Throughout July, Católica Porto Business School welcomed students from 23 different nationalities to take part in a range of international Summer School programmes covering marketing, innovation, artificial intelligence, finance and entrepreneurship. Over several weeks, the campus became a meeting point for different cultures, universities and perspectives, further reinforcing the School's international outlook.
More than an opportunity to deepen academic knowledge, these programmes offer participants an immersive international experience. Working in multicultural teams, engaging with faculty and industry experts, and experiencing the entrepreneurial ecosystem of Porto are all part of an approach that combines academic excellence with global exposure.
Among this year's programmes was the Porto Global Startups Summer School, jointly organised by Católica Porto Business School, Universidade Católica Portuguesa and WU – Vienna University of Economics and Business. Focusing on international marketing and branding for startups, the programme introduced participants to European marketing strategies while exploring topics such as brand positioning, influencer marketing and successful startup case studies.
The School also hosted the Deep Tech & Business Case Summer School, a two-week immersive programme designed to bridge the gap between cutting-edge science and business. Combining online and in-person learning, participants explored areas such as biotechnology, clean technology, artificial intelligence and neurosciences, while developing skills in finance, marketing and negotiation to transform deep-tech innovations into viable business opportunities.
In the field of finance and accounting, the Porto Summer School in Machine Learning offered a practical introduction to machine learning and Natural Language Processing (NLP) applied to Accounting and Finance. Led by Mohan Subbiah, former BlackRock hedge fund manager, the programme combined theoretical foundations with hands-on exercises, enabling participants to understand how these technologies can support financial analysis and investment decision-making.
The Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) in New Marketing Trends completed this year's portfolio, bringing together students to explore some of the most relevant challenges shaping the future of marketing. Artificial intelligence, omnichannel strategies, sustainable branding, consumer analytics and ethics in digital communication were among the themes addressed through lectures, workshops and collaborative activities.
Together, these programmes reflect Católica Porto Business School's commitment to providing an international learning environment where students from different backgrounds work together, exchange ideas and develop the knowledge and skills required to thrive in an increasingly global world.
