Professor Teresa Mendes, President of the Board of Instituto Pedro Nunes (IPN) receives a picture frame made of Mother of Pearl from Ambassador Philippe Lhuillier during his visit to the IPN last 12 February 2014

After the briefing, the Ambassador was given a tour in one of the six research laboratories at IPN where a company has commissioned the Institute to conduct trial and testing on a new material designed for insulation in the construction industry. Professor Mendes noted that the uniqueness of the Institute lies in its business and ideas incubation program which support the development of innovative and technology-based ideas.

Aside from the research laboratories, the IPN facilities include rooms called “incubators” where companies can rent in order to gain access to the scientific and technological support and an environment which encourages the development of knowledge on quality, management and marketing. Business companies also benefit from the network of national and international markets provided by the IPN. Newly-enrolled companies occupy the nursery incubators until they mature and transfer to the advanced facilities until such time they graduate from the program.

Ambassador Lhuillier thanked Professor Mendes for the visit and for offering to share the IPN’s experience in linking research on science and technology with the development of the business sector.