OASIS and PROMETHEUS: empowering student innovation through joint technology transfer initiatives
In this article, we interview Professors Spiros Sirmakessis and Yannis Charalabidis about their EIT HEI Initiative projects, OASIS and PROMETHEUS. Discover how these projects led to the creation of a joint technology transfer office, the outcomes of their collaboration, and the challenges they successfully navigated.
Could you tell us about yourself and your involvement with the EIT HEI Initiative?
Spiros Sirmakessis: I am a Professor in the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department at the University of Peloponnese in Greece. My involvement with EIT activities inspired me to pursue the EIT HEI Initiative as a chance to cultivate an entrepreneurial culture within our university. This inspiration led to the creation of the OASIS project.
Yannis Charalabidis: I am a Professor of Digital Governance and Entrepreneurship at the University of the Aegean in Greece. I coordinate the PROMETHEUS project under the EIT HEI Initiative. Additionally, I direct the master’s programme in Digital Innovation and Start-up Entrepreneurship and oversee the DigiBus Summer School on Digital Start-ups.
Could you tell us a bit about your respective projects?
Spiros Sirmakessis: OASIS, which stands for Open Science Technologies Acceleration for a New Generation of Student Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Sustainable Development, is an initiative involving four higher education institutions (HEIs), one research centre, a pan-EU network of institutions, and two enterprises. The project focuses on integrating open science (OS) technologies in education through practical applications, training and mentoring.
OASIS aims to enhance students’ appreciation of OS entrepreneurship and understanding of sustainable solutions. Our vision is to empower students, early-stage innovators and alumni to develop their businesses using OS solutions. We aim to do this by strengthening HEIs’ role in innovation ecosystems through the EIT knowledge triangle model – business, education and innovation.
Yannis Charalabidis: The PROMETHEUS project supports student entrepreneurship in digital transformation and sustainable development. We have created digital platforms for idea gathering, student collaboration, remote mentoring, automated evaluation and knowledge management.
PROMETHEUS has also developed a network of over 100 organisations, including universities, private industries and other EIT HEI Initiative projects. We have deployed a massive open online course on digital transformation and sustainability, trained more than 2,000 students, supported over 100 start-up proposals and funded 10 early-stage start-ups.
OASIS and PROMETHEUS joined forces to establish a joint technology office. How did this collaboration come about?
Spiros Sirmakessis: During the OASIS project, the University of Peloponnese established its own Technology Transfer Office (TTO) with national funding. However, the TTO faced challenges typical of a new entity. Recognising the expertise of the University of Patras, involved in Cohort 1 with the PROMETHEUS project, we considered a collaboration. During discussions, our rectors proposed creating an official joint TTO structure to share experiences and support collaborative student initiatives, including start-ups involving both universities. This led to the successful establishment of the joint TTO, enhancing our technology transfer services.
Setting up a joint TTO sounds like a great idea. Could you tell us about it?
Spiros Sirmakessis: The joint TTO aims to improve technology transfer capabilities by leveraging the combined resources and expertise of both universities. It facilitates knowledge transfer, supports entrepreneurship, promotes collaboration, enhances innovation ecosystems and accelerates the commercialisation of research. The office streamlines the transfer of research from academia to industry, provides mentoring and training for entrepreneurial skills, and supports the development of start-ups and collaborative projects.
Could you tell us about the outcomes of your collaboration?
Spiros Sirmakessis: The joint technology office has achieved significant outcomes. We have developed comprehensive mentorship and training programmes that have benefited over 150 students and researchers. These programmes have also supported the incubation of 12 start-ups, providing essential resources and guidance for their growth. Additionally, we have organised more than 10 workshops and seminars, which attracted over 500 participants. Our hackathons and innovation competitions engaged more than 300 participants, fostering connections between students, industry experts, and potential investors through numerous networking events. Overall, approximately 700 students have participated in our various programmes and events, leading to 15 collaborative projects between the universities. These projects have produced shared research outputs and innovative solutions.
What were the biggest challenges of this collaboration?
Spiros Sirmakessis: We encountered several challenges during the collaboration. One major issue was integrating the different organisational cultures and processes of each university. This required regular meetings and the establishment of clear communication channels to align goals and methods.
Managing resource allocation and ensuring equitable access for both universities also posed a challenge. Careful planning and mutual respect for each institution’s characteristics were essential in overcoming this.
Coordinating joint activities required the appointment of dedicated coordinators from both universities to ensure smooth execution despite differing schedules and priorities. Ensuring equal participation and benefits was critical to maintaining a positive partnership, so we conducted regular feedback sessions to address concerns and maintain equity.
Navigating bureaucratic hurdles such as legal and administrative requirements involved engaging experts from both universities to develop joint agreements and standardised procedures, streamlining processes and ensuring compliance with regulations.
What do you think was the key to your successful collaboration?
Spiros Sirmakessis: The success of our collaboration was rooted in a shared vision and commitment to enhancing technology transfer. Support from rectors and senior leadership was crucial, as was maintaining transparent and open communication through regular meetings and workshops. Valuing each university’s strengths and expertise, being flexible and adaptable, and fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship also contributed significantly to our success.
What advice would you give to other EIT HEI Initiative projects considering similar collaborations?
Spiros Sirmakessis: For other projects considering similar collaborations, I recommend starting with clear objectives and ensuring that all partners are aligned with them. Open and regular communication is crucial for building trust and facilitating smooth collaboration. Leveraging each partner’s unique strengths can create a well-rounded approach. Flexibility and adaptability are essential for overcoming challenges and seizing new opportunities. Investing time in building strong relationships between partners fosters trust and mutual respect, which are vital for a successful collaboration. Finally, promoting a culture of innovation and providing the necessary resources to support it can significantly enhance the effectiveness of the collaboration.
Visit the PROMETHEUS project website to learn more about the project’s activities.
Visit the OASIS project website to learn more about the project’s activities.
Share your experience with the EIT HEI Initiative and inspire higher education institutions across Europe to boost their innovation and entrepreneurship capacity.
Published on: 02 September 2024