João Franco
Student Researcher based in Portugal
I'm a Student Researcher at the School of Technology and Management of the Polytechnic Institute of Leiria, where I also completed my Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering and am currently pursuing a Master's degree in Mobile Computing - Computer Engineering. From an early age, I developed a passion for Computer Science and all its possibilities, always aiming to expand my skills in the field and contribute to the development of relevant and well-designed applications.
Work History
2025 - Currently
Department of Computer Engineering - ESTG - Polytechnic University of Leiria
2024 - Currently
Computer Science and Communication Research Centre at the Polytechnic University of Leiria
2021
Host Hotel Systems
Publications
2024
International Conference on Graphics and Interaction (ICGI)
Contributors: João Franco, Alexandrino Goncalves, Nuno Rodrigues, Bruno Madeira
Education
2024 - Currently
Mobile Computing - Polytechnic University of Leiria
2021 - 2024
Polytechnic University of Leiria
2018 - 2021
Escola Secundária de Peniche
Projects
2025
Gestos is an app crafted with Swift and SwiftUI to make learning American Sign Language (ASL) accessible and engaging. This project features real-time hand tracking and interactive 3D hand models to create an immersive educational experience. As a Distinguished Winner of the Swift Student Challenge 2025, being recognized as one of the top 50 projects worldwide has been an incredible honor.
2024
Built an interactive iOS app using Swift and SwiftUI for the Swift Student Challenge 2024. Foco helps students manage their time effectively and prioritize mental health by offering features such as task management, flashcards, focus-enhancing techniques, and mental well-being tools. The app combines a user-friendly onboarding experience with a sleek design to introduce users to its capabilities seamlessly.
2023
Built a responsive portfolio website using Tailwind CSS, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Features a clean design with interactive galleries and smooth navigation to effectively showcase the photographer’s work.
2023
Built an interactive app using Swift, SwiftUI, and CoreML for the Swift Student Challenge 2023. The app allows users to identify animals, access detailed species information, and explore educational content on wildlife and endangered species, blending sleek design with AI-powered features.
2023
Developed a responsive redesign of the La Redoute website using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and AR technologies. The project focused on improving the user experience and visual design of the platform, enhancing navigation, product visualization, and integrating augmented reality features to allow users to interact with 3D product models directly on the website.
Awards
2025
I was selected as one of only 50 Distinguished Winners worldwide among 250 winners and thousands of submissions in Apple's Swift Student Challenge 2025. I was recognized for Gestos, an innovative app that teaches American Sign Language through interactive lessons and games. As a Distinguished Winner, I'll attend Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC25) at Apple Park, Cupertino, California.
Awarded by Apple
2023
This project was developed as part of a protocol between LaRedoute and the Polytechnic University of Leiria. It was undertaken within the scope of the Graphic Systems and Interaction course, during the 2nd year of Computer Engineering. The project was recognized for creating the best interface for web platforms dedicated to personalized product visualization in a 3D environment.
Awarded by Polytechnic University of Leiria
Licences and Certifications
2024
Category B
2023
Demola Global
2022
2022
Polytechnic University of Leiria
Volunteering
2020
Peniche High School
Skills
Web Development
HTML5
CSS3
TailwindCSS
JavaScript
React
Next.js
Vue
React Native
Programming Languages
C
C#
Java
Python
Swift
Databases
MySQL
SQL Server
Design & Multimedia
Figma
Blender
Adobe Lightroom
Adobe Photoshop
Audacity
Video Editing
Game Development
Unity 3D
Productivity Tools
Word
Excel
PowerPoint
Project Management & Methodologies
Scrum
Lean Thinking
Kanban
Other Tools & Markup Languages
LaTeX
Markdown