Representatives of four startup projects from Portugal and Brazil introduced their innovative concepts at "The Chinese and Foreign Enterprises Matchmaking Series — Protechting Open Innovation Program (Portuguese Session)" roadshow event, which was held today at the Longhua International Cooperation Center (LICC).

These projects are from the fields of artificial intelligence, health technology, economic sustainable development, and digital twin technology.

As companies around the world strive for sustainable growth, principles of the circular economy are becoming increasingly important to achieve long-term resilience and environmental responsibility.

Inspired by this, Portugal-based LoopOS aims to support businesses in implementing circular practices through modular ERP (enterprise resource planning) solutions designed to assist with trade-ins, buybacks, repairs, refurbishment, and more. LoopOS provides companies with versatile tools to enhance their circular economy strategies and achieve sustainability objectives more efficiently.

During an interview with Shenzhen Daily, Ricardo Morgado, co-founder of LoopOS, shared that they are seeking partnerships with manufacturers interested in creating new channels for trade, repairs, second-hand deals, or rentals. Morgado believes Shenzhen holds great potential for collaboration.

"Our product is a tech solution, so I’m excited to see Shenzhen’s powerful ecosystem and its openness to bridging with European companies. I’m happy to be here exploring partnerships," said Morgado.

Other roadshow projects included SleepUp, a digital health platform that uses personalized, science-backed solutions to improve sleep quality, OWLplaces, which specializes in centralized carbon, environmental, and climate footprint management for global real estate assets, and Granter.ai, an AI grant consultant that offers end-to-end grant management services for businesses.

The event also attracted domestic and international companies seeking innovative solutions to empower their businesses.

Raquel Araújo, the innovation manager at Hospital da Luz Learning Health, which focuses on open innovation programs, appreciated the opportunity offered by this roadshow event. 

"We’re curious about Shenzhen’s innovation ecosystem and hope to bring valuable insights back to Portugal," she said. Hospital da Luz, one of Portugal’s largest private hospital networks, operates over 30 hospitals and clinics across Portugal.

For many attendees, this was their first visit to Shenzhen, and they were impressed by the city’s dynamic, innovative environment.

"Shenzhen is truly an amazing city filled with rapidly growing companies, particularly in the technology sector. There are far more electric vehicles here than in Europe, and the skyscrapers are incredible. The city is incredible," said Morgado.

"This is my first visit not just to Shenzhen but to China as a whole. It's been a fantastic experience with a completely different culture. I'm particularly impressed by the city's innovation and how rapidly it has developed in such a short time. It's truly been amazing," said Araújo.

The roadshow was jointly hosted by the Shanghai Fosun Foundation, Longhua Capital, and the LICC to accelerate global resource connections and foster high-quality regional economic development.