"Two decades of growth and innovation". This is how the Portuguese radio station TSF describes CeNTI as it celebrates its 20th anniversary.

In the programme «Negócios em Português» (Business in Portuguese) António Braz Costa, President of CeNTI, reflects on two decades dedicated to applied research, innovation, and technology transfer to industry.

"Twenty years later, we can see that our vision was the right one. Today, no one doubts that the world is competing for materials, not only for access to raw materials, but also for the technologies required to extract, process, and use them. Looking back, the small group that founded CeNTI 20 years ago was right. CeNTI was established as an independent centre with no sector-specific focus, dedicated to supporting companies working with materials", reveals António Braz Costa.

Founded in 2006, CeNTI was the first research centre in Portugal focused on Nanotechnology and one of the pioneers in Europe in the valorisation and industrial application of scientific results. Its growth and impact are reflected in its achievements to date: more than 200 researchers, a technological infrastructure comprising 19 cutting-edge laboratories, and participation in more than 950 research and innovation Projects.

"The team has grown significantly. In recent years, it has doubled in size. We are talking about highly qualified professionals whose expertise is in high demand both in Portugal and abroad. We have built a 'golden team' of exceptionally talented young people," he adds.

Driven by innovation, CeNTI provides specialised services to industry and is currently involved in around 50 ongoing Projects, nearly 20 of which are supported by the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP).

Listen to the full programme HERE (available in Portuguese only).