University of Minho hosts the 3rd edition of the Blended Intensive Programme “Turning Ideas into Businesses”

The University of Minho welcomed students and academics from several Arqus universities for the 3rd edition of the Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) Mentoring Programme – Turning Ideas into Businesses, an initiative dedicated to fostering innovation, entrepreneurship and international collaboration. Following the online component that began on 25 May, participants gathered in Guimarães from 22 to 26 June for an intensive week of learning, mentoring and networking.

The programme supports students and members of the academic community who wish to develop innovative ideas and transform research, technology and knowledge into viable products, services and startups. Throughout the programme, participants worked in multidisciplinary teams on business ideas at different stages of development, from early concepts to startup projects, receiving guidance from experienced academics, entrepreneurs and innovation ecosystem stakeholders. Using a four-stage validation model, they refined their value propositions, analysed market opportunities, strengthened their business models and developed pitching and business planning skills.

The face-to-face week featured an intensive programme of masterclasses, workshops, mentoring sessions, business games and networking activities. Participants attended sessions on entrepreneurial ecosystems, innovation in a geopolitical context, startup development and inclusive innovation, with contributions from academics and professionals from the University of Minho, TecMinho, Startup Braga and partner institutions. The week concluded with the presentation of the participants’ final business pitches, followed by a closing session reflecting on the knowledge and experiences gained throughout the programme.

Alongside the academic activities, participants explored the entrepreneurial and cultural ecosystems of northern Portugal. A visit to Startup Braga provided first-hand insight into one of the country’s leading innovation hubs, while free time in Braga culminated with a visit to the iconic Bom Jesus do Monte. The programme also included a Cultural and Social Day in Viana do Castelo, where participants visited Cabedelo Beach, explored the city’s historic centre and travelled to the Santa Luzia Sanctuary, strengthening intercultural exchange and networking among students from different Arqus universities.

Hosted in the historic city of Guimarães, the programme reinforced Arqus’s commitment to collaborative learning and the co-creation of innovative educational experiences. By combining virtual and physical mobility with challenge-based learning, the BIP enabled participants to acquire practical entrepreneurial competences while building international networks that will extend beyond the duration of the programme.

The programme will continue online until 13 July, when participants will complete the final stages of business model development, economic and financial assessment, pitch refinement and project presentations. 

Article written by João Pedro Gonçalves