The “Knowledge Rise” project unites a consortium of seven higher education institutions, three businesses, one governmental organization, and one NGO from seven European countries to advance and build capacity for institutional innovation and entrepreneurship in Deep Tech. The project aims to empower HEIs, students, and businesses in transformative fields like artificial intelligence, machine learning, advanced materials, sustainable energy, clean technologies, and cybersecurity, fostering the transition to sustainable blue and green economies. With a vision for 2030, the consortium seeks to strengthen partnerships among businesses, academia, NGOs, and governments to foster innovation, align educational programs with industry needs, and develop robust entrepreneurial ecosystems.

Aligned with the strategic goals of the Deep Tech Talent Initiative, Climate-KIC, EIT Digital, EIT RawMaterials, and the Smart Specialisation Strategies (S3) of the participating countries, the project also contributes to the European Green Deal and the New European Innovation Agenda. Leveraging institutional support and a successful track record in academic-industry collaboration, the project uses the EIT Knowledge Triangle Model to integrate education, research, and business to accelerate Deep Tech applications in advancing blue and green economies.

The consortium has identified five key challenges hindering Europe’s leadership in Deep Tech and its transition to sustainable blue and green economies. These challenges are: 1) mismatches between industry needs, Deep Tech and related business education, 2) not fully matching educational curriculum, 3) a weak start-up ecosystem, 4) limited engagement from HEIs and research centers in bringing science to market, and 5) misalignment between societal needs and stakeholder actions in innovations development and engagement. To address these challenges, the project positions HEIs as engines of change, fostering partnerships with businesses and enhancing their capacity to lead advancements in Deep Tech. Guided by HEInnovate self-assessments, the consortium has defined seven strategic actions to strengthen capacity, align with the objectives of the three EIT KICs, and meet the S3 goals of the participating countries. The project sets a list of KPIs, milestones and measures to track progress, quality and includes a robust plan meeting their own strategic goals to secure financial sustainability beyond the project’s conclusion.

The Knowledge Rise project benefits a wide range of stakeholders, including academic and non-academic staff, students, start-ups, and society. Through its outreach, dissemination, and engagement plan, the project establishes HEIs as central drivers of impact in blue and green economies while paving the way for long-term collaboration. It helps to position Europe as a global leader in Deep Tech innovation and entrepreneurship, creating a foundation for sustainable growth and resilience.

Project coordinator

Dr Tamer Abu-Alam, UiT The Arctic University of Norway (contact)