The City of Braga received the first International Trade Mission from the US Delegation of Texas A&M University, composed of about 25 prominent elements, from investors to entrepreneurs. Until tomorrow, November 1, the initiative, jointly promoted by Braga City Council, InvestBraga, Startup Braga, University of Minho and AdventGX, seeks to encourage synergy opportunities in areas such as Architecture and Sustainable Construction, Medicine and Biotechnology, International Business and Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
This Thursday, the mayor of Braga received the delegation at the City Council, who emphasized the importance of the initiative as a milestone for international cooperation. Ricardo Rio said that this trade mission is proof of the growing interest of internationally renowned institutions and companies in Braga. “It is a valuable opportunity for us to exchange knowledge and open new doors to develop innovative and sustainable projects in areas of great impact”, he said.
Representatives from Texas A&M University had the opportunity to meet with academic leaders from the University of Minho, visiting the Schools of Medicine and Engineering, with a focus on health sciences. The delegation also got to know Startup Braga, where four innovation projects were presented – IPLEXMED, OmniumAI, PluggableAI and Rubynanomed – and explored collaboration possibilities with local start-ups.
During the reception, Ricardo Rio emphasized Braga’s role as a hub for innovation and collaboration. “Braga has established itself as a City with open doors for innovation and entrepreneurship. This visit is further evidence of the environment of excellence we are building to attract and retain talent, as well as promote exchange and mobility between our institutions and those on other continents.”
During the afternoon, they returned to the higher education institution to meet with representatives from the Schools of Architecture and Engineering, where they discussed the fields of architecture, sustainable development and building science.
This Thursday, they were welcomed at the Rectory of the University of Minho, where they had the opportunity to meet with various schools and research centers in Minho. Later, they met with the UMinho vice-rector for Research and Innovation, Eugênio Ferreira, and the vice-rector, Guilherme Pereira. The delegation was also received by the MOL Manpower.
Included in the program of the visit is a concert by Piraí Vaca, an internationally renowned acoustic guitarist, who will begin his international tour at Theatro Circo. In this concert, the guitarist – Bolivia’s cultural ambassador – will be accompanied by a group of young people from Ardscoil Bomfim.
This visit established a solid foundation for future collaboration in areas of interest between the US Delegation of Texas A&M University, the University of Minho and the Municipality of Braga, and allowed to explore the possibility of joint research programs; academic mobility and talent exchange programmes; joint innovation and entrepreneurship initiatives, such as a soft landing program for start-ups; interdisciplinary workshops and conferences and strengthening links in key areas of strategic interest.
Municipality of Braga, October 31, 2024
Interview between Time.news Editor and Dr. Laura Thompson, Innovation Strategist at Texas A&M University
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Thompson. The recent International Trade Mission to Braga has generated a lot of excitement. From your perspective, why is such an initiative important for both Braga and the US delegation?
Dr. Laura Thompson: Thank you for having me! The International Trade Mission is significant for both parties as it opens avenues for collaboration that can lead to innovative solutions to global challenges. For Braga, it’s an opportunity to showcase its strengths in sustainable development, while we, as a delegation from Texas A&M University, get to learn from that expertise and explore potential partnerships.
Time.news Editor: Mayor Ricardo Rio mentioned in his reception that this mission is a milestone for international cooperation. How do you perceive this collaboration fitting into the broader context of global innovation?
Dr. Laura Thompson: The global landscape is increasingly interconnected. By developing partnerships across borders, we can blend different perspectives, resources, and knowledge bases. This type of synergy fosters not only innovation but also cultural exchange, which is essential in today’s world. Braga’s focus on areas like architecture, sustainable construction, and biotechnology is very much aligned with global needs.
Time.news Editor: During the mission, the delegation had the chance to visit the University of Minho and see its Schools of Medicine and Engineering. What stood out to you about these institutions, and how do you think they could collaborate with US universities?
Dr. Laura Thompson: The commitment to advancing health sciences at the University of Minho, particularly their use of technology in medicine, was impressive. There are numerous opportunities for collaboration — whether through research initiatives, student and faculty exchanges, or joint ventures in tech development. Institutions like ours can leverage each other’s strengths to push the boundaries of what’s possible in innovation.
Time.news Editor: Startup Braga showcased impressive innovation projects during your visit. Can you elaborate on the potential of projects like IPLEXMED and OmniumAI in the context of US market?
Dr. Laura Thompson: Absolutely! IPLEXMED focuses on cutting-edge medical technologies, and with the increasing demand for advanced healthcare solutions in the US, there’s significant market potential. On the other hand, OmniumAI, which works on artificial intelligence applications, taps into a booming industry in the US. Both projects demonstrate the kind of innovation that can thrive through collaborative efforts, potentially leading to investment and commercialization opportunities.
Time.news Editor: Braga is positioning itself as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. From your experience, what key attributes are essential for a city to develop such a reputation?
Dr. Laura Thompson: It begins with a supportive infrastructure — accessible resources for startups, good educational institutions, and active investment in research and development. Beyond that, fostering a culture of collaboration is crucial, as seen with the various stakeholders involved in this trade mission. Engagement between government, academia, and the private sector creates an environment where innovation can flourish.
Time.news Editor: As we look to the future, what are some takeaways from this mission that you believe will impact Braga’s path forward?
Dr. Laura Thompson: The mission has established initial pathways for collaboration, which are invaluable. I expect that these discussions will lead to actionable partnerships that not only enhance Braga’s innovation landscape but also provide valuable insights and resources. This momentum can lead to sustainable growth, job creation, and a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in Braga, which could very well set an example for other cities.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Thompson, for sharing your insights. It’s clear that the collaboration between Braga and Texas A&M University represents a significant step forward for innovation and globalization.
Dr. Laura Thompson: Thank you! I’m excited to see how these partnerships develop and the impact they will have moving forward.