Europe’s innovation starts with education
As the only funding programme targeting innovation in higher education, we empower universities to drive Europe’s innovation.
Backed by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology, the Higher Education Initiative connects higher education, industry, and policymakers to turn ideas into real-world impact. Making Europe ever more competitive on the global stage.
Discover who we are, how we fit within Europe’s innovation ecosystem, and the partners who help make it happen.
About the EIT
Find out how the European Institute of Innovation and Technology contributes to Europe’s innovation landscape.
About the EIT
Our consortium
Discover the network of partners and organisations that drive the EIT Higher Education Initiative across Europe.
Organisation & PartnersA stronger Europe, one innovation at a time
The EIT Higher Education Initiative supports higher education institutions by funding projects and connecting Europe’s innovation community. Together, we’re strengthening innovation, launching new ventures, and preparing the next generation of innovators.
- Build innovation capacity in HEIs
- Fund collaborative projects
- Support start-ups from launch to scale
- Train Europe’s next generation of innovators
We back bold ideas with real results.
Our priorities are more than strategy, they’re actions that are already delivering measurable change across Europe’s innovation ecosystem.
700+ institutions
involved
We help higher education leaders embed innovation at the heart of their institutions.
€69M
awarded
Awarded to support 359 HEIs and 380+ non-academic organisations.
1700+ start-ups
supported
We support organisations to launch, scale and sustain their ventures.
90,000+ people
trained
Trained students, academic and non-academic staff on innovation and entrepreneurship.
Breaking down the barriers
Whether finding the right partners, or navigating complex policy, every innovation faces countless obstacles on its journey from brainwave to breaking news. But we’ll be by your side at every step. With funding, training, and access to Europe’s largest innovation community, we’ll support you to nurture ideas into real-world impact.
Priceless connections
The funding we provide is a vital innovation lifeline. But It might be the collaboration you value most.
We provide funding, expert coaching, and access to our unique innovation community. These help higher education institutions to design and deliver innovation action plans and prepare learners for Europe’s future.
We offer:
Funding
For projects that build innovation capacity and launch partnerships.
Other Support
Supporting learners, businesses and educators to develop entrepreneurial skills.
The Community
Europe’s largest innovation ecosystem, scaling up and connecting partners.
The story so far
Since 2021, the EIT Higher Education Initiative has supported a wide range of institutions.
700+ institutions
involved
We’re empowering institutions to innovate, collaborate, and strengthen Europe’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
1,000+
partnerships enabled
We’re bringing together partners across sectors to spark collaboration, drive innovation, and deliver real-world impact.
2,000+ start-ups and
scale-ups supported
We are supporting organisations to launch, scale, and sustain.
118,000+
students and staff trained
We’re equipping students, researchers, and staff with the skills they need to spearhead real change and entrepreneurial growth.
Our journey so far
We’ve come a long way, but we’re even more excited about what we can do next.
January 2021
Initiative launch
The EIT Higher Education Initiative launches under the EIT Strategic Innovation Agenda 2021–2027, coordinated by EIT RawMaterials, to strengthen the role of higher education in Europe’s innovation ecosystem.
2021 – 2023
Pilot phase
The initiative’s pilot phase begins, funding over 300 projects across Europe to help universities develop innovation plans, build cross-sector partnerships, and foster entrepreneurial education.
October – December 2021
First Call for proposals opens
The first annual Call for proposals is launched, inviting HEIs, public bodies, businesses, and research institutions to apply for funding.
2022 – 2023
Community of practice launched
A Europe-wide Community of Practice is established, connecting universities, industry, and policymakers to share knowledge and collaborate.
January 2024
Main phase commences
Building on the pilot’s success, the initiative enters its main phase (2024–2027), scaling its reach and deepening partnerships.
What’s new in our network
Discover the latest insights, programme updates, and upcoming events across the community.
Meet the people behind the mission
The EIT and EIT Higher Education Initiative are supported by passionate experts, helping to build a future for Europe’s innovation.
Pamela Ragazzi
Learning Programmes Orchestrator / HEI Initiative Evaluation Committee Member
Milijana Merdovic
Monitor, Evaluation, and Learning Officer
Catherine Laurent-Polz
Learning Community Coordinator, HEI Initiative Project Officer
Chianna Shah
Learning Project Assistant / HEI Initiative Project Officer
Maarten van der Kamp
Education Director / HEI Initiative Evaluation Committee Member
Dr. Laura Borge del Rey
Programme Manager Education / HEI Initiative Project Officer
Cara Maeztu
HEI Initiative Project Officer
Celine Carrera
Education Director / HEI Initiative Evaluation Committee Member
Stefania Amorosi
Head of Synergies and Strategic Initiatives (on maternity leave from 1 October 2023)
Siddhanth Rao
HEI Initiative Project Officer
Frank Gielen
Education Director / HEI Initiative Evaluation Committee Member
Arno Meerman
HEI Initiative Project Officer
Jose Villagran
HEI Initiative Project Officer
Monika Blodgett
Senior Manager EIT Communities
Taylor Hall
HEI Initiative Project Manager
Martin Vendel
Education Director / HEI Initiative Evaluation Committee Member
Antoine Berwart
HEI Initiative Project Officer
Gerard Domínguez
Education Programme Manager
Ariadna Vilalta
Strategic Community Lead, Alumni
Get in touch
Have questions or want to learn more about the EIT Higher Education Initiative? We’re here to help.