The HEALTHPRENEURS project aims to foster innovation and entrepreneurship within European Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), focusing on Health, Sports, and Nutrition sectors. It addresses the need to strengthen entrepreneurial capacities among students, academic and non-academic staff, and supports the development of innovative startups.

The consortium, led by UCAM (Spain), includes University of Navarra (Spain), Strathclyde University (Scotland), Università San Raffaele (Italy), University of Santiago de Compostela (Spain), Sports University of Tirana (Albania), StartupWiseGuys (Estonia), and Cambridge Biocapital (United Kingdom). Additional associated partners, such as Centro Académico Clínico Católica Luz (Portugal) will contribute to its success.

HEALTHPRENEURS’ objectives are:

• To develop entrepreneurial skills through innovative training programs at introductory (T3.1) and advanced levels (T3.2), emphasizing HealthTech and hands-on learning.
• To improve technology transfer and business development by creating scouting mechanisms (T4.1) and innovation pathways (T4.2) to support spinouts and startups.
• To strengthen HEI ecosystems through regional mapping, collaboration with industry and public authorities (T2.3), and field trips to mature HealthTech ecosystems in Europe (T2.2).
• To host a major final event in Madrid to showcase entrepreneurial outcomes and foster cross-collaboration among stakeholders (T2.4).

The project aligns with the EIT HEI Initiative’s goals by enhancing HEIs’ entrepreneurial capacity, promoting the knowledge triangle, and addressing societal challenges in HealthTech. Key target groups include:

• Students: Equipped with entrepreneurial skills to enhance employability.
• Academic and non-academic staff: Engaged in technology transfer and business creation.
• Regional ecosystems: Strengthened through partnerships with industry and authorities.
• Investors: Attracted to startups and innovation opportunities.

HEALTHPRENEURS will implement a hybrid training approach, combining in-person and online sessions to maximize accessibility and participation. Scouting mechanisms will identify high-potential ideas, and innovation pathways will provide tailored business support. Dissemination activities will ensure the project’s visibility and sustainability.

Drawing on the strengths and expertise of its partners, HEALTHPRENEURS will empower HEIs to become key drivers of entrepreneurship and innovation, leaving a lasting impact on the European knowledge and business landscape.

Project coordinator

Carlos Vicente Caballero, Fundación Universitaria San Antonio (contact)