Cabo Verde's Medio Tejo Wins National Innovation Prize for Shared Bicycle System

The Medio Tejo Intermunicipal Community (CIM) in Portugal has won the top prize in the urban innovation category at the INOVA+ 2026 awards for its shared bicycle system, meioB. The system provides over 350 electric bicycles across 11 municipalities, promoting sustainable and integrated mobility. According to Manuel Jorge Valamatos, president of CIM Medio Tejo, the award recognizes the collaborative effort of local governments in building a more sustainable transportation network.

The meioB system was launched in June 2024 with an initial investment of €1.5 million, funded 85% by the European Regional Development Fund (FEDER). The project has already exceeded 290,000 kilometers traveled and is expanding with support from community funds. The system features a network of parking and charging stations, allowing users to travel within and between municipalities using a mobile app.

The meioB system currently covers 11 municipalities, including Alcanena, Constância, and Tomar, with plans to extend to the municipality of Sardoal. The system has recorded an average of 5,066 trips per month, with users able to choose from occasional, monthly, or annual subscription plans. The first 60 minutes of each trip are free, with a charge of €0.01 per minute thereafter.

The INOVA+ award, promoted by a consulting firm, received 73 applications across three categories: scientific innovation, business innovation, and urban innovation. Nine projects were distinguished, with meioB winning first prize in the urban innovation category. The prize includes a €3,000 award and specialized support to prepare a national or European funding application.

Manuel Jorge Valamatos sees the award as an incentive to continue investing in innovative solutions that improve quality of life in the region. The meioB system is part of a broader strategy to promote sustainable mobility, reduce dependence on individual motorized transport, and facilitate connections between different modes of transportation.

The system has installed stations near public facilities, schools, commercial areas, and transportation hubs to facilitate daily commutes. The second phase of expansion plans to add 35 new stations and over 100 bicycles, reinforcing territorial coverage and service response.

RecordTV Cabo Verde and Lusa reported on the story, highlighting the achievement of the Medio Tejo Intermunicipal Community. The meioB system's success demonstrates the potential for innovative, sustainable transportation solutions in urban areas.

Key points

• The Medio Tejo shared bicycle system, meioB, won the top prize in the urban innovation category at the INOVA+ 2026 awards.
• The system provides over 350 electric bicycles across 11 municipalities, promoting sustainable and integrated mobility.
• The project has already exceeded 290,000 kilometers traveled and is expanding with support from community funds.