Following the success of its fourth edition, the Comendador Arménio Miranda Mentorship Programme, from the Faculty of Biotechnology (ESB), is returning for a new edition. The initiative aims to motivate and challenge students from the Master’s and Postgraduate programmes in Nutrition and Food Sciences to identify and apply, on a scientific basis, the latest food trends aligned with health and well-being needs in personal and family life, within an increasingly critical environmental context

The 2025/26 edition of the Mentorship Programme, funded and directly supported by Comendador Arménio Miranda, seeks to contribute to aligning the agri-food industry with emerging food trends by encouraging the development of new product proposals that meet the expectations of the different stakeholders in the food value system. These solutions should also consider principles of the circular economy, as well as strategies for environmental reconversion and regeneration. Students are challenged to develop an innovative and sustainable food product, covering all stages of the process: concept definition, formulation, manufacturing process, packaging, market entry strategy, and business plan.

Comendador Arménio Miranda, distinguished with the title of doctor honoris causa by ESB, is widely recognised for his innovative mindset and extensive experience in the industrial sector. Within the programme, he will mentor the projects, sharing knowledge and contributing suggestions throughout the different stages of development. The mentoring process may extend from the ideation phase to product development, industrial prototyping and potential market launch. Over the course of a year, participants will have the opportunity to meet regularly with the mentor, who will act as a facilitator and advisor in the development of their projects.

More information available here.