Nova SBE strengthens its commitment to inclusion, social entrepreneurship, and transformative leadership by welcoming the world’s first Café Joyeux within a university campus. This pioneering initiative not only fosters the employability of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities but also provides an innovative experience for the entire academic community.

With four workstations and two supervisors operating on a rotating schedule - allowing employees to experience the dynamic environment of Nova SBE - Café Joyeux at Nova SBE will feature an outdoor seating area to promote interaction and inclusion within the Carcavelos campus. This initiative reaffirms Nova SBE’s commitment to education as a driving force for social transformation and impact.

According to Miguel Pina e Cunha, Vice-Dean for Innovation and Impact, “The arrival of Café Joyeux on our campus is a moment of great joy and pride for Nova SBE. This step reinforces our commitment to social innovation, creating a tangible impact within our community and fostering inclusion through an inspiring project. Being the first university campus to host a Café Joyeux reflects our drive to transform good intentions into action. Welcome, Café Joyeux!”

“This opening marks the realization of a dream for Associação VilacomVida, given Nova SBE’s transformative capacity and focus on social innovation. We believe that the daily interaction between students and young employees—so close in age—has enormous potential to break stigmas and foster a culture of acceptance and respect for diversity,” highlights Filipa Pinto Coelho, President of Associação VilacomVida and CEO of Joyeux in Portugal.