Rafael Calado is a Portuguese architect, innovation strategist, and community builder working at the intersection of the bioeconomy, circular economy, digital fabrication, design, and citizen innovation. He coordinated FabLab Lisboa (2014–2021), co-founded Repair Café Lisboa in 2016, and has developed international residencies, courses, and workshops with institutions including RISD, The Bartlett School of Architecture (UCL), and ATÖLYE Istanbul.
In 2022, Rafael founded BioLab Lisboa, Portugal’s first Citizen Lab, established through a partnership between Lisbon City Council, the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon, and FCiências.ID Association. He promotes international residencies, internships, workshops, research, and community-driven innovation projects. He received two Participatory Budget awards supporting maker entrepreneurship for people with disabilities and the creation of a Circular Economy Hub. Rafael is a former Maker Ambassador at Maker Faire Rome and a former Fellow of Urban Arenas for Just and Sustainable Cities. He is a founding member of the Vulca Association and the European Creative Hubs Network (ECHN).