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Master’s student in Communication and Digital Media creates innovative project and shines in Poliempreende Competition

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The 20th edition of the Poliempreende Business Idea Competition featured an innovative project aimed at revolutionizing airport firefighter training. Titled “Firefighter Simulator”, the multiplayer virtual reality (VR) software is designed to provide a more sustainable and realistic training experience for professionals in the field.

The “Firefighter Simulator” was developed by Clarissa Plozzer, a Team Leader in the Rescue and Firefighting Service (SSLCI) at Faro Airport and a Master’s student in Communication and Digital Media at the University of Algarve (UAlg). The initial concept took shape during the second semester of her Master’s program, in the course “Strategic Communication and Emerging Technologies”, where she developed a preliminary version of the mixed reality simulator.

“The idea was born out of the need for comprehensive and more realistic training to develop and enhance our skills as airport firefighters”, explains Clarissa Plozzer. “Traditional training involves significant resource costs, such as water, fuel, and equipment wear and tear, which the simulator can eliminate”.

Encouraged by Professor Sandra Fernandes dos Santos, the project was submitted to Poliempreende. The “Firefighter Simulator” received valuable feedback from the judges, who suggested the development of a more robust business plan, enhancement of features that set the simulator apart from competitors, and exploration of other business expansion avenues.

The national stage of the competition will take place from September 2 to 6 at the University of Madeira in Funchal. Clarissa is confident and excited about the opportunity to present her idea to a panel of renowned judges and compete with young entrepreneurs from across the country. “I believe that with a review and improvement of the project, it has strong potential to become a successful business”, she states.

Clarissa Plozzer believes that virtual reality and simulators like this have enormous potential to revolutionize professional training. “We need to start embracing these technologies and incorporating them into our daily lives”, she concludes. The “Firefighter Simulator” is an innovative project that Clarissa intends to bring to life.

Learn more about the Master’s in Communication and Digital Media [here].