I am a data-driven person with a Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering and Management and a proven track record with almost 10 years of experience in operations, business strategy (B2C and B2B), technology, and innovation. I began my career at Ubiwhere as Smart Cities Manager, leading expansion, R&D projects, and strategic partnerships. Currently, I am the Co-founder, Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Board Member of LUGGit, where I have driven startup growth, secured €5.9M in funding, designed the operations, expanded into six countries, created the team organogram, managed the departments work and led product innovation. Passionate about bridging industry with academia, I am author of 20+ scientific publications and serve as an Assitant Professor at the University of Aveiro, where I teach at the Department of Economics, Management, Industrial Engineering and Tourism (DEGEIT). I am also an Integrated Researcher at the Systems for Decision Support (SDS) research group of the research unit in Governance, Competitiveness and Public Policy. I also act as an angel investor with AngelsWay and as a startup mentor in the MentAll program at the University of Aveiro.