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.

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.

Following the Pitch Day, three finalist projects were selected. The teams will present their solutions at the Final Pitch, taking place at the Data with Purpose Summit on June 25, where the prizes for this edition will also be awarded.

[Assembleia Watch]

A platform designed to improve parliamentary transparency by making legislative information easier to access and understand. It allows citizens to track bills, voting records and campaign promises in real time, linking proposals to members of parliament, political parties and prior commitments. Through data visualisation and comparison tools, it supports more informed civic engagement and public accountability.

[Shadoo]

An urban navigation solution focused on well-being, helping users find safer walking routes during periods of extreme heat. By combining data on shade, temperature, slope and accessibility, it suggests routes that account for thermal comfort and physical effort. The approach is particularly relevant for more vulnerable groups, such as older adults or people with reduced mobility.

[SARA]

A digital support system designed to guide families and caregivers after a diagnosis, particularly in cases of neurodegenerative conditions. It provides a structured care pathway, a shared coordination space and access to a verified support network. The goal is to improve care coordination while easing the burden on informal caregivers.

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