CIIMEB - The Biomedical Engineering "School of Sagres"
Published in 23rd January 2026
The Tec2Med Summit, a pioneering technological ideation platform in medicine and One Health in Portugal, took place last October in Lisbon. Created and mostly organized by youth, the platform connects biomedical engineers, clinicians, scientists from all generations worldwide, to design new ideas to save lives. Born at FCT NOVA, Tec2Med Summit has received over 1000 people since 2019, supporting over 20 business, research, or education ideas, some still in this edition. The recent 5th European Edition of the event in Lisbon marked the 1st World Tour of the event, which debuted in São Paulo, Brazil, during September, with the support of some of the largest healthcare giants.
During both events was announced the creation of the new International Center for Innovation in Medicine and Biomedical Engineering (Tec2Med CIIMEB), a pioneering R&D institution resulting from a partnership with the largest oncology center (Hospital de Amor de Barretos) and one of the largest healthcare incubators in Latin America (Harena Inovação).
The center also counts with the collaboration of Algarve Evolution, ESSCVP – CROSS ID, researchers associated with other national laboratories, including NOVA and UAlg, as well as companies. This new technological unit, located in Algarve, will revolutionize the region’s position in engineering, addressing a clear gap in the region and country. In the south of Lisbon Metropolitan area, there are no large units linked to Biomedical Engineering, which is currently conditioned by a National Health Service (SNS) with limited technological innovation and still with class stigmas regarding the presence of engineers in healthcare units. Compared to other European countries, this finally results in added pressure to healthcare professionals and increased financial resource consumption by the State.
The presence of biomedical engineers benefits clinical units with more resources, optimizing their work and offering more personalized care. Many hospitals in Portugal, including in Lisbon, still manage internal information using Excel sheets and don’t cross clinical data between specialties as a practice, something Biomedical Engineering has already solved in other countries.
Notably, Tec2Med association, a 2-year-old project, has supported 10 projects in the last year, without public support and mostly backed by young Portuguese talents who decided to “fight for better working conditions in their country.” The brand is already working on projects in Responsible AI, Biomedical Sensors, Wearables, and Digital Health. Solutions include virtual reality software for medical surgery, clinical resource management apps, and AI diagnostic algorithms.
“The choice of Algarve was obvious for us, as this region, due to its geographical location, potential, demographics, and needs, should be at the forefront of European technology. A region driving new ideas between Europe, Africa, and the Americas. Creating new bridges and catalyzing new tourism segments. Portugal can’t continue to be stuck in a competition model based on institutional control and favoritism. We must compete with ideals, we must collaborate. There’s space for everyone, and a need for everyone. Especially since we live in a connected world. CIIMEB is the new “School of Sagres” of Biomedical Engineering” – Says the team.
Tec2Med CIIMEB aims to value biomedical engineering in Portugal, which has long been reported as needing more incentives and SNS openness to its integration into the clinical environment. The brand intends to put biomedical engineering in Portugal in line with more advanced European countries.
Assuming itself as a One Health technological transfer center, focused on communities and seeking to act in complementarity with other existing centers in the country, Tec2Med CIIMEB seeks to create bridges, fill gaps, and boost Portuguese and European technology transfer worldwide, supporting international solutions with high impact potential in Europe and Portugal. The mains areas of CIIMEB will be:
The center will also have a partner hub in Margem Sul do Tejo and another in lands of Vera Cruz. Seeking public and private investors and patrons, the entire Tec2Med brand, which presents itself as a non-profit movement driven by purpose and open to all, is an example of excellence in the highest values defended in human society.
Although already focused on one of the region’s municipalities, the brand is open to municipalities interested in transforming the region, prioritizing support for young people and entrepreneurs over other interests, and accelerating bureaucracy. The search for Truth, a deep sense of duty in serving the community, and a collaborative spirit are Tec2Med’s pillars.