Researchers

Carlos Figueiredo (UPTEC)

Carlos Figueiredo
Project Manager
Carlos Figueiredo

Seconded from UPTEC (Portugal) to UPC (Barcelona)

2 months, Summer 2022

Carlos Figueiredo is project manager at UPTEC, the Science and Technology Park of the University of Porto. He has responsibilities on elaboration and management of European projects in several fields, namely in Creative and Cultural Industries, Hubs of entrepreneurship, innovation and technology, and gives support to entrepreneur programs and mentorship to startups.

Graduated in Physics Engineering (UC) and PhD in Digital Media (UP & UT Austin-Texas | Portugal Program), he has more than 20 years’ experience working in different sectors, in Portugal and abroad, with a strong human centric focus and a genuine interest for innovation, ICT business and culture. Since 2003 he has been working in the fusion of business, technology and culture & arts aimed to create a better impact in people’s lives. 

Carlos is a people person, entrepreneur by nature and an enthusiast of creativity and social innovation. Through countless activities, volunteering and working for a better society he is delivering his cultural footprint around the world.

Carlos’ secondment experience:

I have worked in innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystems and in the Cultural and Creative Industries sector. All these work fronts are related to European projects in which UPTEC participates, or is working on the development of partnerships or is involved in the creation of new consortia, namely to promote social impact and opportunities for our ecosystem in the Porto / north region of Portugal.

  • Why did you decide to go on a secondment?

Considering Barcelona as a relevant European laboratory in the fields in which I work, i.e. innovation, entrepreneurship and CCI, the objective was meeting personally people from companies, universities and labs to learn, exchange knowledge and sow new partnerships.

  • What are the main topics that you worked with during your secondment?

The articulation between stakeholders and ways to solve problems in the ecosystem in Barcelona in the fields of innovation, financing and entrepreneurship.

  • Why did you decide to visit UPC?

Firstly, because the UPC has a relevant track record in the areas of innovation, entrepreneurship and CCI. Secondly, because there was a good alignment between the rules of the OpenInnoTrain and the objectives of UPTEC with the secondment.

  • What was the most valuable thing you took from your secondment?

The different methods applied by different institutions, the possibility of learning and participating in the creation of bridges beyond those created for UPTEC and U.PORTO. In other words, realizing that we can all act and contribute for everyone, even if we are newcomers to a new ecosystem.

  • Why would you recommend to go on secondment?

It is always enriching to step out of our comfort zone and be active in conquering a new one. On the other hand, because learning makes us more aware of personal and collective responsibilities as characters in the great play that is life (beyond work). 

Send a Message