The University of Minho has granted spin-off status (young academic company) to PhotoUP and NeuroMech Systems, reinforcing its commitment to knowledge transfer and an innovation ecosystem with economic and social impact for the country. UMinho now has 51 active spin-offs in a wide range of areas, almost half of which have been integrated since 2017.
PhotoUP develops biological technologies based on microalgae to purify biogas, converting it into renewable natural gas (biomethane) and biomass of high commercial value for the aquaculture and biofertiliser sectors. This approach makes it possible to transform greenhouse gas streams into renewable energy and create additional value chains, contributing to a more sustainable energy transition. The company is made up of Leandro Madureira, Pedro Geada, Daniel Madalena, Maria Silva, Salomé Duarte and Filipe Maciel. It is mentored by professors José António Teixeira, Alcina Pereira, and António Vicente, from the Department of Biological Engineering at the School of Engineering. The project is part of the Centre of Biological Engineering (CEB), directed by Nuno Cerca, and has already won the SpinUM and GreenTech Challenge’25 awards.
NeuroMech Systems combines expertise in Physics and Physiotherapy to develop technological solutions applied to the healthcare sector, focused on functional monitoring and improving clinical practice. The company is composed of Cláudia Lopes and Nelson Azevedo, with mentorship from Filipe Vaz, from the Physics Department of the School of Sciences, and Paula Encarnação, from the School of Nursing. The project is integrated into the Physics Center of the Universities of Minho and Porto, directed by António Onofre.
TecMinho, the university-business interface of UMinho, chaired by Paulo Ramísio, was instrumental in supporting the development of the two new business ideas. Both teams have participated in the TecMinho Incubation HUB program, receiving support in validating the business model, structuring the value proposition, market analysis, and the formal process of granting the status by UMinho.
At the recognition session, Sandra Paiva, former Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation, highlighted that the new spin-offs demonstrate UMinho’s ability to transform scientific knowledge into concrete solutions for society: “The determination of the two teams is a clear example of the vitality of our innovation ecosystem; we are deeply proud to welcome and support them on their growth path, reinforcing our mission to promote excellent research with real impact on the territory.”
The members of the UMinho School of Engineering are responsible for the creation of one third of the total of 51 active spin-offs at UMinho, a fact that reveals the entrepreneurial capacity of our academic community.
The School of Engineering congratulates all these spin-offs and commends them for being a living testament to the innovation skills of EEUM.
