Early years and where you came from?
I am from Madeira and went to Lisbon to study in IST, Technological Physics Engineer. I started to work in an Energy Agency in Funchal (AREAM), then I went to Madrid to work as a Consultant in a multinational (ATOS). After 5 years, I start to work as a Technology Transfer Manager in a Research Centre (CIDAUT). Then I decided to work on my own, first as a freelance and then I founded my own company (SATURNTECH) in Portugal.
How were you introduced to the world of the Portuguese tech industry?
Through my clients, as I work as an Innovation Specialist and Technology Transfer expert, I assist several companies in progressing in their innovation plans.
Walk me through your work and what you are doing now in the tech industry.
Nowadays, I assist entities in their innovation plans, which can include assisting in defining the best way to progress in their innovation strategy and be more international. I also assist universities in helping their innovation projects and potential entrepreneurs.
What part of what you do, you love the most?
The international collaboration and the part to help new ideas and new products reach the market
How do you think that your background and knowledge impact the way you approach your work in the Portuguese tech industry?
My physics background and also my international experience provide me with an analytic capability and an enlarged range of options to advance.
What advice do you have for young women that want to get into tech and don’t know where to start?
First: education! You have to prepare yourself for all the challenges and then have no fear to risk and fail. Try and learn from your mistakes and then try again!
Walk me through a day in your life as a Portuguese women in tech.
My day is like any other European person working in tech.
Planning the technical tasks, planning with whom you have to contact by email, call, zoom call or face-to-face meeting, revising emails and then start to “work”.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Try and have no fear to fail.
What apps/software/tools can’t you live without?
WhatsApp, email
Any links that you want to share? In what are you working on…
My company (www.saturntech.eu) and as I work a lot with innovation projects funded by the European Union, I would like to share the link to the main program that funds Research and Innovation in the EU: https://ec.europa.eu/info/research-and-innovation/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-open-calls/horizon-europe_en
Anything else you would like to share?
Being Portuguese and a Woman is not an issue. You are a European Person ready to compete in the global world.
👉Find Ana on LinkedIn
