This week on the roundup: podcasts, bootcamps, Web Summit, spotlights, ceremonies, taxes, nationality law, AI automation, the pound sterling, voices, unforeseen events, labor landscapes, workspaces, horizons, solutions, beaches, innovation, frameworks, exclusivity, immersive experiences, and more!

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

We shared our new Podcast: Last week's Masterclass with Jean Evans. Please find here all the details of Jean's 4-week bootcamp starting in Jan 2026. By using the code IPBN50, you can avail of €50 off the published prices when used by 30th November 2025!

We reminded everyone of our special event at the Algarve Tech Hub Summit this Friday, Nov 7.

It's coming! The IPBN is gearing up for Web Summit Lisbon next week (November 10 - 13), and we have already made it easier than ever for members to connect, collaborate, and make the most of this world-class event. Join the IPBN on the IPBN's dedicated WhatsApp group for members attending the event. If you’ll be at Web Summit and want to connect — whether to grab a coffee, compare notes from a session, or attend a talk together — join the group! To join, simply send your phone number to IPBN General Manager Arnold Delville, (arnold.delville@ireland-portugal.com), and Ellis will add you in.

We were delighted to spotlight Dr. Shane Farrelly, MFOM, following his recent appointment as European Clinical Director at HealthNEXT — a clinically led, AI-enabled population-health platform founded by Dr. Ray Fabius. HealthNEXT’s mission, as Dr. Farrelly explains, is simple but transformative: To make workforce health measurable, auditable, and investable. Get the full story here.

And now...

IPBN Executive Partner Declan Wynne shared,  "It was a real privilege to attend RWE’s groundbreaking ceremony today for Germany’s largest battery energy storage project — a 400MW / 700MWh facility in Gundremmingen, Bavaria, located on the former 2.5GW nuclear power station site. Just last week, the site’s iconic 160m high cooling towers were demolished — a symbolic moment marking the end of an era. Today’s event, celebrating the launch of this large-scale BESS project, represents the next chapter in Germany’s energy transition story."

IPBN Executive Partner Vellozo Ferreira Associados posted, "JURIPRUDENCE. The judgment resolves a divergence on when the interest on late payment in favour of taxpayers is applied, in the event of an error by the tax administration, following an understanding that reinforces the protection of the taxpayer's rights. This decision reinforces the responsibility of the State and the protection of the rights of citizens and companies in the face of errors or delays by the tax administration. The Judgment can be consulted here."

IPBN member Global Citizen Solutions shared thoughts on Portugal's Nationality Law Crisis: "The Cost of Breaking Promises. The Portuguese Government's proposed changes to the nationality law go far beyond routine legislative reform. They represent something more troubling: a willingness to retroactively change the rules for people who made irreversible life decisions based on Portugal's explicit commitments. While reasonable people can debate immigration policy, two topics cross a line that should concern anyone who cares about the rule of law. Learn more about it here."

IPBN member Figs on the Funcho is running an event on 12 December at Figs on the Funcho covering “AI Automation for Small Business: A Practical Hands-On Workshop”. Half-Day. Build Your First Automation Before Lunch. Includes Lunch. Running a small business often means endless admin: enquiries, quotes, follow-ups, social media, and repetitive tasks that drain time and energy. This half-day workshop shows you how to turn those everyday tasks into automatic workflows using AI — even if you’re not technical. The link for more details and to book can be found here.

IPBN member Tony Redondo says, "The Pound Sterling was well and truly dumped in October, dropping against 98% of global currencies, its worst month since September 2022 (Truss/Kwarteng mini-Budget turmoil) and recording its worst monthly run in nine years against the Euro. Last month, the Pound lost nearly 1.6% in the last four trading days of October and hit its lowest levels against the Euro since May 2023."

IPBN member Croissant says, "People deserve a voice in the workplace. Research from UKG showed that 86% of employees feel that different voices at their organization aren’t heard fairly."

IPBN member GEOPALM Engineering Consulting shared, "Knowing what is underground is essential to plan rigorously and avoid unforeseen events. With the Infrastructure Registry service, GEOPALM uses georadar technology to map water, sanitation, gas, electricity and telecommunications networks without the need for excavations. It also detects archaeological and heritage artifacts that may create constraints in the execution of a work. Precision is our mission!"

IPBN member JGSA was present at the XV Colloquium on Labour Law, organised by the Supreme Court of Justice, last Friday. "At a time of major changes in the labour landscape, the theme of the colloquium — "The new challenges of Labor Law" — is of the utmost topicality. Labor is one of the core practice areas in Jardim Gonçalves & Associados. Learn more here."

IPBN member Glandore was delighted to be featured in the Business Post, sharing how Glandore is continuing to grow, driven by the rising demand for flexible, serviced offices. As a family business, our focus has always been on building long-term relationships and creating workspaces where our members and their teams can truly thrive. Read with subscription here.

IPBN member Flow Productions says, "New connections on the way! Flow has officially become part of Ireland Portugal Business Network (IPBN) - a community that connects companies and professionals from both countries and promotes new opportunities for collaboration. Together, we continue to expand horizons, share knowledge and create bridges between ideas and people. Ready to grow with Flow?"

IPBN Academic Partner UC Business was present at the Innovating Health Together Conference'25 (IHTC'25), an event promoted by Health Cluster Portugal, which brought together companies, researchers and professionals in Porto to discuss central themes of innovation in health. The event was also the stage for technological innovations, with the HealthTech Showroom demonstrating around 100 solutions and products under development.

IPBN member Quinta do Lago has been distinguished as Portugal’s Leading Resort 2025 by the World Travel Awards! "From championship golf and The Campus to pristine beaches and fine dining, every element of Quinta do Lago reflects a pursuit of distinction and authenticity that continues to define the Algarve’s most celebrated resort. Discover here the award-winning spirit of Quinta do Lago, where legacy meets contemporary living."

IPBN Partner Algarve Evolution and CRIA UAlg organized the first Buildathon Algarve 2025! It took over Saturday and Sunday, two intense, creative, caffeine-fueled days of innovation, vibe coding, and good vibes! "This hackathon challenged participants to build AI Agents tackling real regional issues: from mobility and housing to talent, tourism, and environmental sustainability, and anything else that sparked their passion! Massive shoutout to the heroes who made it all happen."

IPBN member Saros Consulting says, "The EU AI Act is shaping the global standard for responsible AI. With strict penalties on noncompliance, no IT leader can afford to ignore it. But here’s the challenge: the Act defines what good AI governance looks like, not how to achieve it. That’s where ISO 42001 comes in. It provides the governance framework you need to build trust, accountability, and compliance into your AI systems from the ground up. Learn how your organisation can prepare for EU AI Act compliance."

IPBN member Petra Bakker at Vidavinho shared a small reminder to the Cascais Wine Club tastings upcoming weekend. "The Wine Club is all about high-quality wines at exclusive club prices. With casual walk-in tasting event to taste the wines. Tasting Dates – Cascais - Thu Nov 6 – 18:00–21:00 - Fri Nov 7 – 18:00–21:00 - Sat Nov 8 – 15:00–16:00. Galleria House of Wonders, R. da Misericórdia 53 Cascais. A selection of high quality wine is available to taste and buy. Wines usually only found in restaurants – now available to order in packs of 3 or 6, with home delivery. Tasting notes & food pairing tips included!"

IPBN member Fiona Disegni wants you to make the most of Web Summit: Soul & Brain Together. "Amid the energy and the buzz of this wonderful event, we want one thing: real conversations, real people, real moments. My signature Tech Fado dinner is all about that: a Gourmet dinner in an intimate setting, with a curated Tech audience and a live, authentic Fado interpretation (mine!) to bring you into the real soul of Lisbon. A crafted immersive experience you won’t find anywhere else. Join us on November 12^th!"