QPT partners with INOPOL to drive R&D and innovation in Coimbra, Portugal
QPT, a GaN-based motor drives, has announced its collaboration with INOPOL, the entrepreneurship and innovation hub of the Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra (IPC). This strategic move enables QPT to strengthen its research and development efforts while integrating into the local innovation ecosystem in Coimbra, near its Portuguese R&D office.
Through this partnership, QPT will engage with the vibrant entrepreneurial community at INOPOL, collaborate with skilled students, and team up with academics on cutting-edge research projects. The partnership provides a valuable opportunity to drive forward the development of efficient electric motor technology.
INOPOL Entrepreneurship Academy (https://inopol.ipc.pt) is IPC’s dedicated unit for promoting innovation and entrepreneurship. It plays a critical role in nurturing startups and spinoffs, facilitating knowledge transfer between academia and industry, and connecting students and graduates with the job market. IPC’s strong reputation in engineering, particularly in areas like power electronics and robotics, makes it a fitting partner for QPT’s R&D goals.
For QPT, the collaboration brings access to state-of-the-art facilities and a talent pool from IPC’s engineering school, ISEC – Coimbra Institute of Engineering, which specializes in power electronics, motors, and drives. IPC’s focus on practical, hands-on research and its close partnerships with regional industries are in line with QPT’s vision for advancements in electric drives and renewable energy technology.
Sara Proença, Director of INOPOL, expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership, stating: "It is a pleasure to welcome QPT to our innovation ecosystem. We look forward to the opportunities this collaboration will create for our startups, students, researchers, and the broader academic community, enhancing connections that will spark new ventures and contribute to the creation of impactful solutions."
Rupert Baines, CEO of QPT, added: "We’re thrilled to join INOPOL, where the innovative environment aligns with our goals perfectly. This partnership allows us to expand our research in power electronics and tap into a rich source of talent. Together, we’ll push the boundaries of what’s possible in industrial drives and energy solutions. Our efforts in Portugal will enhance and complement our work in Cambridge."