BIKiNNOV takes part in the INOVC+ Regional Meeting at the University of Beira Interior

On July 9 and 10, BIKiNNOV was present at the 1st Regional Meeting of the INOVC+ project, held at the University of Beira Interior (UBI) in Covilhã and at the Covilhã Science and Technology Park (PARKURBIS). The event brought together all the members of the INOVC+ consortium and various agents from the regional ecosystem, with the aim of creating synergies, fostering the sharing of experiences and strengthening the innovation ecosystem in the central region.

During the two-day event, various activities took place, including a meeting of the INOVC+ consortium, thematic sessions, visits to companies and a session dedicated to publicizing partner initiatives.
Daniela Herculano, BIKiNNOV’s innovation manager, presented a paper entitled “Innovation and Technology Transfer in the Two-Wheeler Sector”. In her speech, she discussed how BIKiNNOV is prepared to face the challenges of Industrial Property, especially in the relationship between OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturer) and ODMs (Original Design Manufacturer).

He also highlighted the importance of intellectual property management, innovation in production processes and the development of new products, with an emphasis on the necessary balance between companies’ customization needs and the legal and technological challenges faced by the two-wheeler industry.

The event also included a round table on “University-company cooperation – the companies’ view”, moderated by Prof. Mário Raposo, with the participation of Ana Cristóvão (Neurosov), Hugo Nobre (WD Retail) and Vasco Reis (Capgemini). There was also a session on “Commercial valorization of R&D results”, led by António Teixeira (WellAdvisedCo), as well as several parallel working sessions, addressing topics such as the consolidation of the regional innovation ecosystem, the creation of new Technology Transfer Offices (TTO’s) and intellectual property.

BIKiNNOV also had the opportunity to visit the facilities of MEPISURFACES, a company specializing in the development of metal parts for the fashion industry, and PARKURBIS. These visits allowed direct contact with innovative business initiatives in the central region and enabled the identification of synergies and opportunities for collaboration with entities focused on research, development and technology transfer.

INOVC+ is a strategic program for the Central Region that consists of the implementation and consolidation of an Innovation Ecosystem for the Transfer of Knowledge and Technology which, in a context of networking of 23 partners, enhances the valorization and transfer of knowledge and R&D+I results to the regional economy, and is a continuation of the previous InovC, InovC2020 and InovC+ programs. The project has a duration of 30 months and a total eligible investment of around 4.1 million, 85% co-financed by CENTRO2030, Portugal 2030 and the European Union, The European Funds Closer to You.