TRI-CREATES is a transformative IVAP that redefines innovation and entrepreneurship in 4 Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) across Europe by integrating creativity, user-centric methodologies, and regional ecosystem stakeholders. Spanning Ireland, Portugal, Romania, Türkiye, and Denmark, the project connects strong, moderate, and emerging innovation ecosystems, creating a dynamic network of HEIs, industry partners, investors, and innovation actors. At its core, TRI-CREATES emphasises the Knowledge Triangle—education, research, and innovation—while advancing the EIT HEI Initiative’s mission to foster systemic change, entrepreneurial capacity, and long-term impact.

What sets TRI-CREATES apart is its open innovation methodology. The IVAP places creativity and creative technologies—such as digital design, virtual reality, and gaming—at the centre of entrepreneurial education and research. It employs inclusive, user-centric approaches, involving students, researchers, and stakeholders in co-creation processes to ensure solutions are designed for real-world needs. Smart specialisation strategies guide the project’s focus on regional strengths like MedTech, sustainable development, and digital innovation, tailoring initiatives to address local challenges while contributing to EU priorities. By integrating these methodologies, TRI-CREATES empowers training participants to discover unmet user needs and translate insights into impactful, scalable solutions.

TRI-CREATES work plan is structured for maximum sustainability and impact. Phase 1 (April-December 2025) lays the foundation by launching the IVAP, piloting curricula infused with creative and user-centric approaches and initiating regional partnerships. Phase 2a (January-December 2026) scales these activities, expanding creative curricula adoption, supporting additional start-ups, and formalising innovation networks. Phase 2b (January-April 2027) focuses on embedding these practices into institutional governance and establishing long-term outcomes.

The project’s ambitious targets include training 880 students, mentoring 130 participants, equipping 340 staff members with entrepreneurial skills, supporting 36 start-ups, establishing 14 new partnerships, and enhancing 14 innovation support structures. By 2030, TRI-CREATES aims to create or support 300 additional start-ups, maximising IP outputs, significantly increasing regional economic growth and positioning partner HEIs strongly as engines for entrepreneurship.

The consortium views TRI-CREATES as a blueprint for systemic innovation. Its strategic approach towards building entrepreneurial capacity inclusively not only advances the EIT HEI Initiative’s objectives but also delivers impactful, scalable solutions that align with European priorities like the Green Deal and Digital Agenda. By transforming HEIs into entrepreneurial and creative powerhouses, TRI-CREATES ensures lasting economic, social, and environmental resilience across Europe and beyond.

Project coordinator

EveAnne McCarron, Atlantic Technological University (contact)