Develop communication skills and promote innovative projects or ideas in the field of Information Technology.
Until 28 January 2026, applications are open for the 2026 edition of the Future Talent Programme.
This GÉANT programme is an opportunity to develop communication and public speaking skills, showcase innovative projects and ideas in the field of Information Technologies, and gain knowledge through free participation in one of the largest technology conferences. For Portuguese students wishing to apply, the coordination of applications and selection is carried out by the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT), through its digital services unit FCCN.
The best projects will also be presented to the global Research and Education community through the Lightning Talks at TNC26, the largest and most prestigious international conference in this field, which in 2026 will take place in Helsinki, Finland, from 8 to 12 June. Students will have their participation fully funded, including travel and accommodation expenses.
Lightning Talks
With a duration of 5 minutes, Lightning Talks are presentations delivered in English and provide an opportunity to showcase:
- An innovation or discovery;
- A project under development;
- Research or study results;
- An original idea with impact.
Before taking the stage at TNC, the Future Talent Programme 2026 offers students training and workshops focused on developing oral presentation skills and expressing ideas to different audiences.
Applications
National applications are submitted through FCCN, the digital services unit of FCT. Interested candidates must send their proposal to c.imagem@fccn.pt by 28 January 2026. FCCN will review and submit the applications within the defined deadline.
Eligible candidates include young professionals and undergraduate, master’s or doctoral students from institutions that are part of the RCTS.
Proposals must be submitted in English and include:
- Title of the presentation;
- Description of the presentation;
- Name(s) of the presenter(s) and their institution;
- Name(s) of the author(s), academic level and institution (if different from the presenter(s));
- Curriculum Vitae of the author(s);
- Telephone number and email address of the author(s) and/or presenter(s);
- Contact details of a faculty member from the higher education institution.
Aurora Vasconcelos, a master’s student in Cybersecurity at the Polytechnic Institute of Viana do Castelo (IPVC), was the Portuguese representative of the 2025 edition. Revisit her experience!
