Altice Portugal today unveiled the winners of the Altice International Innovation Award (AIIA) 2024, reinforcing its commitment to technological and scientific innovation. This year, the AIIA awarded the best projects in two categories: "Startup" and "INCLUI by Altice Foundation", with a total prize pool of 100 thousand euros.
In the "Startup" category, the 75,000 euro prize went to Seedsight, a startup that promises to transform the industry through advanced quality assessment solutions for cereals and grains. In the "INCLUI by Altice Foundation" category, the 25,000 euro prize went to the I can hear you, my son!/LYNX project, which aims to bring accessible hearing aid solutions to people with hearing limitations, promoting greater inclusion and accessibility through technology.
In addition, the N10GLED project was awarded the Born from Knowledge (BfK) Awards by the National Innovation Agency (ANI). This distinction recognizes science-based projects with a high impact on the market with a prize of 2,500 euros.
In this 8th edition of the AIIA, the finalists were early-stage startups that presented innovative proposals in relevant technological areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital health, assistive technology and quantum communication, or that promote digital inclusion, communication accessibility and solutions for people with special needs. These projects have the common goal of improving people's lives and transforming key industries, such as, in this particular case, the health, education, agribusiness, security and well-being sectors.
In this edition, the AIIA registered 91 applications from various countries, including Portugal, Luxembourg, Ireland, the United States, Germany, Poland, Estonia, Spain and Croatia, consolidating its position as a catalyst for disruptive ideas and as a benchmark in supporting technological and scientific development.
The finalist projects in the 2024 edition also benefit from a range of additional support, the result of strategic partnerships with Unicorn Factory Lisboa, for support in the incubation phase and in raising capital, and with Startup Braga, offering privileged access to its incubation services.
Alcino Lavrador Recognition: celebrating academic excellence
This year's ceremony also saw the launch of the Alcino Lavrador Recognition, an initiative that honors the best master's and bachelor's students in the areas of Information, Communication and Electronics Technologies (ICT) and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), from Altice Labs' partner universities and polytechnics. The award pays tribute to the legacy of Alcino Lavrador, former CEO of Altice Labs, an outstanding figure for his leadership and dedication to innovation.
In this edition, 12 students selected by their educational institutions were awarded a prize of €2,500. This recognition reflects Altice Portugal's commitment to valuing academic excellence and emerging talent, boosting the link between the academic world and industry.
Altice Portugal, João Paulo Firmeza, Managing Director of Altice Labs, Camille Landau, CMO and Strategic Advisor for Start-ups, Margarida Balseiro Lopes, Minister of Youth and Modernization, as well as the members of the jury, who were present for the celebration of innovation and emerging talent.
About AIIA
Launched in 2017, the AIIA is one of the largest monetary prizes currently awarded in Portugal in the area of technological innovation, and aims to promote and recognize entrepreneurship and technological talent. With this award, Altice Portugal aims to reinforce Portugal's position in the development of innovation worldwide, boosting national talent and spreading it within and outside the country.
In previous editions, the competition was open to national and international participants in the Startup category, to Portuguese students studying for a doctorate at the country's academic institutions in the Academy category, and to social action associations in Portugal in the 'Includes by Altice Foundation' category. In 2024, the Academy category will now be addressed by the Alcino Lavrador Recognition, allowing for an even greater focus on innovation and entrepreneurship. In addition, the total value of the awards has been increased to €100,000, with €75,000 going to the Startup category (in 2023 it was €50,000) and €25,000 to the 'Includes by Altice Foundation' category (in 2023 it was €20,000).