In a landmark initiative, Cisco has joined forces with NOVA School of Science and Technology (FCT NOVA) and a consortium of leading tech companies including Axians, Deloitte, GMV, MEO, Nokia, NOS, and Vodafone to launch the new Bachelor’s Degree in Communication and Information Engineering (LECI). This degree offers a unique opportunity: full tuition sponsorship for all national students, ensuring that talent, not financial circumstance, shapes the next generation of innovators.
A Fully Funded Degree for National Students
This academic year, 20 students embarked on this innovative program, marking the beginning of a new chapter in technology education at NOVA. Close collaboration between academia and industry shaped the LECI program to meet the evolving demands of the digital economy. The curriculum stands out for its interdisciplinary approach, blending telecommunications, computer science, artificial intelligence, data analysis, and mathematics. From day one, the program encourages students to innovate, developing not only technical expertise but also critical soft skills such as communication, resilience, and adaptability.
An Industry-Led Curriculum Built for the Digital Economy
The presence and ongoing involvement of partner companies is a trademark of the program. By integrating real-world challenges and business context into the classroom, these partnerships ensure that learning is both relevant and forward-thinking. Further strengthening these connections, semestral events are scheduled with students and all sponsoring companies. The first event took place on January 16th at the FCT NOVA campus, offering a valuable networking session where students had the chance to ask key questions directly to company representatives.
In addition to these joint events, Cisco will also organize exclusive opportunities such as Open Days and workshops, fostering closer interaction and hands-on experience for LECI students.
“This program is a direct response to the needs of the market in engineering, technology, and innovation,” said Professor Rodolfo Oliveira, course coordinator. “Our graduates will be prepared not just to follow trends, but to set them.”
Preparing the Next Generation of Technology Leaders
Applications for the 2026/27 academic year will open soon, with details on vacancies and admission requirements available on the NOVA FCT website. For motivated students ready to drive the future of technology, LECI represents a gateway to opportunity and a community where ambition meets support.
Cisco’s support for the initiative reflects its long-standing commitment to nurturing talent and advancing STEM education, reinforced by its leadership in building AI-ready data center infrastructures that power today’s most demanding digital workloads.This partnership between NOVA, Cisco, and the technology sector is more than an educational initiative; it’s an invitation for the next generation to take part in shaping tomorrow.
Explore more about this on our Cisco LinkedIn or through NOVA’s LinkedIn
This article is part of Cisco Portugal’s ongoing series highlighting partnerships and programs that empower the next generation of technology leaders. Read more here
Authors
