Set.Up Guimarães Mentor and UMinho Researcher Win International IMFAHE “Shark Tank” Award

Researchers Raúl Machado, mentor at Set.Up Guimarães, and Ricardo Franco-Duarte, both from the Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology (CBMA) at the School of Sciences of the University of Minho (ECUM), have won first place in the international “Nodal Award Shark Tank” competition, promoted by the International Mentoring Foundation for the Advancement of Higher Education (IMFAHE). 

The Portuguese duo stood out among 92 candidates from 27 institutions across 10 countries with the presentation of the platform “AI4Microbes”, which uses artificial intelligence to predict and formulate personalized microbial combinations. The goal is to improve soil health, increase agricultural productivity, and reduce the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. The project combines science and technology to foster more sustainable and efficient farming practices. 

“The project was born from the desire to combine microbiology knowledge with AI to address the major current challenge of soil sustainability,” explained Ricardo Franco-Duarte to the University of Minho. He highlighted that this international recognition gives the platform a decisive boost, while also emphasizing the importance of the award in showcasing UMinho’s role in developing scientific solutions with environmental, economic, and social impact. 

Raúl Machado, born in Guimarães and holding a PhD in Biology – Materials Science and Engineering, is currently Vice-Coordinator of the Institute for Science and Innovation for Bio-Sustainability (IB-S) and co-founder of the spin-off euPa. As a mentor at Set.Up Guimarães, he actively contributes to the region’s innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem. 

This is not the first time the University of Minho has excelled in the IMFAHE “Shark Tank” competition — it previously won in 2020 with the “VitaCare” project, a superfood designed to prevent malnutrition in cancer patients. In this edition, UMinho was the most awarded university, once again demonstrating the strength and innovation of its research teams. 

The IMFAHE Nodal Award Shark Tank is a prestigious ideas competition that promotes connections between students, researchers, professionals, and international mentors, aiming to boost academic and professional development across various scientific fields.