NOVA impACT! Challenges

The NOVA impact! Challenges was created by NOVA University Lisbon to support the development of 10 impactful solutions that solve social and environmental challenges and improve today and tomorrow's life.

This year's edition counts with the support of Santander Universidades to reach a wider audience and provide all university students and researchers a chance to participate in this program.

This initiative is open to the entire academic community of Higher education institutions in Portugal and the solutions can be 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.

Ideas can be submitted by teams with 2 to 5 members. The top 10 ideas will be selected by a jury of experts, with a short selection interview, if necessary.

During 4 weeks, selected teams will develop a prototype or a proof of concept. 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, teams will have access to online workshops focused on the activities to be developed throughout the week.

An assigned mentor will follow up each selected team and provide guidance during the competition.

In the end, there will be a pitch session, to select the winner.