UNITE!Connect
Unite! CONNECT (Collaboration & Networking for EIT-driven Commercialisation & Talent)
UNITE!Connect strengthens Unite!’s alliance-level deep-tech innovation capacity by embedding structured KIC cooperation, Soft-Landing, Startup Academy, AI Booster, EIT Label pathways, and venture support under Topic 2.
Project Coordinator, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology Contact
Selected under Topic 2: EIT-HEI-2025-BUILDING-SYNERGIES, UNITE!Connect supports the Unite! University Alliance in becoming a more connected European innovation ecosystem for deep-tech talent, venture creation, and structured EIT cooperation. The project focuses on strategic domains linked to Europe’s green and digital transitions, including advanced and digital industry, Industry 4.0 and 5.0, artificial intelligence, sustainable mobility, New Space, clean technologies, and advanced and circular materials.
At the centre of UNITE!Connect is a structured alliance-to-KIC cooperation model. The project will establish the Unite!–KIC Strategic Integration Mechanism, the Unite! KIC Gateway, and an Alumni Bridge to move cooperation with EIT Manufacturing, EIT Urban Mobility, and EIT RawMaterials beyond ad hoc networking. These mechanisms are designed to help Unite! institutions, researchers, learners, founders, alumni, and regional ecosystem actors access relevant KIC education, validation, venture-building, and market-readiness pathways more systematically.
UNITE!Connect also builds a strong skills-to-venture pipeline. The AI Booster will provide AI-enabled, challenge-based entrepreneurship training, with an EIT Label pathway linked particularly to EIT Urban Mobility. The U!Connect Startup Academy will support deep-tech venture creation through online workshops, residential bootcamps, pitch days, post-academy mentoring, technology roadmapping, IP strategy, regulatory readiness, and investor preparation. Through Soft-Landing, WomenPRO, regional ecosystem partnerships, and Smart Specialisation alignment, the project aims to make Unite! a more practical gateway between university-based innovation and European deep-tech value chains.
Partners on this project
Wroclaw University of Science and Technology (Lead Partner)
Generator Pomysłów Sp. z o. o.
Institut Polytechnique de Grenoble
Polytechnic of Turin
SOCIETA PER LA GESTIONE DELL'INCUBATORE D' IMPRESA DEL POLITECNICO S.C.P.A. - I3P S.c.p.a.
Universidade de Lisboa
Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya - Barcelona Tech
Aalto University (Aalto-korkeakoulusäätiö sr)
Agencja Rozwoju Aglomeracji Wrocławskiej S.A.
CIMES
Enter Academy
Femmes Ingénieures
Fondazione LINKS Leading Innovation & Knowledge for Society
IN'Partners
Parité Science
Stam S.r.l.
Technical University of Darmstadt
Explore related projects
T-RISE
T-RISE strengthens Transform4Europe’s alliance-level innovation capacity by embedding a Joint Innovation Office, ecosystem mapping, micro-credentials, start-up support, and structured Climate-KIC, 28DIGITAL, and EIT RawMaterials cooperation under Topic 2.
ENTREBLUE
ENTREBLUE strengthens maritime STEM innovation capacity by connecting women-led accelerators, shared R&I infrastructures, microcredentials, start-up acceleration, and global talent attraction under Topic 1.
ENGINE
ENGINE strengthens ACE²-EU’s alliance-level innovation capacity by upgrading start-up support structures, embedding entrepreneurship and IP training, and connecting research-to-venture pathways with EIT KIC ecosystems under Topic 2.