The Boosting Innovative and Knowledge-based Entrepreneurship of HEIs (BIKE-HEI) project aims to strengthen the role of higher education institutions in regional innovation ecosystems by supporting the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the later stages of innovation processes. The project focuses on fostering entrepreneurship and creating AI-driven solutions in the fields of Environmental Protection, Climate Action, and the Green Economy.

BIKE-HEI brings together four European HEIs—University of Alicante (Spain), Saarland University (Germany), University of Primorska (Slovenia), and Mariupol State University (Ukraine)—as well as business, NGO, and science park partners. The consortium is united by the shared goal of driving digital and green transformation (the Twin Transition) through AI-powered innovation, institutional change, and strategic collaboration.

The project will:

• Establish a Joint Innovation & Entrepreneurship Hub (BIKE Hub);
• Deliver tailored training and mentoring for students, academics, and non-academic staff;
• Create support structures for spin-offs and start-ups;
• Improve institutional policies and strategies in innovation and entrepreneurship;
• Forge new partnerships with external stakeholders and innovation ecosystems.

By embedding the concept of the “knowledge entrepreneur” within the European University Alliance Transform4Europe, BIKE-HEI will ensure long-term impact, transferability, and sustainability. Through a multidisciplinary and inclusive approach, the project will equip over 1,250 individuals with entrepreneurial skills and foster a culture of innovation aligned with the goals of EIT Climate-KIC, EIT Digital, and EIT RawMaterials.

Project coordinator

Carolina Madeleine, University of Alicante (contact)