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FAIST project drives modernisation in the Portuguese footwear industry

Dec 10, 2025 Portugal

The FAIST project aims to transform the Portuguese footwear industry by advancing automation, digital manufacturing, and sustainability. It plans to deliver 80 innovations under its 50 million euros investment

At a conference held on the 18^th and 19^th of November at the Palácio da Bolsa in Porto, Florbela Silva from the Portuguese Footwear Technological Centre (CTCP), who is also the coordinator of the FAIST (Agile, Intelligent, Sustainable and Technological Factory), presented this initiative aimed at developing new technologies and strengthening the expertise of the Portuguese footwear industry.

To achieve this, the project brings together 45 companies and institutions, including associations, universities, and technology centres, who all share the goal of modernising the footwear industry. It is expected to generate 300 new job opportunities.

Expected Outcomes

With an investment of over 50 million euros under the PRR, FAIST aims to deliver 80 results, 36 of which are expected to be finalised by the end of the project next year. These include systems and solutions for the market, such as the integration of footwear manufacturers, the automation of traditional operations, and the development of production technologies, including software.

These developments will enable the market to offer value-added digital products, improving production efficiency while ensuring sustainability and traceability. The introduction of robotics and automation is enabling the development of technologies that can assist employees and create integrated, efficient factories.

Therefore, FAIST aligns with the strategic plan published by the Portuguese Footwear Association (APICCAPS) and CTCP three years ago for the cluster, which is based on four pillars: the qualification of people and companies; the transition to sustainable products and processes; digital transformation to enable rapid and flexible responses; and establishing a strong market presence.

More information about FAIST available on the project's website: HERE

Source and Image Credits: apiccaps.pt