From 3 to 5 December, the Convent of São Francisco in Coimbra hosted the 2nd edition of the European Funds Exhibition, a national initiative of Portugal 2030, organised by the Regional Coordination and Development Commission of the Centre (CCDR Centro), with the support of Coimbra City Council.
GreenCoLab participated in the event with an exhibition stand, represented by Fátima Pereira, communications specialist, and Bernardo Carvalho, PhD student from Biorefinary WG. Throughout the initiative, both presented the consortium’s products, services and main lines of research to the public.
As part of the programme, Bernardo Carvalho also gave an institutional presentation on GreenCoLab, highlighting the role of algae biotechnology in promoting a more sustainable, innovative and future-oriented economy.
The opening session was attended by Cláudia Joaquim, President of the Agency for Development and Cohesion, followed by speeches by Isabel Damasceno, President of CCDR Centro, and Hélder Reis, Secretary of State for Planning and Regional Development.
The speeches highlighted the importance of European funds in strengthening the territory, improving company competitiveness, and promoting sustainable development.
The main objective of the event was to bring together citizens, companies and institutions from across the country, representing sectors as diverse as agriculture, technology, gastronomy, social inclusion, biotechnology and health, among others. The initiative was promoted by the Regional Coordination and Development Commissions (CCDRs), reinforcing their fundamental role in territorial coordination and support for regional development and fostering a more transparent, integrated understanding of projects and investments supported by European funds in Portugal.
Over three days, the programme featured a diverse set of initiatives, including roundtables, presentations of beneficiary projects, and thematic sessions on areas such as Research and Health, Territory and Mobility, Green Innovation and Decarbonisation, and more. These moments provided opportunities to reflect, share experiences, and disseminate innovative solutions developed across the country.
The closing session was led by the Minister of Economy and Territorial Management, Manuel Castro Almeida, who delivered a message of confidence and hope for a greener, more sustainable, and socially cohesive future, highlighting the importance of collaboration among public, private, and scientific entities in building innovative solutions.
