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Secretaria Regional da Juventude, Habitação e Emprego
I9.Açores winners join entrepreneurship mission to Madrid
I9.Açores winners join entrepreneurship mission to Madrid
Secretaria Regional da Juventude, Habitação e Emprego
Regional Government co-hosting the 91st meeting of European Students’ Union Council from May 25 to 31 in Ponta Delgada
Regional Government co-hosting the 91st meeting of European Students’ Union Council from May 25 to 31 in Ponta Delgada
Secretaria Regional da Juventude, Habitação e Emprego
Over 90 young people participating in I9.Açores – Youth Academy for Innovative Ideas
Over 90 young people participating in I9.Açores – Youth Academy for Innovative Ideas
May 23, 2026
I9.Açores winners join entrepreneurship mission to Madrid
May 22, 2026
Regional Government co-hosting the 91st meeting of European Students’ Union Council from May 25 to 31 in Ponta Delgada
May 18, 2026
Over 90 young people participating in I9.Açores – Youth Academy for Innovative Ideas
News
Nota de Imprensa
May 23, 2026
I9.Açores winners join entrepreneurship mission to Madrid
The projects that won first place in the various categories of the I9.Açores – Youth Academy for Innovative Ideas competition, organised by the Regional Secretariat for Youth, Housing and Employment through the Regional Directorate for Youth (DRJ), will participate in an entrepreneurship mission to Madrid, Spain. “Entrepreneurship is not just about starting a business; it is about having the attitude, creativity and courage to do things differently, to make an impact and contribute to a better society. For this reason, we have decided to provide this experience outside the Region to an entrepreneurial ecosystem in Madrid, driven by new trends, creativity, innovation and success stories that will surely inspire young people,” stated Maria João Carreiro. The Regional Secretary for Youth, Housing and Employment praised the “quality of the business ideas and innovation proposals submitted to I9.Açores,” pointing out that “there is a generation in the Azores ready to create, innovate and transform.” The fifth edition of I9.Açores kicked off on Monday, May 18, in Santa Cruz da Graciosa and ended this Thursday, May 21, with the participation of more than 95 young people and 45 business ideas from schools across the Region. Following the two-day event, which included the presentation of ideas to the local community at the “Entrepreneurship Fair” and mentoring sessions with participants, the most innovative and impactful projects at each level of education – from Basic Education to Secondary education, including Vocational Education and Higher Education – were distinguished by a jury comprising leading figures from the business sector and the regional entrepreneurial community. In the middle school category, the first place went to the “EcoMoldar” project from the Vila de Capelas Basic Education School. Second place went to the “Estrela Dourada” project from the Maia Basic Education School, and third place went to the “Ecokids – Sustainable Adventure” project from the Madalena Basic Education and Secondary School. The “Emita cookies” project from the Lagoa Basic Education School was awarded an Honourable Mention. In the junior high school category, the “Biopalha: Sustainable Mushrooms” project from the Graciosa Basic Education and Secondary School won first place. Coming in second place was the “Aromas da Faneca” project from the Santa Maria Basic Education and Secondary School, whilst third place was awarded to the “Azores in a box” project from the Jerónimo Emiliano de Andrade Secondary School. An Honourable Mention was also awarded to the “Anonaí” project from the Rabo de Peixe Basic Education School. In the Secondary Education category, the “Mar e Patas” project from the Flores Basic Education and Secondary School was the winning project. Second place was awarded to the “Ambitri” project from the Lajes do Pico Basic Education and Secondary School, and third place to the “Inhamélicas” project from the Jerónimo Emiliano de Andrade Secondary School. The “Okayte” project from the Manuel de Arriaga Secondary School was awarded an Honourable Mention. In the Vocational Education category, first place went to the “Lactose-free A2A2 milk and flavoured fresh cheese” project from MEP – Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Ponta Delgada Vocational School. Second place went to the “RaizMat” project from the Horta Vocational School, and third place to the “Green Gin” project from Ponte Norte – Ribeira Grande Education and Development Cooperative, CRL – Ribeira Grande Vocational School. An Honourable Mention was also awarded to the “Carteflow” project developed by the Azores Training Centre. In the Higher Education category, first place was awarded to the “Bio Spark” project developed by university students Miguel Santos and Samuel Pires Gonçalves. This year, the I9.Açores jury included Catarina Ferreira, entrepreneur and creator of the “Louvre Michaelense” and “O Calheta Petiscaria” concepts; Lara Martinho, Director and Founder of Azores Book Hotel; Sérgio Nazaré, Chef and owner of two restaurants on the island of Faial; Flávio Tiago, Associate Professor with Aggregation at the University of the Azores; and João Pedro Machado, manager of Filnor, Lda. The i9. Açores is the culmination of the work carried out throughout the school year as part of the Entrepreneurial Academy – School of Leaders. This programme aims to promote entrepreneurial skills among young Azoreans through informal educational pathways, using a learning-by-doing approach and programmes tailored to different educational levels and age groups.
May 23, 2026
I9.Açores winners join entrepreneurship mission to Madrid
The projects that won first place in the various categories of the I9.Açores – Youth Academy for Innovative Ideas competition, organised by the Regional Secretariat for Youth, Housing and Employment through the Regional Directorate for Youth (DRJ), will participate in an entrepreneurship mission to Madrid, Spain. “Entrepreneurship is not just about starting a business; it is about having the attitude, creativity and courage to do things differently, to make an impact and contribute to a better society. For this reason, we have decided to provide this experience outside the Region to an entrepreneurial ecosystem in Madrid, driven by new trends, creativity, innovation and success stories that will surely inspire young people,” stated Maria João Carreiro. The Regional Secretary for Youth, Housing and Employment praised the “quality of the business ideas and innovation proposals submitted to I9.Açores,” pointing out that “there is a generation in the Azores ready to create, innovate and transform.” The fifth edition of I9.Açores kicked off on Monday, May 18, in Santa Cruz da Graciosa and ended this Thursday, May 21, with the participation of more than 95 young people and 45 business ideas from schools across the Region. Following the two-day event, which included the presentation of ideas to the local community at the “Entrepreneurship Fair” and mentoring sessions with participants, the most innovative and impactful projects at each level of education – from Basic Education to Secondary education, including Vocational Education and Higher Education – were distinguished by a jury comprising leading figures from the business sector and the regional entrepreneurial community. In the middle school category, the first place went to the “EcoMoldar” project from the Vila de Capelas Basic Education School. Second place went to the “Estrela Dourada” project from the Maia Basic Education School, and third place went to the “Ecokids – Sustainable Adventure” project from the Madalena Basic Education and Secondary School. The “Emita cookies” project from the Lagoa Basic Education School was awarded an Honourable Mention. In the junior high school category, the “Biopalha: Sustainable Mushrooms” project from the Graciosa Basic Education and Secondary School won first place. Coming in second place was the “Aromas da Faneca” project from the Santa Maria Basic Education and Secondary School, whilst third place was awarded to the “Azores in a box” project from the Jerónimo Emiliano de Andrade Secondary School. An Honourable Mention was also awarded to the “Anonaí” project from the Rabo de Peixe Basic Education School. In the Secondary Education category, the “Mar e Patas” project from the Flores Basic Education and Secondary School was the winning project. Second place was awarded to the “Ambitri” project from the Lajes do Pico Basic Education and Secondary School, and third place to the “Inhamélicas” project from the Jerónimo Emiliano de Andrade Secondary School. The “Okayte” project from the Manuel de Arriaga Secondary School was awarded an Honourable Mention. In the Vocational Education category, first place went to the “Lactose-free A2A2 milk and flavoured fresh cheese” project from MEP – Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Ponta Delgada Vocational School. Second place went to the “RaizMat” project from the Horta Vocational School, and third place to the “Green Gin” project from Ponte Norte – Ribeira Grande Education and Development Cooperative, CRL – Ribeira Grande Vocational School. An Honourable Mention was also awarded to the “Carteflow” project developed by the Azores Training Centre. In the Higher Education category, first place was awarded to the “Bio Spark” project developed by university students Miguel Santos and Samuel Pires Gonçalves. This year, the I9.Açores jury included Catarina Ferreira, entrepreneur and creator of the “Louvre Michaelense” and “O Calheta Petiscaria” concepts; Lara Martinho, Director and Founder of Azores Book Hotel; Sérgio Nazaré, Chef and owner of two restaurants on the island of Faial; Flávio Tiago, Associate Professor with Aggregation at the University of the Azores; and João Pedro Machado, manager of Filnor, Lda. The i9. Açores is the culmination of the work carried out throughout the school year as part of the Entrepreneurial Academy – School of Leaders. This programme aims to promote entrepreneurial skills among young Azoreans through informal educational pathways, using a learning-by-doing approach and programmes tailored to different educational levels and age groups.
Nota de Imprensa
May 22, 2026
Regional Government co-hosting the 91st meeting of European Students’ Union Council from May 25 to 31 in Ponta Delgada
The Azores will host the 91st Board Meeting (BM91) of the European Students’ Union – an organisation representing higher education student associations from over 40 countries – bringing together more than 100 student association leaders in Ponta Delgada, São Miguel Island, from May 25 to 31. This meeting is co-organised by the Regional Secretariat for Youth, Housing and Employment, through the Regional Directorate for Youth, and by the Academic Forum for Information and External Representation (FAIRe Portugal). It will focus on the theme “The transformative power of Higher Education in the Outermost Regions.” The BM91 programme includes plenary sessions, thematic working groups, political debates and formal decision-making sessions, during which resolutions with an impact on the European higher education sector will be discussed and voted on. In parallel, capacity-building activities and the sharing of best practices will be organised, promoting the development of participants’ skills, particularly in the areas of civic participation, student representation and international cooperation. Furthermore, sessions open to the public will take place during the event, strengthening the link with the Azores and promoting a broad debate on strategic issues for regional and European development. The open sessions will take place at the Azoris Royal Garden - Leisure & Conference Hotel in Ponta Delgada. The first open session, on the theme “University of the Azores – the strategic contribution to the transformation of an Outermost Region,” will take place on Tuesday, May 26, at 10:15 a.m. Artur Lima, Vice-President of the Government of the Azores; Susana Mira Leal, Rector of the University of the Azores (UAc); Paulo do Nascimento Cabral, MEP; and João Soares, President of the Student Academic Association of the University of the Azores (UAc), will be the speakers on a panel moderated by Teresa Tiago, Professor at UAc. Also, on 26 May, the second open session will take place at 3:30 p.m. It will be dedicated to the theme “Training and Employment: attracting and retaining talent in a regional economy.” Renato Medeiros, Regional Director for Vocational Training and Employment; Artul Gil, Vice-Rector for Science, Innovation and Knowledge Transfer at UAc; Marco Lopes, President of the General Council of UAc; and Cláudia Luz, from Jolera, will be the speakers for this session, which will be moderated by Duarte Pimentel, Director of Terinov. The third session is scheduled for Thursday, May 27, at 9:30 a.m. and will focus on "Entrepreneurship and R&D: local competitive advantages in a global economy." Eládio Braga, Regional Director for Youth; Guilherme Silva, Finançor Group; Bruno Carvalho, from Space Port; Miguel Pombo, from IGNAE; and Nelson Simões, Lecturer and Researcher at UAc, will be the speakers on a panel moderated by Adriana Fumi Chim-Miki, Lecturer at UAc. The opening session, scheduled for May 26 at 9:30 a.m. at the Azoris Royal Garden, will be chaired by the Regional Secretary for Youth, Housing and Employment, Maria João Carreiro. The BM91 programme also includes visits and cultural activities on the island of São Miguel. During the meeting, the new governing body of the European Students’ Union will be elected, a crucial moment in determining the organisation’s leadership and priorities for the coming term.
May 22, 2026
Regional Government co-hosting the 91st meeting of European Students’ Union Council from May 25 to 31 in Ponta Delgada
The Azores will host the 91st Board Meeting (BM91) of the European Students’ Union – an organisation representing higher education student associations from over 40 countries – bringing together more than 100 student association leaders in Ponta Delgada, São Miguel Island, from May 25 to 31. This meeting is co-organised by the Regional Secretariat for Youth, Housing and Employment, through the Regional Directorate for Youth, and by the Academic Forum for Information and External Representation (FAIRe Portugal). It will focus on the theme “The transformative power of Higher Education in the Outermost Regions.” The BM91 programme includes plenary sessions, thematic working groups, political debates and formal decision-making sessions, during which resolutions with an impact on the European higher education sector will be discussed and voted on. In parallel, capacity-building activities and the sharing of best practices will be organised, promoting the development of participants’ skills, particularly in the areas of civic participation, student representation and international cooperation. Furthermore, sessions open to the public will take place during the event, strengthening the link with the Azores and promoting a broad debate on strategic issues for regional and European development. The open sessions will take place at the Azoris Royal Garden - Leisure & Conference Hotel in Ponta Delgada. The first open session, on the theme “University of the Azores – the strategic contribution to the transformation of an Outermost Region,” will take place on Tuesday, May 26, at 10:15 a.m. Artur Lima, Vice-President of the Government of the Azores; Susana Mira Leal, Rector of the University of the Azores (UAc); Paulo do Nascimento Cabral, MEP; and João Soares, President of the Student Academic Association of the University of the Azores (UAc), will be the speakers on a panel moderated by Teresa Tiago, Professor at UAc. Also, on 26 May, the second open session will take place at 3:30 p.m. It will be dedicated to the theme “Training and Employment: attracting and retaining talent in a regional economy.” Renato Medeiros, Regional Director for Vocational Training and Employment; Artul Gil, Vice-Rector for Science, Innovation and Knowledge Transfer at UAc; Marco Lopes, President of the General Council of UAc; and Cláudia Luz, from Jolera, will be the speakers for this session, which will be moderated by Duarte Pimentel, Director of Terinov. The third session is scheduled for Thursday, May 27, at 9:30 a.m. and will focus on "Entrepreneurship and R&D: local competitive advantages in a global economy." Eládio Braga, Regional Director for Youth; Guilherme Silva, Finançor Group; Bruno Carvalho, from Space Port; Miguel Pombo, from IGNAE; and Nelson Simões, Lecturer and Researcher at UAc, will be the speakers on a panel moderated by Adriana Fumi Chim-Miki, Lecturer at UAc. The opening session, scheduled for May 26 at 9:30 a.m. at the Azoris Royal Garden, will be chaired by the Regional Secretary for Youth, Housing and Employment, Maria João Carreiro. The BM91 programme also includes visits and cultural activities on the island of São Miguel. During the meeting, the new governing body of the European Students’ Union will be elected, a crucial moment in determining the organisation’s leadership and priorities for the coming term.