Alumni Talk: Special Edition on Entrepreneurship

πŸ“… 19 March 2026 πŸ“ Universidade da Maia - UMAIA πŸ’‘ Entrepreneurial Mindset

Real Journeys, Not Just Theory

As part of the TROPHY project, the Universidade da Maia (UMAIA) hosted a special edition of Alumni Talk focused on the reality of entrepreneurship. Moving away from standard academic theory, this session brought students face-to-face with the actual entrepreneurial journeys of those who walked the same halls before them.

Honest Conversations

The heart of this session was an open and interactive dialogue. Alumni shared their raw experiences, covering the high-stakes decisions and the inevitable challenges that come with starting a venture. The goal was to showcase entrepreneurship as a persistent mindset rather than just a traditional career choice.

Session Highlights

01
Overcoming Challenges & Failures
02
Strategic Decision-Making
03
Growth After Graduation

Impact on the Community

Practical Insights
Students gained first-hand knowledge on how to navigate the post-university landscape through the lens of innovation.
Bridging Academia & Industry
The event strengthened the link between university stakeholders and real-world entrepreneurial experience.
Fostering Reflection
Participants were encouraged to reflect on their own potential for leadership and value creation within the deep tech ecosystem.

Building an Innovation Culture

By showcasing the value of alumni engagement and practical knowledge-sharing, this activity directly contributes to the TROPHY project's mission of building a more connected and innovation-oriented academic community. Key takeaways included:

  • Developing an entrepreneurial mindset in higher education
  • The importance of networking and mentorship between alumni and current students
  • Fostering a culture of resilience and continuous learning
  • Transforming academic knowledge into scalable business solutions