Oeiras Pole Communication, Events and Partnerships Office (NCEP)

Since 2020, the Municipality of Oeiras has been transforming its classrooms into true laboratories of technological innovation. One of the standout initiatives in this educational transformation is the “Smart City” project, part of the “Engineering for Everyone” program.

Developed by Instituto Superior Técnico – Oeiras Campus and INESC-ID, in partnership with the Oeiras Municipality, the project aims to bring science and technology closer to schools and the community, promoting technological literacy in a practical, accessible and inclusive way.

The “Smart City” project comes to life in the Science Clubs of Oeiras schools, where students engage directly with advanced technologies such as robotics, 3D modeling and printing, Arduino programming, electronics, and soldering. The ambitious goal is to design and build prototypes of intelligent, sustainable and technologically innovative cities.

Marta Costa, a 6th-grade student at Conde de Oeiras Middle School, explains: “We’re building a smart city, which is a more ecological and intelligent city. I like being part of the science club because we’re always doing new things, trying to solve problems, and I feel like we’re helping the world.”

Teacher Ana Batista emphasizes: “The project brought innovation. Students learned techniques in electronics, robotics, and 3D modeling. Técnico’s support equips both teachers and students with new methodologies.”

Currently, three schools in the municipality are actively involved in the project. Students benefit from monthly guidance provided by Técnico students from the Electronics Engineering Student Group (N3E) and the Robotics and Electronics Club (ROB 9-16), who offer technical support and share academic and professional experiences.

At Luís Freitas Branco High School, in Paço de Arcos, students are enthusiastic about the challenges. Henrique Barata, a 9th-grade student, shares: “We’ve been assembling LED lamps to build a smart city. I’ve always liked science, and I hope to pursue it in the future.”

For Luísa Rocha, a Physics and Chemistry teacher, this is “a hands-on approach that motivates students, different from traditional lecture-based classes. ‘Smart City’ is an engaging and innovative project.”

At Camilo Castelo Branco High School, 12th-grade student Lucas Leonardo highlights the impact of his participation: “We’re developing a small, fully self-sustaining tech city. I learned how to do 3D modeling, program with Arduino, do some wiring and soldering. I found Técnico’s support very helpful and we learned a lot.”

Teacher Olavo Diniz stresses the educational value of the initiative, noting that “it allows students to work on physics, electronics, and design in an integrated way, beyond the traditional curriculum.”

Students also had the opportunity to present their projects at the “2nd Meeting of Oeiras Science Clubs,” held on May 21 and 22 at Técnico – Oeiras Campus. The opening session included the participation of Pedro Patacho, City Councillor of Oeiras (Education, Science, and Innovation), Joana Mendonça, Vice-President of Instituto Superior Técnico for the Management of the Oeiras Campus, João Paulo Crespo, Director of ITQB NOVA, and Ivone Fachada, member of the board of Ciência Viva – National Agency for Scientific and Technological Culture.

Just this school year, around three thousand children and young people from Oeiras took part in activities under the “Engineering for Everyone” program, proving that science can – and should – begin early.