U.Porto Drives Sustainable Energy Forward with €164k Investment

The University of Porto, through U.Porto Inovação, has secured €164,000 in funding from Portugal 2030, Compete 2030, and Norte 2030 programmes to support four energy innovation projects developed at its Faculty of Engineering (FEUP). This investment covers 85% of the university’s costs to protect and develop these technologies over the next three years.

Among the funded projects is GENESIS, led by Alexandra Pinto, which produces hydrogen and electricity for small vessels with zero emissions using rechargeable cartridges and reusable by-products. GENESIS, already with patent applications in Portugal, Europe, and the US, aims to accelerate commercialisation in the maritime sector and has already been recognised in multiple innovation competitions, securing second place at the first edition of BIP Acceleration and was one of those selected to receive funding in the most recent edition of BIP PROOF.

The UPWIND project, led by Fernando Fontes, focuses on a portable, rapidly deployable wind energy generator designed for remote or temporary electricity needs. Developed by a team at SYSTEC – Centre for Systems and Technologies of FEUP, the project has also achieved international patent protection and funding support. The programme achieved 3rd place in the 2024 edition of iUP25k and 2nd place in the BIP Acceleration, and was also selected for funding in BIP PROOF 2024/2025 edition, securing funding of €10,000.

Both projects highlight U.Porto’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions that address global challenges, from decarbonising maritime transport to providing affordable renewable energy in underserved areas. The funding not only supports intellectual property protection but also strengthens the projects’ competitive edge, helping transform academic research into tangible social and economic impact in the Porto region and beyond.