Full partners
Savonia-ammattikorkeakoulu oy (Lead Partner)
Finland
University of Forestry - Sofia
Bulgaria
University of Chemical Technology and Metallurgy
Bulgaria
National Scientific Center “Institute of Agriculture of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences"
Ukraine
International Society for Professional Innovation Management
United Kingdom
Kyiv Agrarian University of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine
Ukraine
INSTITUTE OF HIGHER EDUCATION KING DANYLO UNIVERSITY
Ukraine
Yuriy Fedkovych Chernivtsi National University
Ukraine
Stefan cel Mare University of Suceava
Romania
Suomen humanistinen ammattikorkeakoulu Oy
Finland
Estonian Aviation Academy
Estonia
Moldova State University
Moldova (Republic of)
Nokia Solutions and Networks Oy
Finland
Associated partners
County Employers' Association of Businesswomen in SME Suceava
Romania
North East Regional Development Agency
Romania
Association of Women Entrepreneurs of Moldova (AFAM)
Moldova (Republic of)
The Association for Human Rights "LEGIS"
Moldova (Republic of)
The Regional Center for Social Initiatives and Sustainable Development
Moldova (Republic of)
The Centre of Economic Development, Transport and the Environment in North Savo, Finland
Finland
VILNIAUS KOLEGIJA
Lithuania
Precarpathian Eco-Energy Cluster
Ukraine
Institute of Mechanics and Automation of Agroindustrial Production of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine
Ukraine
Lithuanian Research Center for Agriculture and Forestry
Lithuania
Estonian Aviation Cluster
Estonia
Natural Resources Institute Finland
Finland
Branch Chamber of Woodworking and Furniture Industry
Bulgaria
IVANO-FRANKIVSK CLUSTER OF INNOVATION TECHNOLOGIES
Ukraine
Max. funding Phase 1
Max. funding Phase 2
Supported by
Coordinated by
Project description
Climate Engine aims to empower higher education institutions (HEIs) to become leading innovation engines for place-based climate solutions across Europe. The project brings together a diverse consortium of nine HEIs, one research institute, two business partners, and multiple associated stakeholders to co-develop Climate Innovation Laboratories and foster long-term institutional transformation.
Building on the experience of the ILCA initiative, the project focuses on embedding climate-focused innovation into the core strategies of HEIs. Climate Engine will:
- Train over 1,600 students and staff in climate innovation and entrepreneurship;
- Establish and improve five Climate Innovation Laboratories as hubs for systemic, place-based solutions;
- Co-create ten Climate Innovation Projects with more than 100 stakeholders;
- Support the development and growth of at least 60 climate-focused start-ups and scale-ups;
- Develop regional climate roadmaps tailored to local challenges and aligned with smart specialization strategies.
The initiative follows a multi-phase approach: laying foundational structures and partnerships, scaling and institutionalizing training and labs, and ensuring long-term impact through policy alignment and regional ecosystem integration. By emphasizing design thinking, systems innovation, and stakeholder co-creation, Climate Engine equips HEIs to drive climate resilience, sustainability, and economic transformation well beyond the project’s funding period.
Project coordinator
Miika Kajanus, Doctor, Savonia-ammattikorkeakoulu oy (contact)
Project timeline
