Applications are now open for the UPgrade Challenge, a programme created by UPTEC – Science and Technology Park of the University of Porto and the U.Porto Talent and Career Centre, which will challenge 40 students to solve real-world problems set by partner companies, combining mentoring sessions, visits to startups, workshops, team-building activities and career development support.

The initiative, which takes place in a hybrid format and in English, culminates in a final pitch presentation where the top three teams will each receive a prize of €250, totalling €750 in prizes.

Organised as part of BAMBUP, the University of Porto’s Mental Health Promotion Programme, the UPgrade Challenge is open to all University of Porto students, from undergraduate to PhD level, in any field of study. Throughout April, selected participants will work in teams and benefit from direct contact with the job market, career planning sessions and specialist training.

The challenges will be presented by this edition’s partner organisations: a Águas do Norte, Native Scientists, Ascendi, Ordem dos Engenheiros Região Norte and Lufthansa Group Service PT, companies from sectors ranging from civil engineering and aviation to science and infrastructure management. The participants’ training will also be supported by the Aga Khan Foundation, which will facilitate ideation sessions on the solutions to be presented to the companies, and by Mind4Time, focusing on time management and personal productivity.

On 31 March, from 5 pm, an open online session will also be held to present the programme, featuring a round-table discussion on wellbeing, academic pathways and career development. Registration for the event is free and can be done here.

Applications for the UPGrade Challenge are open until 12 April and can be submitted via the dedicated page, where further information about the programme is available.

20 March 2026