon, the Casa do Impacto (Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Lisboa), and the Yunus Social Innovation Center at the Catholic University of Portugal. The initiative aims to develop innovative solutions to major environmental and social challenges.
Follow updates about this programme on our social media or subscribe to the Connect – Com Impacto newsletter (in Portuguese).
Applications open for OPEN and IDEA Programmes until May 15, 2026
Domain: Social and Community Cohesion: Gender, Inclusion and Social Participation
THE OPEN PROGRAMME
OPEN is programme focused on analysing and anticipating challenges and opportunities within each thematic domain. It typically lasts one day and takes place in person.
The first edition focused on Housing, Habitat and Mobility, held on June 26, 2025, with mentors Gonçalo Antunes (NOVA FCSH) and José Carlos Ferreira (NOVA FCT).
The second edition focused on Public Health, held on November 13, 2025, with Paulo Sousa (ENSP-NOVA) and Isabel Maurício (IHMT/UNL).
Third edition date:
May 26 (10:00AM–06:00PM)
Location:
NOVA IMS Innovation Camp | Campolide Campus
Topics:
- Critical approaches to law and anti-discrimination theory
- Rights, protection and integration of women in corporate contexts or in vulnerable situations
- Access, participation and equity in the digital age
- Emerging dynamics of inclusion and social participation, and the design of inclusive responses in the context of gender and intersectionality
Mentors:
- Nausica Palazzo, Associate Professor at NOVA School of Law and Director of the NOVA Centre for the Study of Gender, Family and the Law. Her research focuses on family law from queer perspectives, anti-discrimination law, and comparative constitutional law.
- Eduarda Ferreira, Integrated Researcher at CICS.NOVA – Interdisciplinary Centre of Social Sciences at NOVA University Lisbon, where she coordinates the Inequalities, Citizenship and Gender group. Her research focuses on gender, youth, and digital technologies, particularly in relation to inclusion, participation, and citizenship in the digital age.
Applications:
- Check the participation conditions (in Portuguese).
- Apply here to OPEN until May 15.
THE IDEA PROGRAMME
IDEA is programme designed to foster the development of exploratory projects and new experimentation opportunities. It typically lasts four days and takes place in person. Participants are expected to work in groups during and between the Programme sessions and collaboratively develop proposals for pilot projects. At the end, two projects are selected for a six-month incubation at the Casa do Impacto.
The first two editions focused on Housing, Habitat and Mobility, and Public Health, respectively. They took place in July and January 2025 and were coordinated by Guilherme Vitorino, Deputy Director of NOVA IMS and Coordinator of the Nova Innovation & Analytics Lab. Professor in Innovation and Change Management.
Third Edition Dates:
June 25 and July 2, 9, and 16
Location:
NOVA IMS Innovation Camp | Campolide Campus
Topics:
Development of social innovation projects in the field of Social and Community Cohesion using design thinking methodologies. At the end, two projects will be selected for a six-month incubation at the Casa do Impacto.
Coordination:
- Guilherme Vitorino, Deputy Director of NOVA IMS and Coordinator of the Nova Innovation & Analytics Lab. Professor in Innovation and Change Management. Former Senior Advisor at the Ministry of Health, among other leadership roles in the health sector.
Applications:
- Check participation conditions here.
- Apply here to IDEA until May 15.
WHO CAN APPLY?
The programmes are open to the general public: professionals, researchers, lecturers, and students interested in deepening their knowledge and testing innovative ideas in key areas of social and territorial development. Participation is free, subject to application.
Both programmes are conducted exclusively in Portuguese.
DO I NEED TO APPLY TO BOTH PROGRAMMES?
No. Although part of an innovation cycle, the programmes are independent.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF PARTICIPATING?
Participants will have access to:
- In-depth analytical reflection on current social and territorial issues
- Specialised and personalised mentoring
- Opportunities to test innovative ideas
- Integration into active innovation communities
- Opportunity for one-year incubation at the Casa do Impacto (for selected projects)
APPLICATIONS
- Check participation conditions (in Portuguese).
- Apply to one or both programmes until May 15 (complete the respective form):
- OPEN Programme application form (in Portuguese)
- IDEA Programme application form (in Portuguese)
I HAVE A QUESTION. WHO SHOULD I CONTACT?
In case of any questions, please contact:
Sandra Fernandes – sandra.fernandes@unl.pt
Vanda Soares – vanda.soares@unl.pt
OTHER INFORMATIONS
Parking spaces are available. If needed, please send an email to connect@unl.pt with the subject line “Parking request” and indicate the name of the programme(s).
