Speaker: Helder Sousa

Date: 28th of February, 2024

Time: 4:00 pm

Place: Room G4.1

Presentation title: “Strengthening proximity between Academia and Industry”

Short bio:

Helder Sousa is a seasoned software engineer and leader with a background in Computer and Systems Engineering. He has extensive experience in Business Critical Enterprise Systems and has held various roles at Critical Software, including Project Engineer, Software Architect, Engineering Manager, and Product Manager for edgeBOX. He later founded and served as CTO of the Smart Technologies Solutions division at Critical Software, with extensive expertise on the UK’s Smart Metering Implementation Programme. Currently, he is on a sabbatical, working on an initiative to bridge the gap between academia and industry.

Abstract:

It is generally perceived in Portugal that the relationship between Universities and the Industry has a long way to reach full potential. This is the main premise for the initiative. Having had conversations with the key roles at Critical Software, DEI and CISUC, the premise held up and this initiative was welcomed and seen as valuable to all parts. The initiative will experiment and develop ways of increasing the potential of the relationship between Academia and Industry.

For efficiency and focus the relationship between DEI/CISUC and CSW will be used as case study and main subject of interest. Conclusions and proposals for future shall be taken with a global perspective following the mindset ”Think Globally, Act Locally”.

In this presentation I’ll go through the foundations of the initiative, the main developing areas and incite you to join and participate on this journey of proximity.