The Faculty of Science and Technology of NOVA University Lisbon (NOVA FCT), in collaboration with MARE, the Portuguese Industrial Association (AIP), the Ensaios e Diálogos Association (EDA), the Almada City Council (CMA), Madan Parque, and Airjobs, promoted the 2025 edition of the Sustainable and Innovative Ideas Competition - Terra & Mar | NOVA Ideas with Impact.
The initiative challenged students from NOVA FCT to devise innovative solutions with the potential to generate a positive impact on the local community, the local economy, and the health of terrestrial and marine ecosystems. The competition is part of the Local Integrated Operation (OIL) 2 - Costa de Caparica, which is funded by the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR), which aims at the sustainable regeneration of vulnerable territories, with a special focus on the Terras da Costa.
The final session took place on October 23, 2025, in the Auditorium of the NOVA FCT Library, where the finalist teams presented their projects to a jury composed of Lia Vasconcelos (MARE, NOVA FCT), João Galopim (AIP), Ana Filipa Barros (CMA), Aneesh Zutshi (NOVA Executive Education), João Carrasquinho (Lifeshaker), and José Carlos Ferreira (MARE, NOVA FCT).
Distinguished projects
1st place – “Mycelium Processing as Packaging Material”
Ebuzome Iyke Martins | Team: Just Myself
The project presents a sustainable alternative to plastic packaging, replacing it with biodegradable materials produced from the mycelium of the Pleurotus ostreatus fungus and agricultural and urban waste, such as straw, bagasse, and coffee grounds. Characterized by their lightness, strength, and compostability, these packaging materials promote the circular economy, reduce the presence of microplastics, and can be used in sectors such as food, cosmetics, and e-commerce.
2nd place – “VENTUS – Micro Wind Turbines on Street Lights”
João Mira | Team: Ventus
The proposal consists of installing vertical axis micro wind turbines on existing street lights, enabling decentralized renewable energy production in an urban context, without the need for new infrastructure. The solution stands out for its simplicity, low cost, and compatibility with variable winds, contributing to municipal energy efficiency and reducing the carbon footprint.
Honorable Mention – “From Sea to Sea”
Sara de Sousa and Anna Rickmann | Team: From Sea to Sea
This project proposes the implementation of a system for collecting and transforming used neoprene wetsuits from the surfing community. This material is difficult to recycle and is often discarded, so its reuse is an added value. The project aims to convert neoprene wetsuits into new handmade products, such as buoys, protective gear, and equipment for fishing communities, as well as floating and insulating items for general use. This initiative aims to mitigate coastal pollution, bring surfers and fishermen closer together, and generate new local economic opportunities, with the potential for replication in other communities.
The three winning projects reflect the spirit of the Terra & Mar | NOVA Ideias com Impacto competition, which aims to encourage sustainable entrepreneurship, value local knowledge, and promote the ecological and social regeneration of Costa da Caparica.
