8th edition of Academica Start UC presents the agents of change for the future

English version: Diana Taborda

"Academica StartUC is an entrepreneurial programme aimed at training young leaders and agents of change for the future". These were the words of the Pro-Rector for Entrepreneurship, Gabriela Fernandes, as she presented the project at the inauguration of the Ambassadors, held on the 18^th of September at the Senate Room of the University of Coimbra (UC).

João Caseiro, President of the General Directorate of the Associação Académica de Coimbra/Students' Union (AAC), said that AAC has always sought to "do things differently and better" and hopes that this edition will be "unforgettable and the best yet".

The 26 Student-ambassadors are UC students who are involved in associations, have good communication skills, are dynamic, proactive and want to do more and better in the area of innovation and entrepreneurship.

“Académica Start UC—Network of Ambassadors for Entrepreneurship” is a joint project of the UC and AAC, with the support of Santander Universidades, which aims to raise awareness, provide training and prepare young leaders for innovation and entrepreneurship. Inês Rocha de Gouveia, representing Santander Universidades, took the opportunity to point out that "being an entrepreneur requires a sense of service" and "understanding who you are reaching and which needs are being met".

While closing the inauguration, the rector of the UC, Amílcar Falcão, recalled that the project began in 2016, when he was vice-rector, after he challenged the UC to "massify and demystify entrepreneurship". This was how the project was born, now holding its 8th edition, with "an additional resource this year, the Student Hub, which is not just a physical space, but also a pedagogical tool".

Throughout the academic year, Ambassadors receive training in several areas and are responsible for representing the UC amongst their peers in various innovation and entrepreneurship initiatives.