TEDxÉvora sells out PACT auditorium and puts the Alentejo “reprogramming” the future
13/3/2026
On March 12th, PACT – Alentejo Science and Technology Park, in Évora, hosted TEDxÉvora 2026, a meeting that brought together national and international experts, regional agents, companies, students and the general public to reflect on the challenges and opportunities that will shape the future of Alentejo.
Under the theme “Reprogramming the Future”, the event took place in front of a sold-out auditorium and promoted a space for sharing ideas, experiences and visions on innovation, sustainability and social transformation. Throughout the program, 13 speakers addressed four major strategic areas: Environment and Climate Change, Security and Defense, Health and Well-Being, and Work and Automation.
Among the experts were some of the most relevant figures in the scientific and business panorama, such as Elvira Fortunato, scientist and former Minister of Science, Technology and Higher Education; Francisco Ferreira, president of the environmental association ZERO; Maria Manuel Mota, CEO of the Gulbenkian Institute for Molecular Medicine; Vítor Ribeirinho, CEO of KPMG Portugal; Andreia Trigo, CEO of Enhanced Fertility; and Ricardo Conde, President of the Portuguese Space Agency, among others.
During the various interventions, different perspectives were explored on how cultural traditions can coexist and complement the latest technological innovations, contributing to improving the quality of life of communities and boosting regional development.
For Soumodip Sarkar, holder of the license to organize this edition of TEDx, the initiative reinforces the region’s role in the innovation ecosystem: “With this event, PACT reinforces Alentejo’s position on the national and global innovation map and once again proves its value as a mediator of the relationship between the main agents of knowledge in the region.”
The President of PACT also highlights the impact of the event on community mobilization: “TEDx events are recognized worldwide for inspiring transformation. By bringing this initiative to Évora, we wanted to awaken that spirit in our community. It is with great enthusiasm that we see the positive response, especially from young people, who show that they are attentive to the challenges of the present and motivated to take an active role in building the future.”
Like the work that PACT has been developing since its creation, TEDxÉvora 2026 was another opportunity to bring the regional community closer together, promoting dialogue between the Alentejo innovation ecosystem, the business community and academia. The meeting thus reinforces the institution’s commitment to stimulating the sharing of knowledge, fostering new ideas and contributing to a more sustainable and innovative future for the region.
