Unipartner strengthens its commitment to talent development as more than half of its 2026 Summer Academy participants join the company
Launched in 2019, the programme connects young talent with the job market through a real-world learning experience that includes participation in projects, individual mentoring and direct contact with professionals from the technology consultancy.
More than half of the participants in Unipartner’s 2026 Summer Academy have already continued their professional journey with the company, following an edition that brought together over 15 young talents. Run annually by the technology consultancy, the summer internship programme helps bridge the gap between academia and the job market, supporting skills development and the integration of new professionals into the organization.
The Summer Academy is one of Unipartner’s main initiatives for identifying and developing young talent, giving participants the opportunity to apply their knowledge to real-world projects and challenges. More than providing an initial introduction to the job market, the programme aims to create the right conditions for young people to develop their skills, explore different areas of expertise and lay the foundations for their professional careers.
During the 2026 edition, the interns contributed to more than 20 projects and initiatives across different areas of the organization. These covered topics such as Artificial Intelligence, application modernisation, automation, cybersecurity, process improvement, data governance and customer experience, as well as marketing and communications.
The programme brought together students and recent graduates from several educational institutions, including NOVA University Lisbon’s School of Business & Economics, Information Management School, and School of Science and Technology, as well as ISCTE and IADE.
Participants had academic backgrounds in areas such as Computer Science and Information Technology, Software Development, Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, and Services and Operations Management. This diversity of backgrounds reflects the growing importance of multidisciplinary skills in a rapidly evolving technological landscape shaped by advances in automation and artificial intelligence.
One of the Summer Academy’s key differentiating features is the individual support provided by Unipartner mentors. They help participants integrate into their teams, monitor their progress, and share their knowledge and experience. This close guidance complements the practical application of technical knowledge by supporting the development of skills such as autonomy, teamwork, communication and problem-solving.
The experience also extended beyond project work, with interns and mentors taking part in a volunteering initiative at Centro Social e Paroquial Nossa Senhora de Porto Salvo. The activity built on Unipartner’s close relationship with the institution, which dates back to the company’s foundation, and directly contributed to improving the facilities used by the local community.
According to Fernando Reino da Costa, President & CEO of Unipartner: “We are proud to be a school of talent, where knowledge is shared and people find opportunities to learn, grow and build their professional careers. We believe that this development requires close guidance, continuous investment in training, and challenges that enable people to progress and take on new responsibilities. Our Summer Academy reflects this vision, and the fact that more than half of this year’s participants are continuing their journey with us demonstrates the value of creating opportunities that translate into meaningful career paths and skills capable of addressing our clients’ challenges.”
Over the past decade, Unipartner has established partnerships with 10 educational institutions, promoted more than 240 university initiatives, provided over 150 curricular internships, and delivered around 10 technical academies.
Unipartner’s investment in education is also reflected in a scholarship programme developed in partnership with NOVA SBE. The programme supports undergraduate and master’s students and reinforces the organization’s commitment to promoting talent, inclusion and access to high-quality higher education.
This commitment to professional development continues throughout employees’ careers, translating into more than 20,000 hours of internal training and financial support for advanced education, including postgraduate programmes, executive master’s degrees and MBAs. This investment has accompanied the organization’s growth, with its team expanding by more than 250% between 2016 and 2025.
For the participants who have now joined Unipartner, the Summer Academy represents the beginning of a professional journey with new responsibilities and opportunities for progression. For those continuing their studies, the experience provided an opportunity to develop skills, build professional relationships and maintain a connection with the organisation, opening the door to future collaboration opportunities.
Since its launch in 2019, the programme has welcomed more than 90 young talents from different educational institutions and academic backgrounds. Unipartner intends to continue the initiative, further strengthening its commitment to attracting, training and developing new professionals in a constantly evolving job market.
