Dean's Open Innovation Challenge 2026

The Dean’s Open Innovation Challenge is a hands-on innovation journey that promotes collaboration, experimentation, and the development of data-driven projects. The goal is to create applicable solutions, supported throughout the process, culminating in a final presentation and the awarding of prizes.

In 2026, this initiative invites participants to become Data Visionaries: using data and AI to go beyond describing the present and to anticipate what comes next – risks, needs, opportunities, or ongoing change.

The goal is to develop future-oriented projects that are practical, testable, and impact-driven, aligned with one or more of the challenge’s anchor areas.

Open to students, faculty, researchers, staff, alumni, and partners of NOVA IMS and AD NOVA IMS.

Participation is free of charge, and applications can be submitted individually or as a team – no fully developed idea is required at the time of application.

Applications for the 2026 edition are now closed.

Teams consist of 3 to 7 members. Participants who applied individually will be assigned to a team by the organizing committee, and team composition will be communicated after the application period.

For further information, please contact: mmartins@novaims.unl.pt

Teams are invited to develop solutions aligned with one or more of the following areas:

• Health & Well-being – predicting, preventing, and personalizing care
• Learning & Human Development – skills and education for continuous adaptation
• Cities & Mobility – more inclusive and responsive urban systems
• Oceans & Sustainability – environmental data for action and climate resilience
• Trust & Society – ethical, transparent, and people-centered uses of data

Explore below the different phases of the competition and how to apply.

For detailed information on rules, eligibility, deadlines, and evaluation criteria, please consult the Guide and the Regulations.