On June 27, EID, in collaboration with the Portuguese Army, successfully hosted the Technology Day at the Military Academy in Amadora. This event brought together industry leaders, military officials and technology enthusiasts to explore the future of defense technology and innovation.
The opening session featured insightful remarks from Andy Thomis, Cohort Chief Executive, and Prof. Dr. Martin Bennett, EID Executive President. The event was honoured by the presence of His Excellency the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Army, Lieutenant-General Paulo Emanuel Maia Pereira. His inspiring words truly set the stage for the day’s discussions, emphasizing the critical importance of technological advancement and innovation in maintaining and enhancing the operational capabilities of the Portuguese Army.
One of the most significant moments of the day was the signing of the Cooperation Protocol between EID and the Portuguese Army. This landmark agreement, witnessed by Lieutenant-General Paulo Emanuel Maia Pereira, Martin Bennet and Venâncio Lebre underscores the commitment to advancing defense capabilities through innovative technological solutions.
Throughout the day, attendees were treated to a series of expert panels and presentations. Highlights included a session on “The importance of TDCIS and the Soldier System project for the Army” led by Lieutenant Colonel Susana Pinto and Lieutenant Colonel Paulo Margarido, and a discussion on the “Army’s vision of future information and communications systems” presented by Brigadier General Bettencourt. The cutting-edge topic of “Secure Communications and Computation Services based on Quantum Key Distribution” was explored by Prof. Dr. Armando Pinto from Instituto de Telecomunicações de Aveiro.
Two notable roundtable discussions focused on integrated communications and 21st-century information and communication systems, moderated by military experts Brigadier General Carlos Ribeiro and Major General Arnaut Moreira. These sessions provided valuable insights and facilitated the exchange of ideas on the future of military technology.
The event concluded with closing remarks from Prof. Dr. Martin Bennett, who reflected on the day’s achievements and expressed gratitude to all participants. Martin Bennett emphasized the importance of continued collaboration and innovation in strengthening defense capabilities.
EID extends its heartfelt thanks to all attendees for their valuable participation, which contributed to the success of Technology Day 2024. We look forward to continuing this journey of innovation and collaboration with the Portuguese Army and other partners.
The Programme of the day is available infra as well as the short bios from the moderators if you are interested in knowing a bit more about the curriculum of our guests.
Moderators Bios
Eng. Mário Guerra
Eng. Mário Guerra has been part of EID since its foundation. He was involved in the development of many products used by the Portuguese Army, namely the P/TTC-101 switchboard, the entire family of ICC intercommunication systems and the TWH personal radio.
He was Director of the Research and Development area and the Tactical Communications Business Unit, having had great interaction with the Portuguese Army throughout his professional career.
Brigadier General Carlos Ribeiro
Reserve Brigadier General Carlos Ribeiro was born in 1964, in Lamego. He has a degree in Military Sciences – Transmissions, a master’s degree in Military Electrotechnical Engineering from the Military Academy, and a postgraduate degree in Information Warfare/Competitive Intelligence, from the Military Academy and in Project Management at Universidade Autónoma de Lisboa.
Throughout his military career he performed several roles in the areas of communications, information systems and cyber defense, including commander of the Transmission Regiment, deputy director of the Directorate of Communications and Information Systems, teacher, Director of Education and 2nd Commander of the Military Academy and Director of Communications and Information Systems at EMGFA.
Currently he is a Non-Executive Director of EID, since 2023.
Major General José Filipe da Silva Arnaut Moreira
He has a degree in Socio-Military Sciences from the Military Academy and a degree in Electrotechnical and Computer Engineering from Instituto Superior Técnico.
During his time at the Ministry of Defense he was Deputy Director General for National Defense Policy and Head of the Office of the Minister of National Defense.
He was Intelligence Officer at NATO Headquarters in Madrid and Professor of Geopolitics and Geostrategy at Universidade Nova.
He is the author of the book O Domínio do Poder, published in October by Planeta and is the author with journalist Maria João Simões of the weekly program “O Domínio da Guerra” on Rádio Observador.
