The team from the Escola Profissional de Aveiro (EPA) – Sever do Vouga Campus claimed a prestigious 3rd place in the final of the 11th edition of the Regional School Business Ideas Competition, held this afternoon in Caldas da Rainha.

The distinction comes after the presentation of seven finalist projects to a jury composed of figures of recognized merit in promoting entrepreneurship in the Centro Region. The evaluation took into account demanding criteria such as the degree of innovation, feasibility, territorial impact, and the structuring and development of each idea.

VisionSafe Interlock: Technology at the Service of Industrial Safety

Developed by students Catarina Cierco, Délcio Zacarias, and Saltanat Tileubay, the VisionSafe Interlock project introduces an innovative technological solution for the industrial sector. It is a smart system that integrates safety goggles with machinery (such as angle grinders), preventing the equipment from starting if the goggles are not being worn correctly.

The main objectives of this solution are to:

• Create safer working environments;

• Prevent severe eye injuries;

• Ensure the mandatory and correct use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE);

• Reinforce worker protection and reduce corporate costs associated with workplace accidents;

• Develop an automatic, intelligent, and user-friendly system.

"Seeing Sever do Vouga entrepreneurial ecosystem recognized at this level is a source of immense pride for Vougapark. The VisionSafe Interlock project proves that our young people are attentive to real industrial challenges and are capable of creating solutions with market viability and a strong social impact. Supporting this innovative spirit, in close connection with the school community, is the core of our mission." — Andreia Fonseca, Project Manager at Vougapark

A Successful Journey with Local Support

This regional achievement is the culmination of an exemplary journey. The team secured their ticket to this final after winning 1st place at the Intermunicipal School Entrepreneurship Competition of the Aveiro Region 2026, held this past June 3rd in Albergaria-a-Velha.

The students success was backed by the guidance and mentorship of Professor João Santos and the support of Carolina Gomes, representing CIRA (Intermunicipal Community of the Aveiro Region). Promoted by the Centro Regional Coordination and Development Commission (CCDR Centro, I.P.), this competition aims to raise entrepreneurship awareness among young people and annually elect the “Entrepreneur Student of the Centro Region 2026”.

For the Escola Profissional de Aveiro and the Municipality of Sever do Vouga, this 3rd place achievement represents yet another historic milestone, solidifying the municipalitys position as a hub for innovation and youth talent.

Huge congratulations to Catarina, Délcio, and Saltanat on this brilliant distinction!

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Summary of the Finalist Ideas in Competition

Beira Baixa

Amato Lusitano Secondary School | Municipality of Castelo Branco

Business Idea: OliCut

The business idea is to create and market a portable electric machine for shredding olives, designed for domestic use. The goal is to automate a manual, time-consuming, and physically demanding process, providing greater safety, speed, and consistency. The product is aimed at small and medium-sized family producers as well as the hospitality sector. The business model includes direct sales, distribution through cooperatives and agricultural stores, as well as rental services and technical support.

Beiras and Serra da Estrela

Trancoso Vocational School | Municipality of Trancoso

Business Idea: ReflorAI – Intelligent Rapid Reforestation System for Post-Wildfire Recovery

This project consists of an intelligent system for wildfire prevention, environmental monitoring, and reforestation that combines ground-based sensors, drones, wireless communications, and an artificial intelligence-powered digital platform. Through real-time data collection and analysis, the solution can detect risks, issue early warnings, support decision-making, and contribute to more efficient and sustainable land management. More than just a technological solution, the project aims to protect people, preserve forests, and reduce the impact of wildfires, demonstrating how innovation can serve sustainability and community safety.

Oeste

Joaquim Inácio da Cruz Sobral Basic and Secondary School | Municipality of Sobral de Monte Agraço

Business Idea: Womenity – By Your Side

Development of a smart safety bracelet with a discreet and minimalist design that sends alerts when activated. It provides a practical way to request help in dangerous situations. Beyond its SOS function, the bracelet is intended to serve as a daily “safe haven.” When activated, it sends information such as the user''''''''s location and identification to the police, while also automatically transmitting an alert signal to other connected bracelets through an app (family members, friends, guardians, tutors, etc.). This device is designed for use by anyone, particularly in vulnerable situations.

Aveiro Region

Aveiro Vocational School – Sever do Vouga Campus | Municipality of Sever do Vouga

Business Idea: VisionSafe Interlock

VisionSafe Interlock is an innovative solution designed to improve industrial safety by integrating smart protective eyewear with machinery such as angle grinders. Through sensors and automatic communication, the equipment only operates when the safety glasses are being worn correctly. This technology reduces eye-related accidents, promotes the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and lowers costs associated with workplace accidents.

Coimbra Region

Coimbra School of Hospitality and Tourism | Municipality of Coimbra

Business Idea: Croquis

Croquis is a healthy and crunchy snack made from natural, local, and seasonal ingredients, developed to meet the growing demand for nutritious and sustainable food alternatives. The project is based on circular economy principles, promoting organic products and ingredient reuse to reduce food waste while encouraging fruit and vegetable consumption in a more appealing way, especially among children. With a strong environmental and social focus, the brand uses recyclable materials, responsible production methods, and local partnerships, distributing its products through schools, gyms, vending machines, local markets, and digital platforms. Croquis positions itself as an innovative food solution that combines health, taste, sustainability, and positive impact on both the community and the region.

Leiria Region

Professional and Artistic School of Marinha Grande | Municipality of Marinha Grande

Business Idea: GynoSense Project

GynoSense is a smart, washable sanitary pad developed to promote intimate women''''''''s health monitoring in an innovative, discreet, and sustainable way. Integrated with a chip connected to a mobile application, the device collects and analyzes vaginal secretions and menstrual blood, providing relevant indicators such as pH, humidity, temperature, and menstrual flow. Based on this data, the application helps women monitor their intimate well-being, while also supporting fertility tracking and the early detection of potential health changes that may require medical attention. In addition to its technological and preventive healthcare features, GynoSense stands out for its environmental commitment through the use of reusable and washable materials. The project has also received a favorable scientific opinion from the Polytechnic Institute of Leiria, recommending the product for funding and further research.

Viseu Dão Lafões

Father José Augusto da Fonseca Secondary School | Municipality of Aguiar da Beira

Business Idea: Bandoor

Bandoor is a platform that enables musicians to connect with bands and allows bands to connect with event organizers and individuals seeking to hire them. Users can create a portfolio, set prices, and manage their availability through an integrated calendar. Clients can search, compare, and book bands or musicians directly, with streamlined communication and simplified payments. Essentially, it serves as an open door to music, connecting talent with events quickly and efficiently.