HQA® Making Waves at University of Algarve 

Harnessing the power of the waves to provide reliable energy for smaller vessels is the concept behind the…

Filipe Galego, João Rodrigues, Zoran Lukic and Francesco Berrettini at University of Algarve
Filipe Galego, João Rodrigues, Zoran Lukic and Francesco Berrettini at University of Algarve

Harnessing the power of the waves to provide reliable energy for smaller vessels is the concept behind the latest innovative project launching at the University of Algarve (UAlg) via the HQA® Visa Program. Founder Zoran Lukic and Professor João Rodrigues, Vice-Rector at UAlg, signed the partnership agreement alongside representatives from Empowered Startups on the university’s campus in southern Portugal where the project will be undertaken.   

Enthusiastic Entrepreneur  

A long-standing partner of the university, Empowered Startups has facilitated more than 1,000,000 Euros of foreign direct investment to the University of Algarve through the HQA® Visa Program. Lukic is the latest transnational entrepreneur to utilize the program to establish his start-up with the recognized Portuguese university, and he is extremely complimentary of the process. 

“Like in those cool stories that you hear that happen to someone else – everything goes seamless and efficient, providing all necessary resources for the project to get started,” revealed Lukic when asked about his experience with Empowered Startups’ HQA® Visa Program. “Now, when we got here, the confidence of success is just increasing. Ready to cast off and set sails!” 

João Rodrigues and Zoran Lukic following signing at University of Algarve

Catch a Wave 

Lukic’s ambition for this project is to develop and test a working prototype of the Mini Kinetic Wave Based Electrical Energy Generator, which can transform wave-caused movements into electric energy for use onboard small vessels or floating buoys, for example. The technology will be used to complement already existing solutions that ensure renewable energy production like wind generators or solar panels.   

An accomplished professional from Serbia, Lukic brings more than two decades of experience in waterways information, administration, and technology to this endeavour with UAlg. Over the past 10 years, he successfully created and raised his own private business in the domain of intelligent transport infrastructure and waterway transport infrastructure, both inland and maritime. 

Portugal’s Preferred Pathway 

Lukic’s signing and project launch is part of an exciting month that will see a total of eight new projects announced at Portuguese universities and polytechnics in October via the HQA® Visa Program. The program has quickly evolved into a preferred pathway for transnational entrepreneurs to enter Portugal’s startup ecosystem while simultaneously investing in R&D opportunities for and talent retention of Portuguese students.    

Learn more about the HQA® Visa Program