The CleanNote project, a joint initiative between i3N-NOVA and AlmaScience, has won the 1st edition of the "Vamos dar uma segunda vida às notas" competition, promoted by Bank of Portugal.
In a remarkable display of academic leadership, all three finalists in the competition were developed by teams from NOVA FCT, highlighting the faculty's immense contribution to sustainable innovation and the circular economy.
The Winning Innovation
The CleanNote project stood out for its pioneering approach to recycling:
- 100% Waste Utilization: It repurposes Euro banknote waste that is no longer fit for circulation.
- Environmental Impact: These materials are converted into high-value applications specifically for water treatment.
About the Competition
The initiative aimed to find environmentally sustainable alternatives to incineration. By promoting creativity and circular economy principles, the challenge sought solutions that generate real-world value from waste.
The award ceremony took place on January 22, 2026, at the Bank of Portugal facilities in Carregado.