SmartAgriHubs – InnovPlantProtect

NEWS

InPP took part in the National Exhibition of the Projects of the Portuguese Pact for the Blue Bioeconomy

September 26, 2025
Blog, Highlight, News, Project
Ines Ferreira

On September 25, InnovPlantProtect (InPP) was present at the National Exhibition of Blue Bioeconomy Pact Projects, held at the Port of Leixões Cruise Terminal, for the exhibition session of the Algae Vertical project, led by PhytoBloom by Necton.

InPP, leader of sub-project 6 - Agriculture, was represented by department director Cristina Azevedo and executive director António Saraiva, who presented some of the new algae-based biosolutions that our team and partners are developing.

There were more than 300 participants and 80 entities, including companies, research centers and political decision-makers. The Opening Conference was attended by the Chairman of Inovamar's General and Supervisory Board, José Soares dos Santos, and round tables were held on the future of the blue economy in Portugal.

Algae Vertical explores the biotechnological potential of algae in sectors as diverse as food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, agriculture and energy.

Find out more about the Algae Vertical Project here.

InPP joins BioLivingLABS project - Bioeconomy at the service of the sustainability of inland territories

September 22, 2025
Blog, Highlight, News, Project
Ines Ferreira

InnovPlantProtect (InPP) recently received approval for an application submitted to COMPETE2030-2024-6 - Collective Actions - Transfer of scientific and technological knowledge - BioLivingLABS - Bioeconomy at the service of the sustainability of inland territories, led by MORE CoLAB - Laboratório Colaborativo Montanhas de Investigação, Associação, in partnership with the Polytechnic Institute of Bragança (IPB), the Polytechnic Institute of Castelo Branco (IPCB) and AQUAVALOR.

BioLivingLABS aims to promote the economic valorization of research and development (R&D) results obtained by various institutions in the North, Center and Alentejo. To this end, it will create an experimental demonstration network, the so-called Living Labs, The project will be held in the innovation hubs of Mirandela, Douro, Covilhã and Elvas. In addition, demonstration actions, workshops, an inland innovation catalog and training on intellectual property protection will be developed with the aim of encouraging the incorporation of innovative solutions in the business sectors of these regions.

Scheduled to begin in October and lasting 24 months, the project has a total eligible investment of over 740,000 euros, financed by COMPETE2030 - Thematic Program for Innovation and Digital Transition. For InPP, this project is a strategic opportunity to strengthen its mission as a center for technology development and transfer, boosting the practical application of scientific knowledge to promote sustainable development.

This initiative confirms InPP's commitment to open and sustainable innovation, integrating science, technology and regional development to respond to the challenges and potential of the interior of the country.

InPP took part in an Open Day dedicated to the cereals of Baixo Mondego

September 19, 2025
Blog, Highlight, News
Ines Ferreira

On September 18, the executive director of InnovPlantProtect (InPP), António Saraiva, the director of the New Biopesticides Department, Cristina Azevedo, and researcher Luís Grilo attended the Open Day “The Cereals of Baixo Mondego”, promoted by the Centro Regional Coordination and Development Commission (CCDR Centro), at the Bico da Barca Experimental Unit in Montemor-o-Velho.

The event highlighted the latest innovations from the Coimbra Innovation Hub, from new technologies applied to maize and rice, to fertilization strategies, protection and the use of biostimulants on these key crops in the Baixo Mondego region.

Our team also monitored trials with biofungicides, including the product I21, developed with our collaborative laboratory to combat pyriculariosis in two rice varieties, which is being patented.

In an interview with Voice of the Countryside, Cristina Azevedo shared the work we have been doing in the area of biosolutions.

(Re)watch the interview here.

Image credits: InnovPlantProtect and Voz do Campo magazine

EVENTS

Algae Vertical project documentary series already on TV

January 18, 2024
Blog
Ines Ferreira

The project's documentary Vertical Algae, led by Necton, and of which InPP is a part, is already being broadcast on television.

The documentary series Algae Vertical includes 10 episodes, which show the 7 sub-projects of Algae Vertical and are already being broadcast on the TECH 3 program on RTP3. The episodes will be broadcast every Saturday at 18:50, with a repeat on Sundays at 15:50.

For 10 weeks, the fascinating world of algae will enter Portuguese homes, giving people the opportunity to learn about the various ways of using algae and its important role in sustainability.

All the programs will also be available on RTP Play and on Algae Vertical's YouTube channel.

(Re)watch the first episode here and don't miss a new episode every week!

Vertical Algae is co-financed by Next Generation EU, through the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP), and is the largest initiative of the Blue Bioeconomy Agenda Pact.

Note: RTP3 programming may change without prior notice.

InsectERA Executive Committee visits InPP

January 12, 2024
Blog
Ines Ferreira

On January 11, InnovPlantProtect (InPP) received a visit from António Campos and Nuno Vinhais, from the Executive Board of Insectera Mobilizing Agenda.

The purpose of the visit was to get to know the facilities and technological equipment of the collaborative laboratory (CoLAB), share information and exchange ideas on how the work of the InsectERA Agenda is progressing.

InPP's executive director, Pedro Fevereiro, and the department directors, Sandra Correia and David Learmonth, welcomed the committee, presented the CoLAB and gave an update on the implementation of the Agenda.

Special thanks to António Campos and Nuno Vinhais for their visit!

InPP leads the InFrass axis, one of the 9 axes of the Agenda, led by ThenGreen, The consortium is made up of 42 national entities and a total investment of 43 million euros. The consortium aims to promote the circular economy and leverage the development of innovative insect-based technological solutions for the market.

Learn more about the InsectERA agenda and the InFrass axis HERE.

InPP received a visit from students from the Montemorense science club

January 11, 2024
Blog
Ines Ferreira

Students from the Living Science Club of the LabVivo - Ciências com Arte School, located in Montemor-o-Novo, went to InnovPlantProtect (InPP) on January 10 to explore the world of biotechnology and plants.

The young people visited the laboratories and the recently refurbished greenhouse and had the opportunity to make contact with science and gain a better understanding of day-to-day research and innovation in the areas of agriculture and plant biotechnology.

Interacting with some of our researchers to find out about their background and what led them into these fascinating areas was one of the highlights of the visit.

It was an excellent opportunity to clear up doubts and curiosities among the youngsters.

InPP hopes that the visit served to motivate and inspire the students to pursue a career in science and innovation in crop protection.

It was a pleasure to welcome you!