The LETSGROW mission to bridge the gap between academia and industry is in high gear. This spring, our participants moved through a complete innovation lifecycle—from engineering sustainable bio-molecules to 3D-printing physical prototypes.
If you missed these sessions, don’t worry. The LETSGROW train is just picking up speed, and the next stops include Maia (Portugal) and Alicante (Spain).
30 March: Decoding the Bioeconomy
Online Training: Biotechnology, Green Technology, and Biorefineries
Our spring season kicked off with a deep dive into the molecular future of the agri-food sector. This intensive online training brought together a “Bio-Dream Team” of experts from the Universidade Católica Portuguesa (UCP), the National Technological Center for Food and Canning Industries (CTNC), and visionary startups.
The Highlights:
The Science of Upcycling: Researchers from UCP demonstrated how mushroom biomass and brewery side-streams are being transformed into high-value ingredients for gut and brain health.
The Precision Revolution: Startups like PFx Biotech and BioProcesia showcased the power of precision fermentation to create animal-free, sustainable proteins.
The Market Shield: Arcadia International provided the “Regulatory GPS” needed to navigate complex EU food safety laws, ensuring that scientific breakthroughs actually reach the supermarket shelf.
22-23 April: Bringing Ideas to Life
Hands-on Workshop: Rapid Prototyping at the FabLab
Following the bio-science sessions, we shifted gears from the microscope to the machine shop. In our Innovation Center’s FabLab, researchers and students participated in a high-intensity workshop focused on Rapid Prototyping.
The Highlights:
The Tools: Participants worked hands-on with 3D printing, laser cutting, and microcontrollers to turn abstract concepts into tangible hardware.
The Methodology: This was an exercise in agile evolution—stopping the theorizing and starting the building. Participants learned to iterate quickly based on user-centered design.
The Pitch: The event concluded with a high-pressure pitch session, where participants received direct feedback on their prototypes from industry veterans.
