IMPROVING SOCIETY TODAY AND BEYOND
When: June 23 – July 14, 2025
Do you have a project that could change the world?
NOVA impACT! Challenges is a dynamic competition powered by the NOVA Impact Office, designed to support innovative projects that address one or more of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). If you and your team are working on a solution with real impact — this is the opportunity you’ve been waiting for!
Over the course of three intensive and inspiring weeks, selected teams will:
- Participate in three expert-led workshops
- Be matched with a dedicated mentor
- Receive €500 in seed funding at the start to support prototype development
The program culminates in a live pitch event at the NOVA Rectorate, where a panel of academic and industry leaders will evaluate the projects. The winning team will receive an additional prize to help accelerate their impact.
Application deadline: June 4, 2025 (11:59 PM)
🌍 Turn your idea into action — apply now!
Objectives
Support the development of 10 impactful solutions placing knowledge and innovation at the service of society.
The solutions can be very varied – including apps, websites, physical devices or a business plan – and must be in line with at least one of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
Eligibility
This initiative is open to all academic community of Higher Education Institutions (HEI) in Portugal.
The regulation of the program can be found here: Regulation_NOVA impACT! Challenges_2025
The program in a nutshell
The program – In a Nutshell
Ideas can be submitted by Teams with two to five members.
The top 10 ideas will be selected by a jury of experts, with a short selection interview, if considered necessary.
During three weeks, selected teams will develop a prototype or a proof of concept, using video, photos, diagrams, apps, 3D printing, etc.. In certain specific cases, the solution can be the business plan.
Each team will be eligible to receive up to 500€ to implement the proof-of-concept and develop the prototypes.
In the beginning of each week, participants will have access to virtual workshops, with a focus on deliverables to be fulfilled throughout that week and will have a virtual meeting with the mentor/facilitator. In addition, other resources will be made available, including access to the NOVA Mentor Network, fablab facilities, among others. Teams can get together in face-to-face mode if they wish to, but can also work remotely.
In the checkpoint meetings (once a week | virtually) each team will have to present the work developed during that week to the organizing committee.
The program will culminate with the Demo Day with the final pitch presentations, face-to-face, of the solutions developed, to a panel of experts.
The winning idea will be announced on the Demo Day and will be eligible for an additional prize up to €2,000.
The future development of the winning ideas will be closely monitored by the NOVA Impact Office.
The regulation of the program can be found here: Regulation_NOVA impACT! Challenges_2025
Application & Selection Process
Ideas must be submitted through this link.
The jury members will review and evaluate all ideas submitted.
The 10 best candidate ideas will be selected for the proof-of-concept phase.
Participants must demonstrate their willingness and commitment to develop the proof-of-concept throughout the three weeks of the program.
Resources Made Available In The Proof-Of-Concept Phase
Calendar & Deadlines
Application Deadline: June 4, 2025
Program Kick-off (Welcome Session):
June 23, 2025 | 2:30 PM – 3 PM | In-person (Senate Room, Campolide Campus)
Proof-of-Concept Phase:
June 23 – July 14, 2025
Demo Day & Winner Announcement:
July 14, 2025 | 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM | In-person (Auditorium B, Campolide Campus)
The final event will include a networking session and a celebration of the winning projects — everyone is welcome!
Contacts
For more informations please contact the NOVA Impact office (novaimpact@unl.pt) with the reference: NOVA impACT! Challenges 2025