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2 July 2026

CELLIMMUNE technology selected among the 10 finalists for the Jorge Ruas Award

CELLIMMUNE technology selected among the 10 finalists for the Jorge Ruas Award

The CELLIMMUNE team, coordinated by Mariana Oliveira and including Eduarda Mota da Silva and Marlene Correia, has been selected among the 10 finalists for the Jorge Ruas Award, the flagship distinction of the Tecnimede Open Innovation Competition 2026, with a technology developed at CICECO that aims to advance next generation immunomodulation therapies.

Selected through a rigorous evaluation based on scientific excellence, innovation, feasibility and market potential, the ten finalist teams were invited to present their technologies during the Final Event. Each team delivered a five minute pitch to an international jury comprising experts from academia, industry, healthcare and investment. The CELLIMMUNE pitch is now available online, offering an opportunity to discover the technology behind the project (link).

The Final Event, held on 27 May at the Pavilhão do Conhecimento in Lisbon, brought together the ten finalist teams selected from an international pool of applicants to present cutting edge solutions addressing major healthcare challenges.

CELLIMMUNE is developing a platform that converts human stromal cells into stable cell derived microparticles, enabling targeted and controlled immunomodulation in a ready to use format. The technology has the potential to overcome several limitations associated with conventional cell therapies while expanding treatment opportunities for immune mediated diseases.

The innovation stems from research carried out at CICECO and is protected by patent applications filed in both Europe and the United States, reflecting its translational potential and supporting its future development towards clinical and commercial applications.

"This recognition reflects the dedication of our team and the collaborative environment at CICECO that made CELLIMMUNE possible. Presenting our technology alongside other outstanding innovations was an excellent opportunity to demonstrate how academic research can contribute to the development of future therapies," comments Mariana Oliveira.

Projects were evaluated based on scientific excellence, innovation, feasibility and market potential. During the Final Event, each finalist team delivered a five minute pitch to an international jury comprising experts from academia, industry, healthcare and investment.

The winner of the Jorge Ruas Award was the SafeAlleleSCA project, from the University of Coimbra. CELLIMMUNE's selection among the ten finalists highlights the strength of the technology and its potential impact on the future of advanced therapeutics.

Watch the CELLIMMUNE team present its technology:
https://youtu.be/1z7FZZjSOew?si=aVCdjkZwjohVNZDO

Watch the event highlights:
https://youtu.be/esB2vR_ol08?si=gSkLayMxiMMcLpeh

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