Highlight
INESC Porto closer to the stars
The European project ESA-ONE, whose prototype is currently being evaluated for performance, promises to revolutionise gas monitoring, namely carbon dioxide, in the atmosphere. Developed with the European Space Agency, this project, which had the participation of INESC Porto’s Optoelectronics and Electronic Systems Unit (UOSE), represents a step forward as far as greenhouse effect and consequent global warming are concerned. With the use of sensors – a technology with which INESC Porto has been demonstrating extremely positive results – in ESA’s satellites, it will now be possible to explore earth from space.
Special
INESC Porto scores points in business incubation
Established little over a year ago, Smartwatt, a spin-off from INESC Porto that has the investment of Caixa Capital (Caixa Geral de Depósitos Group) and provides energy services to companies, as well as to public and private entities, already includes important clients, such as the Municipal Council of Lisbon, the Cabelte group, or even the Municipal Council of Ponte da Barca. Moreover, in order to respond to the market demand, the company is now preparing to broaden its network of experts for the energy certification of buildings. After FiberSensing, Tomorrow Options, Xarevision, Audolici and NexToYou, Smartwatt is the most recent victory of INESC Porto when it comes to transforming the most interesting scientific results into business projects. After launching a new R&D unit exclusively for that purpose in 2007 (UITT – Innovation and Technology Transfer Unit), the positive acceptance of Smartwatt in the market is now strengthening INESC Porto’s strategic positioning as an interface institution with a market approach.
Editorial
The re-foundation of the University of Porto
We must pay tribute to the men and acknowledge the heroes. America celebrates the pilot who ditched the Boeing on the waters of the Hudson River in a risky manoeuvre that met in competence its most dreadful opponent. Our pilot is the Rector of the University of Porto.