This week on the roundup: sailing, the global economy, memorandums, inaugural episodes, pitches, research, perfection, highlights, portals, infrastructure investment, intensity, path building, collaboration, the circular economy, renovations, workshops, and more!

But first, here are the IPBN Highlights of the Week

We were so happy to bring members together last Thursday in the Algarve for a truly special edition of our Member Meet Member series — set against the stunning backdrop of Vilamoura Marina! A warm thank you to our gracious hosts at Vilamoura Dreams Cruises for welcoming us on board the absolutely beautiful MorningStar. The setting provided the perfect balance of professionalism and relaxation, creating an environment where meaningful connections could naturally flourish.

We are delighted to announce the second edition of our 2026 Conversation with a Leader series, featuring António Rios de Amorim, President and CEO of Corticeira Amorim — a global leader in cork production, sustainability, and innovation! This exclusive event will offer members a unique opportunity to hear directly from one of Portugal’s most respected business leaders as he reflects on leadership, innovation, sustainability, and Portugal’s evolving role in the global economy. NOT TO BE MISSED!

And now...

IPBN Executive partner Konceptness posted, "We are delighted to announce that Konceptness has signed a memorandum of understanding to partner with a Chinese laboratory company. This partnership was signed as part of the "Macao-Portugal Economic and Trade Cooperation Promotion Session", which took place on 20 April, with the aim of expanding the trade cooperation network between China and Portugal. A strategic step that reinforces our international presence."

IPBN Executive Partner Claudia Coelho from PwC Portugal shared, "It was a pleasure to participate in the first episode of the podcast "From Commitment to Action", an initiative of @PwC Portugal in partnership with Observador, dedicated to a topic that continues to challenge organizations from all sectors: ESG. This conversation with Paulo Ferreira was an excellent opportunity to reflect on the evolution of ESG in organizations and, above all, on the path we still have to take to turn promises into actions. I thank Paulo for the accurate questions! I invite you to listen to this episode and follow this podcast, which will have a new episode starting today here."

IPBN Academic Partner UC Business said, "There are projects that need more than a good idea. They need the right stage. The Startup Capital Summit's Pitch Competition puts you face-to-face with investors and experts, with monetary prizes of up to €5,000 and presence at the Web Summit 2026 at stake. Applications open until May 10th."

IPBN Academic Partner Joana Apolónio, PhD Researcher, Algarve BIoMedical Center (ABC) posted, "The University of Algarve will host the ISN Advanced School 2026 – International Society for Neurochemistry (ISN), from 25 to 31 October 2026, under the theme “Stress, Proteostasis, and RNA Dynamics: Neurochemical Mechanisms in Brain Function and Disease”. This one-week advanced school will bring together national and international participants for an intensive training experience in the field of neurochemistry. Regarding the ISN Advanced School sponsorship. please contact directly joana.apolonio@abcmedicalg.pt."

IPBN member Suzi Steinhofel shared, "Once in a while, a client seeks nothing less than perfection. Villa La Rossa is destined to become an ultra A-list destination on Lake Maggiore, Italy and its presentation had to reflect that. They understood what few do: that Lake Maggiore is Italy’s true crown. Timeless, refined, and untouched by fashion."

IPBN member IDEA Spaces posted, "In this edition of IDEA Stories, we highlight another inspiring member of our community. Carlos is Vice President, Global Operations Management Office & LEAN at Vestas, bringing global experience and leadership to the IDEA ecosystem."

IPBN member Carlos Justino has just launched a new side project: The Readout. "A free AI news portal for anyone who wants to keep up with the latest developments in AI, without the noise. It is still an early version, but it is already live and open to everyone. Link in the first comment."

IPBN member Techies Go Green shared about a fantastic Urban Sustainability Forum last week. "Great to see such a strong turnout and to hear from an excellent line-up of speakers and panellists sharing practical, thought-provoking insights. A sincere thank you to the GEC Sustainability Cluster and the staff in The Guinness Enterprise Centre for their support in bringing this event together. A clear takeaway from the day was that while government is now delivering major infrastructure investment, the success of Dublin’s transition will ultimately depend on the actions businesses take within their own organisations."

And of course, SAVE THE DATE June 18 for the IPBN 3rd Edition of our annual Innovation Conference at the GEC. Details to be announced soon.  

IPBN Business Partner Unicorn Factory Lisboa posted, "Over 24 intense hours, the Future Innovators Hackathon - a Road to Start Hack, hosted by Unicorn Factory Lisboa and START Lisbon, and powered by Sonae and José de Mello, brought together talented builders, designers, and innovators to turn bold ideas into real solutions, at the Unicorn Stage. From ideation to MVP, teams pushed their limits when difficult times, validating concepts, building prototypes, relaxing over pilates, and pitching their ideas in a high-energy, fast-paced environment. In numbers: 70 young entrepreneurs, 26 teams, 8 finalists (Aegis Medtech, SYN City, Trace, Roomscan, EVDCGrid, M, AquaLab & SandVault)."

IPBN Academic Partner Universidade Europeia shared, "Universidade Europeia launched the Dialogues with CEO's initiative, a space for sharing between leaders and the academic community, which had as its first guest Rui Miguel Nabeiro, CEO of Grupo Nabeiro | Delta Cafés, leaving a particularly relevant reflection for those who are building their path."

IPBN member Silvia Correia said, "Attending the Conference TransformEC was a strategic opportunity to reinforce re.store®'s voice within the circular economy landscape and to strengthen my commitment to advancing textile circularity with vision, credibility, and action. At re.store, circular economy is not a concept we discuss from the sidelines. It is the work we do every day. Being present in spaces like this is essential. Not only to stay close to the conversations shaping the future, but also to keep learning, create meaningful synergies and open the door to networking opportunities that can lead to real collaboration and measurable change."

IPBN member Vale do Lobo Golf and Beach Resort posted, "The Vale do Lobo Golf Shop has recently been renovated, reflecting the resort's continued evolution as a benchmark golfing destination. The space has been carefully rethought to meet the expectations of the contemporary golfer, now featuring a greater spaciousness and an improved circulation experience, along with the latest spring/summer collections and a careful selection of premium brands."

IPBN member Tara Elzingre shared, "A 4-hour workshop done and dusted! So amazing to see all the wonderful apps built today at #SheCreates. Such an incredible day surrounded by incredible ladies. So very grateful for you all."