On 6 November, the CCG/ZGDV Institute will open its doors for the Open Day for Knowledge, an initiative by IAPMEI, organised in partnership with the Institute, which forms part of the celebrations marking its 33 years of activity. Under the theme ‘From Knowledge to Impact: Emerging Technologies for Competitiveness and the Future’, the event aims to bridge the gap between research and technological innovation and the practical needs of businesses and society.
The event, which will take place at the CCG/ZGDV premises at the University of Minho in Guimarães, will bring together representatives from businesses, institutions, and organisations in the scientific and technological sector, providing a forum for knowledge-sharing, debate, and identifying new opportunities for collaboration.
Throughout the day, participants will have the opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of the technologies and solutions developed by the CCG/ZGDV teams through practical demonstrations that highlight the potential of research and technological development to address challenges across different sectors of activity.
The technology exhibition will be organised into four thematic areas: Industry of the Future; Health and Quality of Life; Security, Defence and Digital Resilience; and Cities, Mobility and Energy. The demonstrations will showcase the Institute’s expertise and technological applications, particularly in Artificial Intelligence, Advanced Computing, Computer Vision, Computer Graphics, and immersive technologies.
From research to the market: turning knowledge into competitiveness
In the afternoon, the CCG/ZGDV and the IAPMEI Technology & Impact Forum will continue the discussion on how emerging technologies are transforming organisations.
The programme includes an international keynote address on the topic ‘Quantum Technologies in Brazil: Ecosystem, Applications and Opportunities for Industry’, presented by Valéria da Silva of SENAI CIMATEC, Brazil, which will provide insights into the development and application of these technologies in an industrial context.
This will be followed by the panel discussion ‘From Research to the Market: How to Turn Emerging Technologies into a Competitive Advantage?’, moderated by João Cerejeira from the University of Minho, which will bring together representatives from the research community and the business sector to discuss the challenges associated with technology transfer, the commercialisation of knowledge and its application in the market.
The panel will feature representatives from CCG/ZGDV, F3M, Microprocessador, Promptly Health, and SENAI CIMATEC, offering different perspectives on the journey from technological development to business adoption.
33 years of research, technology and innovation
The initiative also forms part of the celebrations marking the 33rd anniversary of the CCG/ZGDV, commemorating more than three decades of activity in bridging the gap between scientific research and the needs of businesses and society.
The programme also includes two sessions dedicated to the Institute’s history and future: ‘CCG/ZGDV in Figures’, presented by Ana Lima, Technical Director, and ‘The Next Chapter for CCG/ZGDV’, led by Rúben Oliveira, Science and Business Manager. They will present the work carried out over the years and share priorities and outlooks for the future, reinforcing the Institute’s commitment to applied research, knowledge transfer and the development of technological solutions.
According to the programme, the closing session will feature Helena Canhão, Secretary of State for Science and Innovation, and João Rui Ferreira, Secretary of State for the Economy, followed by a celebration marking the Institute’s anniversary.
By bringing together researchers, businesses, and public bodies, the Open Day for Knowledge aims to strengthen dialogue between science, technology, and industry, promoting new opportunities for collaboration and turning knowledge into value for the economy and society.
Date: 6 November 2026
Venue: CCG/ZGDV Institute | University of Minho, Guimarães
