This week on the roundup: agreements, testimonials, higher education, luxury properties, demonstrations, evolving intersections, feedback, partnerships, strategic sectors, congratulations, highlights, amazing journies, evolutions, common concerns, raising profiles, newsletters, startup sessions, energy, exploration, and excitement, AV integration, custom graphics, specialized teams, connecting, game-changers, content, technical solutions, inspiring speeches, deep breaths, and more!

But first, here are the IPBN highlights of the week:

We introduced a new partnership between The Algarve STP and the Guinness Enterprise Centre. The agreement was signed on June 17th at the GEC during the IPBN’s Dublin Innovation Conference by Niamh Collins, Director of the GEC, and Jessica Costa, Executive Director at Algarve STP. Jessica traveled from the University of the Algarve in Faro to officially sign the protocol and thanked the IPBN saying, "Thank you for the invitation and for creating a space that will allow cross-border cooperation, knowledge exchange, and meaningful opportunities for startups from Algarve and Dublin!" 

This strategic agreement reflects the IPBN’s ongoing commitment to building meaningful international connections and partnerships.  

We shared the amazing testimonial from one of our loyal Executive Partners Ardanis. Thank you for your constant and important support Ivan and Stefan Goor, André Gravato, Daniel Moreira Medeiros, JC Durbin, Johann Cardiff, Lisa Browne, and all your colleagues! We are there to help you continue expanding your business. 

We sat down with IPBN members Afghani-born Aziza Akrami and Moroccan-born Hind Falah to talk about their inspiring, remarkable journeys from their respective homelands to arrive at our academic Partner the Porto Business School, where they recently graduated. We discuss their initial motivations to pursue higher education, adapting to life in Portugal, their passions and aspirations, what it’s like embracing a new culture, what keeps them hopeful and motivated, and how their idea of "home" has evolved along the way. You can listen to their journey in our new Podcast episode here.  

We introduced our newest member of the IPBN, Lobo Estates represented by Managing Director Ian Boots! Lobo Estates is an independent real estate partner in the Golden Triangle, operating since 1999. This premier boutique real estate agency specializes in luxury properties, offering a personalized, client-focused approach that combines local expertise with unmatched dedication. 

We published and shared another demonstration of our core mission—creating visibility and business opportunities for members. The IPBN played a key role in welcoming the Quantic School of Business and Technology to Lisbon from June 26 to 29. The visit was part of Quantic’s global conference site visit program, designed to give MBA and EMBA students and alumni behind-the-scenes access to innovative companies and thought leaders in cities around the world. Hear from IPBN members and partners Mário Gago of Pink Room, Elisa Tarzia of BRIDGE IN, Emer Walshe of Quantic School of Business and Technology, Prabha Rathinasabapathy from United Lisbon Education Hub, and French Fadista Fiona Disegni about their experience! Read more about it here.

And finally, Arnold Delville, GM of the IPBN, reported on the Healthcare and Wellness conference, which took place yesterday, on July 10, at the Hilton Vilamoura As Cascatas Golf Resort & Spa. We explored the evolving intersection of Healthcare, Wellness, and Innovation in the Algarve. Read all about it and check the pictures here. We will publish and share the panel conversations next week on the IPBN Spotify channel.  

And you can read here more feedback about the conference from different members and guests present that morning. Click here, here, here, or here!

And now...

IPBN member Executive Partner Ardanis posted, "Did you know that joining the right business network can be a game changer for Irish companies looking to expand internationally? At Ardanis, our partnership with the Ireland Portugal Business Network (IPBN) has opened doors to new markets, meaningful collaborations, and valuable industry insights. In this article, we share how being part of the IPBN has helped us grow, connect, and innovate—while also highlighting why this network is such a powerful resource for Irish businesses aiming to make their mark beyond Ireland." We are so delighted! Thank you, Ardanis! 

IPBN member Tony Redondo posted, "President Trump’s 2 April ‘Liberation Day’ tariff and subsequent announcements pushed tariffs to their highest levels in a century. It’s been calmer of late with the US and China coming to an agreement. The EU is said to be prepared to accept Trump’s proposed 10% universal tariff on its exports but is pushing for reduced rates on strategic sectors such as pharmaceuticals and semiconductors." 

IPBN member Career Training Internships shared a big congratulations to its interns from France, who recently completed their internship programme. "Merci beaucoup et bon voyage!"

IPBN member Hind Falah shared that last week, she had the pleasure of attending Alumni Day 2025 at Porto Business School. She posted, "It was a great opportunity to reconnect, reflect, and be part of engaging conversations with fellow alumni. One of the highlights was the focus on Artificial Intelligence, where experts shared how AI is transforming the way we work and lead, truly inspiring insights and future-facing dialogue." 

And you can of course listen to Hind and Aziza's amazing journey from Morocco and Afghanistan (respectively) to Porto and the Porto Business School on the IPBN podcast mentioned above. 

IPBN member Filipe Mendes from RedLight Software posted, "Last Thursday, Miguel Antunes and I had the opportunity to attend the 3rd edition of the Coimbra Invest Summit, where we re-connected with some well-known entrepreneurs and businesses. It’s amazing to witness how much the event has evolved in just two years! As someone born and raised in Coimbra, it’s always a pleasure to return and see how the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem, the one RedLight Software is proud to be part of, is playing a growing role in pushing the city forward. Kudos to Câmara Municipal de Coimbra for the excellent organization!" 

You can read more about the Coimbra Invest Summit last week from other members here. 

IPBN Board member Sharon Dehmel asked, "What negative leadership behaviour shaped how you lead today? One of the most common concerns I hear from new managers is: “I don’t have enough experience to know what to do.” But here’s the thing — that concern is often a sign you're already on the path to becoming a great leader." 

IPBN member Jo James posted about the IPBN Health & Wellness Conference! "Two of my clients, Sarah Campbell, a Sports Physiotherapist and Private Pilates Instructor in Almancil, will be speaking at the event, and Kelly Dugmore from Algarve Care Services is sponsoring. I'm very proud of how they're raising their profile and building their businesses!"  

IPBN member BRIDGE IN asked, "Expanding to Portugal or Spain? Don't miss our newsletter! Hop on this journey now." 

IPBN Partner InvestPorto shared that UPTEC Science and Technology Park of the University of Porto recently announced ‘School of Startups: Get Funded’! "The free initiative is aimed at supporting startups at all stages of the investment cycle, and will feature 6 sessions between June and September. Targeted at founders and teams of startups, the sessions will include several workshops. Participants will also have access to roundtables with investors, founders, and business developers." 

IPBN Partner United Lisbon International School said that their Summer Camp 2025 is off to a fantastic start! "Week 1 was filled with energy, exploration, and excitement — just the beginning of a month designed to spark curiosity, build friendships, and create lasting memories. We are looking forward to the weeks ahead and all the fun still to come!" 

IPBN member Total Expo had the pleasure of supporting Visual Components at Manufacturing Expo 2025 in the RDS with a sleek and functional 6x3m exhibition stand design. "From the illuminated branded counter to seamless AV integration and custom graphics, this stand delivered both form and function. Thanks again to the Visual Components team for trusting us — we’re proud to help bring your brand to life on the show floor." 

IPBN member WEbrand Agency develops custom-made websites, from projects from scratch to renovations that transform the digital presence of any brand. "We have a creative and specialized team ready to bring your ideas to life! It's time to create a digital address that matches your business. Let's talk." 

IPBN member IDEA Spaces posted, "Thank you, iBASIS for hosting today’s 10AM BREAK(FAST) at IDEA! A global leader in communications solutions, iBASIS helps connect people and devices around the world and today, we had the pleasure of connecting with their team. A perfect way to start the day and discover another project from our community." 

IPBN member TIRECHECK shared, "Another TPMS pilot up and running. Within just a few hours, the system flagged two underinflated tires that would’ve otherwise gone unnoticed. That’s two tires saved, and potentially two costly breakdowns avoided — all before lunch. This is exactly why TireCheck’s TPMS is a game-changer for fleets."

IPBN member Overcast HQ says, "77% of brands are still reshooting content — not because they want to, but because they can’t find what already exists. Our latest blog breaks down the true cost of poor video management — from wasted production budgets to compliance risk — and why outdated DAM systems aren’t enough. Read the blog here." 

IPBN member GEOPALM Engineering Consulting was at the Archi Summit at the Beato Innovation District, in Lisbon this week. "Throughout the event, GEOPALM presented technical solutions of excellence in the areas of Geoengineering and Geomatics, reinforcing its role as a strategic partner for architects, engineers, and real estate developers." 

IPBN academic partner Sofia Almeida said congratulations to all of the 2025 finalists in Universidade Europeia. "A special hug to the finalists of the Tourism & Hospitality Area and who are now finishing this important stage, I wish you all the best. The CCB was filled to attend this special moment and welcomed the inspiring speech of Dr. Clara Raposo, Vice-Governor of the Bank of Portugal." 

IPBN member Mobiweb posted, "Take a deep breath. As much as you need to see what we've been up to. Click the link in the comments to check out our brand new website."