EURECA-SPARK
Stimulating Partnerships, Applied Research and Knowledge Transfer in EURECA-PRO
EURECA-SPARK strengthens EURECA-PRO’s alliance-wide innovation capacity by connecting a digital MicroDegree in Innovation & Entrepreneurship, challenge-based microcredentials, start-up pathways, and structured EIT KIC cooperation under Topic 2.
Project Coordinator, Freiberg University of Mining and Technology Contact
Selected under Topic 2: EIT-HEI-2025-BUILDING-SYNERGIES, EURECA-SPARK supports the EURECA-PRO European University Alliance in building a more structured and sustainable bridge between education, applied research, industry collaboration, and business creation. The project focuses on responsible consumption and production, critical raw materials, sustainability, digitalisation, climate technologies, and research-to-market translation.
At the centre of EURECA-SPARK is a fully digital, stackable MicroDegree in Innovation & Entrepreneurship. The MicroDegree will consist of at least ten microcredentials developed jointly by Higher Education Institutions, research actors, start-up support structures, and industry partners. Learners will engage with practical, challenge-based content derived from real research and industry needs, while building innovation, entrepreneurship, IP, market validation, and responsible resource management competences.
The project also establishes a structured start-up pathway that connects microcredential learning, regional incubators, innovation hubs, and EIT business creation and acceleration services. By aligning with EIT RawMaterials, 28DIGITAL, and EIT Climate-KIC, EURECA-SPARK aims to make EURECA-PRO a stronger entry point into the EIT ecosystem, while supporting digital mobility, widening participation, and more inclusive access to innovation and entrepreneurship education across Europe.
Partners on this project
Freiberg University of Mining and Technology (Lead Partner)
Additive|Drives GmbH
ERZLABOR Advanced Solutions GmbH
Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf e. V. (HZDR)
MONOLITHOS Catalysts & Recycling Ltd.
MiViA GmbH
Mittweida University of Applied Sciences
New energy institute
RINA Consulting – Centro Sviluppo Materiali S.p.A. (RINA-CSM)
RJB Renewable Holdings B.V.
Technical University of Crete
University of León
Université de Lorraine
WEEEMET
Hasselt University
PLASTIKI GROUP CO
Silesian University of Technology
Technical University of Leoben
Universitatea din Petroșani
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