Galp’s Global Head of Innovation wins Ecosystem Award at the 2025 Entrepreneurship Awards | Upcoming Energies

The 2025 edition of the Entrepreneurship Awards by Unicorn Factory Lisboa honored Ana Casaca, Galp’s Global Head of Innovation, with the Ecosystem Award, recognizing her impact on Portugal’s evolving innovation landscape. The awards—organized by Lisbon City Hall’s flagship initiative—celebrate individuals and startups driving entrepreneurship, technological progress, and community building across the country.

This year’s ceremony introduced new distinctions and highlighted the role of ecosystem leaders who bridge sectors, open new pathways for collaboration, and help position Lisbon as a global reference in innovation. Ana Casaca was distinguished for her long‑standing work connecting academia, startups, and industry, and for shaping how innovation is practiced and scaled in Portugal.

With over two decades of experience, she has contributed to multiple dimensions of the ecosystem, from founding the University of Porto’s Technology Transfer Office to roles in organizations such as Wharton, José de Mello Group, and Beta‑i. Today, as Global Head of Innovation at Galp, she leads programs that generate meaningful pathways to scale: 18 scale‑up opportunities per year, a 20% pilot‑to‑business success rate, and engagement with over 1,000 researchers and 800 employees.

Under her leadership, Galp has launched several emblematic initiatives—Portugal’s first autonomous store, the Hydrogen Business Unit, and real‑world testing environments like the Caxias Living Lab—while reinforcing a model of innovation rooted in applied impact. She also contributes to shaping Lisbon’s long‑term innovation strategy through active participation in citywide strategic discussions.

The award recognizes her belief that innovation is not just about disruption, but about solving meaningful problems. As a connector and catalyst, Ana continues to play a central role in strengthening Portugal’s innovation ecosystem and advancing the country’s energy transition ambitions.