Junior Data Consulting (JDC), NOVA IMS’ Junior Enterprise, hosted the 10th Junior Entrepreneurs National Congress on 21–22 February at the Rectorate of NOVA University Lisbon.

With more than 550 participants, this edition brought together students, junior enterprises, faculty, and business leaders for two days of conversations around leadership, innovation, and getting ready for the job market—making it one of the country’s largest gatherings dedicated to youth entrepreneurship.

Under the theme “Mapping the Unseen,” the programme challenged participants to look beyond the obvious: spotting overlooked opportunities, trying different approaches to innovation, and reflecting on how impact is created - not only by launching new ventures, but also by leading teams and helping projects grow.

Across both days, the congress featured speakers and roundtables focused on growth and internationalisation, including Sofia Tenreiro, CEO of Siemens Portugal. Discussions also brought together voices from Tekever, OutSystems, and Sword Health, alongside a session with Ana Barbosa, Country Sustainability Manager at IKEA, focused on sustainability and management.

NOVA IMS faculty members -including Leonardo Vanneschi (Associate Dean for Research); Manuela Aparício (Pro-Rector for Pedagogical Innovation); António Martins; João Martins and Ivo Bernardo - also contributed with perspectives from research and teaching. The opening session included remarks by Miguel de Castro Neto, Dean of NOVA IMS.

Alongside the stage programme, networking moments created space for direct exchanges between students and business leaders. With sessions covering leadership, technology, and entrepreneurship, the congress reinforced its practical focus and its connection to the skills that matter early in a career.