The Polytechnic of Cávado and Ave hosted, on 22 and 23 January in Barcelos, the Transnational Project Meeting (TPM) of the European VERSE project, funded by the Erasmus+ programme. The meeting brought together academic and industrial partners from several European countries (Italy, France, Greece, Ukraine and Portugal), strengthening transnational cooperation in the areas of innovation, sustainability, design, and education. IPCA actively participates in the project through the School of Design, the School of Management, and the ID+ – Institute for Research and Development in Design, Media and Culture, integrating applied research and innovation projects in both academic and industrial contexts.

The opening session was attended by the President of IPCA, Professor Alexandra Malheiro, and the Vice-President for Internationalisation, Professor Paula Tavares, emphasising the institution’s commitment to these strategic projects, internationalisation, and the connection between academia, industry, and society.

Over the two days of work, the partners reviewed the first year of the project and launched the activities for the following years. The programme also included technical visits to IPCA’s R&D units, including ID+, as well as a visit to the company RDD Textiles, strengthening the link between teaching, research, and industrial practice. Informal networking moments and a cultural visit to the city of Barcelos complemented the meeting, promoting the exchange of experiences and the consolidation of partnerships.

Hosting this TPM at IPCA reaffirms the institution’s role as an active hub for European cooperation, pedagogical innovation, and sustainable development, contributing to the training of professionals equipped to meet the contemporary challenges of design and the creative industry.

More information about the VERSE project at www.versedesign.eu and @verse_ecofashion