Created in 1991 through a University of Coimbra initiative, Instituto Pedro Nunes (IPN) is a private non-profit organisation which promotes innovation and the transfer of technology, establishing the connection between the scientific and technological environment and the production sector. IPN´s mission is to leverage a strong university - enterprise relationship for the promotion of innovation, rigor, quality and entrepreneurship in private and public sector organisations by acting in three complementary areas:

  • Research and technological development, consultancy and specialised services. IPN’s technological infrastructure includes a set of six laboratories (Automation, Materials, Informatics, Phytopathology, Electroanalisys and Geotechnics) in diversified technological areas which, along with its established connections with higher education and institutions, RTD organisations and both national and international companies, place IPN in a privileged position for jointly conducting RTD activities with enterprises. IPN is thus able to provide multidisciplinary support for product creation and innovative processes within an entrepreneurial environment. This includes research and technological development, access to sources of funding and assistance with intellectual property queries and entry to international markets.
  • Incubation and acceleration of businesses and ideas - Promotes the creation and development of innovative and technology-based companies.
  • Highly specialised training and promotion of science and technology - Provides high level continuous training with special emphasis on in-company action-training programmes. IPN’s Training Department is a Portuguese certified training entity, which guarantees the ability to deliver high-end quality training and consulting. This certificated status is granted by DGERT - General Directorate of Employment and Labour Relationships. As a certified training institution, IPN uses practices and procedures that are orientated through a specific referential guide, giving credibility to IPN’s training services and its outcomes.