The winners of the 11th edition of Apps for Good Portugal have been announced, once again showing how creativity, technology, and teamwork can help address real-world challenges while preparing young people for the future. The final event took place on September 16 at Lisbon’s Pavilhão do Conhecimento, with around 30 projects presented by students from basic and secondary schools nationwide.

This year, 158 schools, more than 3,200 students, and 337 teachers took part. Many projects were inspired by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), addressing issues such as education, health, sustainability, and innovation.

In the basic education category, first place went to SURI from Escola Básica e Secundária das Lajes do Pico, which developed an RFID wristband and app to monitor groups during trips and community events. Second place went to MOB.in from Amadora, a smart mobility device for visually impaired people. Third place was awarded to Welcome to Portugal from Vila Nova de Famalicão, an app helping immigrants integrate with real-time assistance, translation, and housing and job search tools.

For secondary education, Water Shield from Escola Secundária de Nelas took first prize with a misting system using rainwater to create a fire-protection barrier and alert emergency services. Second place went to Horta do Cedo from Porto, which created a hydroponic farming solution powered by IoT and AI. Third place was awarded to Smart Feed Pets from Tondela, a smart pet-feeding system using facial recognition and microchips.

Several special awards were also presented. The Public Prize went to HAWK from Madeira, which connects elderly people with volunteers for daily support. The Best App in Educational Centers and Prisons went to Young Private Life from Centro Educativo da Bela Vista, a game encouraging integration and positive behavior.

Other prizes included the School Award for Escola Secundária de Nelas, the Young Female Student Award (.PT) to Mara Fernandes for her role in Horta do Cedo, and the Best App from Portuguese Schools Abroad to Escola Portuguesa de Moçambique for OportuniMoz, which links young people with job opportunities.

Now in its 11th year, Apps for Good has reached over 28,500 students, 1,800 teachers, and 700 schools, producing thousands of technology-based solutions. Nearly 70% of this year’s schools had participated before, and more than half of the teachers worked with students with special educational needs, underlining the program’s inclusive nature.

João Baracho, Executive Director of CDI Portugal, summed up the program’s importance: “Apps for Good empowers young people to create technological solutions for societal and environmental problems. By aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals, the program fosters both innovation and inclusion.”

The 11th edition closes with the clear message that Portugal’s young innovators are ready to use technology to build stronger, more sustainable communities. Preparations are already underway for the next edition.

This article is based on a press release by CDI – Center of Digital Inclusion Portugal

Author

Paulo Lopes is a multi-talent Portuguese citizen who made his Master of Economics in Switzerland and studied law at Lusófona in Lisbon - CEO of Casaiberia in Lisbon and Algarve.

Paulo Lopes