University of Coimbra at Expo Osaka 2025 with innovative Portuguese-Japanese cooperation projects

The University of Coimbra (UC) will be present at Expo Osaka 2025 from 15-17 July to present innovative projects that link Portugal and Japan through sustainable technologies at the Portugal Pavilion.

Several researchers from the University of Coimbra are developing projects with international multidisciplinary teams that will address global challenges. This is an opportunity to strengthen links between UC and Japan, and to showcase some of the best research being carried out in Portugal to the world. UC will be represented at the event by Vice-Rectors João Nuno Calvão da Silva (External Relations and Alumni) and Nuno Mendonça, (Innovation, Business Relations and Employability).

The University of Coimbra will present five projects at Expo Osaka 2025. The Multidisciplinary Institute of Ageing (MIA Portugal), a research centre focusing on ageing, an area of concern for both countries due to their ageing populations; Activas - a disruptive and diverse response to the challenges posed by an ageing population, one of the biggest challenges for current societies, particularly in the environment and built spaces; UAS4Litter involves the use of drones equipped with optical and multispectral sensors to autonomously detect, search for, and inspect marine litter in coastal areas; Reefs - an innovative device that generates energy from ocean waves. The Atlantic Coast HUB of the Coimbra Region is a networked ecosystem designed to create and retain new businesses in the region, along with human resources, through proximity to excellent technical and scientific competencies; Finally, the Figueira da Foz Campus - UC Mar - a project that aims to promote the creation and dissemination of innovative processes in the fish sector, as well as the transfer of knowledge through partnerships between scientists and fishermen.

The UAS4Litter project is being developed in collaboration with the Japanese government and involves an interdisciplinary team that could lead to the implementation of a low-cost drone system for detecting marine litter along the Japanese coast.

In addition, the University of Coimbra is working with the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO) to connect Portuguese projects with Japanese companies.

The Portugal Pavilion will feature a dedicated space for the University of Coimbra, including a digital table that will allow visitors to connect live to the UC Patio das Escolas and interact with a UC representative. Visitors will also be able to explore these projects in detail and learn about UC history and heritage through virtual tours using virtual reality glasses.