The HEI-TRAIN project aims to transform higher education by integrating AI-powered entrepreneurship programs and fostering innovation ecosystems. It targets students, staff, and underrepresented groups (e.g., women, migrants, IDPs) across participating HEIs, enhancing their digital and entrepreneurial skills. Through the establishment of International Freelancer Schools (IFS), tailored curricula, and start-up support, the project aligns with EIT’s mission to promote education, research, and business integration. Key activities include training, mentorship, and start-up events, ensuring institutional sustainability and socio-economic impact
The HEI-TRAIN project aims to transform higher education institutions (HEIs) by fostering entrepreneurial mindsets, promoting social entrepreneurship skills, and integrating AI applications into education and business ecosystems.

Objectives:

SO1: Design and implement a comprehensive educational program to develop entrepreneurial and social entrepreneurship skills and AI applications. This program, targeted at students across disciplines, will equip them with advanced competencies for future job markets. Professional development courses, such as “AI Mindset in Entrepreneurial Spaces,” will ensure knowledge transfer to academic and non-academic staff, fostering an inclusive innovation community.

SO2: Establish International Freelancer Schools (IFS) to support employability, with a particular focus on female entrepreneurship, IDPs, and migrants. IFS will align with smart specialization strategies, develop key skills and competencies, and form strategic partnerships to ensure training meets regional and global priorities.

SO3: Create a Modular Network of Partners to integrate educational, research, and business organizations, enabling a flexible and scalable approach to collaboration. The network will transform HEIs into engines of innovation, attract top talent, and support Europe’s leadership in global education and innovation

The project will be executed in phases, starting with pilot activities in Phase 1, scaling programs and partnerships in Phase 2a, and institutionalizing the outputs in Phase 2b. Key outputs include tailored educational programs, sustainable institutional frameworks like IFS, and strategic collaborations through the modular partner network.

HEI-TRAIN aligns with the EIT HEI Initiative’s Knowledge Triangle by integrating education, research, and business to promote innovation and entrepreneurship. The project addresses societal challenges, enhances workforce integration, and supports Europe’s position as a global innovation leader.

Project coordinator

Kateryna Polupanova, Mykolas Romeris University (contact)