6 mei 2025
The Médio Tejo region of Portugal is preparing to host a pivotal European gathering as the UNLOCK Project, — a forward-looking initiative led by Hanze University, — brings its 5th Study Visit to Tomar, Abrantes, and Portalegre from May 28 to 30, 2025. This three-day event will unite regional, national, and European leaders in energy transition, green hydrogen, and SME development.
Unlike previous editions, this year’s event breaks new ground. The UNLOCK Seminar will be integrated into the International Conference “Médio Tejo: The Vision of an Emerging European Region,” hosted at the Museu de Arte Contemporânea Charters de Almeida that opened just a few days ago in Abrantes. This dynamic format is made possible through close cooperation between the Médio Tejo Intermunicipal Community, MT21 Agency, IrRADIARE, the Municipality of Abrantes, and the UNLOCK Project.
The conference will gather high-level speakers from across Europe, offering a platform to explore how regions like Médio Tejo can position themselves at the forefront of the green hydrogen revolution. Representing Hanze University, Dr. Beata Kviatek, Jean Monnet Chair in Sustainable EU Economy and UNLOCK Project Leader, will be one of the invited speakers at the congress. Her contribution will help frame the European dimension of green hydrogen innovation and policy.
Day 1 – May 28 | Tomar
The visit begins with a Steering Committee Meeting followed by a session on regional policy improvement, targeting green energy transition and SME competitiveness. The day concludes with a networking dinner, encouraging informal exchanges among participants.
Day 2 – May 29 | Abrantes
The second day unfolds in Abrantes at the international conference venue. Distinguished speakers and thought leaders will explore Médio Tejo’s role as an emerging European hub for sustainable innovation.
Confirmed speakers include:
A featured session, “H2 Opportunities for SMEs in the Médio Tejo Region,” will spotlight practical pathways for small and medium enterprises to engage in the hydrogen economy. Panelists include:
The program includes a musical interlude by Tuna Académica de Abrantes, followed by sessions that broaden the conversation to the European and international energy landscape, featuring:
An infrastructure-focused panel moderated by Marco Granja (NOS) and Elsa Ferreira Nunes (IrRADIARE) will include:
The day concludes with a celebration of MédioTejo21’s 16th anniversary, followed by a final session with:
Day 3 – May 30 | Portalegre
The final day includes a study visit to the Polytechnic Institute of Portalegre and the VALORIZA Research Centre, along with a peer review session. A networking lunch at CIM Médio Tejo’s headquarters will wrap up the event, fostering further collaboration.
This edition of the UNLOCK Study Visit is not just another conference—it’s a milestone. The inclusion of the UNLOCK Seminar in a broader European policy forum marks a turning point in the visibility and influence of regional innovation efforts. It also reflects the growing importance of green hydrogen as a tool for economic transformation and climate resilience.
For stakeholders in public policy, regional development, and green tech entrepreneurship, this is a unique opportunity to build cross-border partnerships, share knowledge, and accelerate progress.
UNLOCK supports regional governments across Europe in refining policies that foster SME innovation and energy transition, with a particular focus on the green hydrogen economy. Led by Hanze University, it operates through collaborative study visits, seminars, and knowledge exchanges.
For more information, visit the official UNLOCK Project webpage.
