FCT approved the establishment of six more CoLABs

The FCT announced the approval of six more Collaborative Laboratories (CoLAB) as a result of the 5th evaluation exercise of Call the recognition and award of the CoLAB title. These newly approved CoLABs join the list of 35 existing CoLABs. See the summary document of the 35 CoLABs approved after four rounds of evaluation.

The new CoLABs present a strategic development plan in different areas, including the modernization of the railway system (RAIL CoLAB), expertise in polymers (ARCP), innovation in logistics (LogIN), integrated solutions for aging and rejuvenation (ABC coLAB), the creation of economic and social value in the water sector (WATER-CoRe), and innovation for the creation of value in Portuguese gastronomy (InnovGastronomy).

The CoLABs that have now been approved have 90 days after the decision to award the title to establish themselves as private non-profit associations or companies. CoLABs aim to promote collaboration between science, technology, and higher education institutions and the economic and social fabric, namely companies, the hospital and health system, cultural institutions, and social organizations, as well as the direct and indirect creation of high added-value jobs in Portugal through the implementation of research and innovation agendas geared towards creating economic and social value.

The Call CoLAB title applications is open on a rolling basis, and the next round of evaluations will consider applications submitted by November 11, 2022.