This memorandum, signed on January 29, establishes a collaborative network promoted by the University of Minho, of which the CCG/ZGDV Institute is now a part.

This collaborative network, which includes seven Technology and Innovation Centers, one CoLab, and two interface institutions, will enable the sharing of resources, expertise, capabilities, contact networks, and influence in developing new products, processes, and integrated systems. It will cover all stages from design, development, prototyping, and validation to their transfer and industrial implementation.

According to the University of Minho, in an official statement, "the goal of the 11 partners is to complement resources, expertise, capabilities, contact networks, and influence in the process of developing new products, processes, and integrated systems, going through the phases of concept, development, prototyping, and validation up to their transfer and industrial implementation."

For Ricardo Machado, Executive Chairman of the CCG/ZGDV Institute, "the UMinho Innovation Alliance represents a fundamental step in consolidating a stronger and more collaborative innovation ecosystem in Portugal. As a founding member, the CCG/ZGDV Institute reaffirms its commitment to innovation, driving digital transformation and technological development through applied research. I believe that we can only achieve the necessary scale to operate on the European and global innovation stage through cooperation and strategic coordination between institutions. Together, we can go further, impact industry and society, and position Portugal as a leader in technological innovation."

The signing of this memorandum strengthens the role of the CCG/ZGDV Institute in the scientific and innovation landscape of the Northern region within the research and innovation ecosystem. It aims to reinforce Portugal's position in the European context through various competencies.

The event, held at the B-Lounge space of the General Library (building 13) on the Azurém campus in Guimarães, was also attended by António Grilo, President of ANI (The National Innovation Agency), António Cunha, President of the Northern Regional Coordination and Development Commission, and Rui Vieira de Castro, Rector of the University of Minho.