Set for completion in 2028, the project aims to transform the historic site into a hub for executive education, innovation, and regional economic development.

The University of Minho’s Executive Training School (UMinhoExec) is set to relocate to the historic Edifício do Castelo in Braga, following a €9 million restoration project scheduled for completion in mid-2028. The initiative marks a major investment in education, innovation, and urban regeneration.

Half of the funding, about €5 million, will come from the Portugal 2030 Programme via the Northern Regional Coordination and Development Commission (CCDR-N). The Braga City Council will contribute €1 million, while 20 companies and institutions affiliated with UMinhoExec will fund the remainder.

According to the university, the rehabilitation project reflects a “reconnection between knowledge, economy, and territory,” transforming a long-abandoned landmark into a hub for innovation and executive education. Situated on the grounds of Braga’s former medieval castle, the building has served various educational and administrative purposes over the years, including hosting the Braga Industrial School and the Alberto Sampaio Secondary School.

Luís Aguiar-Conraria, president of the School of Economics and Management (EEG), described the project as a “meeting of wills”, uniting the university’s academic ambitions, the municipality’s commitment to advanced training, and the regional focus on human capital development. He emphasised that the move will also resolve space limitations currently preventing UMinhoExec from expanding its programs.

The Braga City Council unanimously approved the €1 million contribution in May, noting the project’s dual benefits of preserving cultural heritage and stimulating local development.

Once completed, the Edifício do Castelo will feature hybrid classrooms, technology laboratories, and flexible innovation spaces for businesses. The university envisions it as a strategic centre for executive learning and research, capable of attracting talent, fostering collaboration, and positioning Braga as a leading city for advanced education and sustainable growth.