Research and technology for the valorisation of natural resources and of those not effectively recovered by economic activity
The Centre of Technology and Innovation (CTI) is an internationally recognized excellence research and technological intensification centre. CTI aims to find solutions to a set of problems through a team of young, multidisciplinary, proactive and highly innovative people. It incorporates the technological infrastructure Bio Centre: Biorefineries, Bio Industries and Bioproducts.
CTI is composed of four departments with specific goals:
This department aims to develop solutions to problems relating to population decline through the settling of critical mass in the region and the development of project activities which promote welfare, gender equality and combat rural exodus.
It also focuses on research for sustainable education, using new educational models of scientific literacy, such as playful activities of innovation and technology focused on skill models and the stimulation of creativity in younger generations (from 4 to 18 years old), aligned with local and "Agenda Local 21" guidelines.
It is a pioneer department in the implementation, promotion and development of policies for the establishment of economic activities in Portugal, with heavy reliance on technology and innovation, fostering youth entrepreneurship.
The Energy and Territory department conducts research activities and technological development in the following sectors:
- Energy, energetic systems and intelligent mobility;
- Protection, valorisation and sustainable management of regional resources, preventing the risk of large-scale forest fires;
- Valorisation and exploitation of the potential for energy generation and production of bioproducts and biofuels based on lignocellulosic and hydrocarbon resources, as a parallel activity to the food and agroforestry sectors, focusing on the development of 2nd and 3rd generation biorefineries, according to the Circular Economy concept.
This department develops research and technological activities regarding
- System optimization and solutions for serious environmental problems, promoting environmental exploitation from a business perspective, with focus on wastes, industrial and regional symbioses and Circular Economy;
- Development of treatment solutions of effluents and microalgae usage and their valorisation;
- Research and development of biomaterials with innovative and efficient features, based on dematerialization and valorisation of regional resources, integrating eco-innovation and eco-design;
- Life cycle integrated optimization, using multi-criteria analysis models and Life Cycle Assessment; and
- Research aimed at promoting healthy eating habits and an active lifestyle.
Research and technological development in the area of "Super Food", "Natural Food", "Pleasure Food" and products derived from fruit, based on endogenous resources and the design of new agricultural products with a strong food innovation component.
In this regard, the focus has been on Serra da Estrela cheese, São Bartolomeu pear variety, apples of regional varieties, mushrooms native to the region and truffle farming.
Application of techniques which contribute to the promotion of agricultural production through quality products with differentiating characteristics, based on technological implementation and improving the productivity and quality of the systems.
Mycology, both in the context of food and biomolecules, is an important research pillar for this department.