PIONEER+ is a pan-European initiative aimed at strengthening the innovation and entrepreneurship (I&E) capacity of higher education institutions (HEIs) through digital transformation. Building on the experience of previous HEI projects, the consortium of eight HEIs and two business partners will foster institutional change, expand knowledge transfer structures, and empower students, researchers, and staff with entrepreneurial skills and digital competences.

The project will:

• Establish and expand Technology Transfer Offices (TTOs) to support commercialization of research;
• Develop an MSc curriculum in “AI in Innovation Management & Entrepreneurship” and deliver micro-learning experiences;
• Launch mentoring programmes for female and creative entrepreneurs;
• Provide consulting and training in digital entrepreneurship, supported by AI tools;
• Facilitate knowledge triangle integration and establish long-term partnerships with regional innovation ecosystems.

With structured activities across all five HEInnovate domains, PIONEER+ aims to build resilient innovation ecosystems in participating regions, address gaps in institutional readiness, and create lasting, scalable impact through cross-disciplinary collaboration and shared best practices.

Project coordinator

Adamantia Pateli, Professor, Ionian University (contact)