The HEI2MARKET project aims to transform higher education institutions (HEIs) into innovation hubs by embedding entrepreneurial curricula, fostering technology transfer, and supporting startups. The project includes seven partners across six countries, including five HEIs and two business partners. It will implement activities focusing on innovation and entrepreneurship, targeting students, academic staff, and non-academic staff.

Key objectives include:

1. Developing Entrepreneurial Curricula: Mapping current offerings, creating strategic roadmaps, and integrating entrepreneurial skills into curricula.
2. Startup Support: Establishing tailored programs and mentoring sessions to help 16 startups, with a goal of creating three startups during the project.
3. Building Partnerships: Forming at least 17 strategic collaborations with industries, governmental bodies, and NGOs.
4. Sustainability Plan: Ensuring long-term continuation of initiatives beyond project funding.

The project employs a phased approach:

• Phase 1: Pilot-testing entrepreneurial programs.
• Phase 2A/2B: Scaling these programs to wider audiences and institutionalizing them.

Expected outcomes include training 2400 students, mentoring 245 academic staff, and supporting startups to attract investments and achieve market readiness. Emphasis is placed on sustainability, diversity, and regional impact through tailored initiatives and collaborations.

The project aligns with EIT Health and EIT Manufacturing strategic goals, focusing on innovation in healthcare and manufacturing domains. The overarching aim is to create a lasting impact by institutionalizing entrepreneurship and innovation in HEIs, enabling them to play a pivotal role in regional development and innovation ecosystems.

Project coordinator

Martina Mak, Sveučilište Sjever (contact)