The international workshop of the EIT Higher Education Initiative (IVAP 2025), hosted in Krakow from November 24. to 26., welcomed nearly 400 educators, researchers, industry experts, and policymakers from across Europe. The event aimed to strengthen the innovation and entrepreneurial capabilities of higher education institutions while addressing significant societal challenges such as climate change, food security, and the responsible and transparent use of artificial intelligence.
At this event participated also partners from HEI2MARKET project – University North as a lead partner, and as a partner of the project Marmara University and Mother Theresa University .
The workshop brought together representatives of the 65 projects of the EIT’s Higher Education Initiative’s pilot phase, representatives of Cohort 4 selected projects, the full initiative management team, representatives from each EIT KIC, as well as external stakeholders. The event provided a key opportunity to connect, collaborate, and lay the foundation for the journey ahead. It was a moment to engage with peers, exchange ideas, and explore new opportunities. The objective of the fourth IVAP Workshop of the EIT’s Higher Education Initiative was twofold: to orient and welcome the new cohort of the Initiative and to bring together all cohorts, projects, and stakeholders of the Initiative to collaborate and build on our collective knowledge.
The IVAP Workshop served as the launch event for the HEI Cohort 4 Projects. As indicated in the HEI Call 4 for Proposals, attendance was required for Cohort 4 Projects with 4 attendees. The workshop fostered community among the selected Cohort 4 Projects and with previous cohorts. It was structured to create an environment in which selected projects could discuss and collaborate with each other for better project implementation. Furthermore, the activities were structured to facilitate the introduction and understanding of initiative-level frameworks and terminology. Projects were provided with supporting tools for an efficient IVAP implementation. Concluded projects from the pilot phase strengthened connections built during their projects and reflected on how their IVAPs could continue to evolve through 2030.
The program also emphasized how universities can better support innovation-driven skills development and help grow entrepreneurial ecosystems.
The IVAP Workshop is designed to provide the participants with key facts to better understand the aims and objectives of the EIT’s Higher Education Initiative. This is possible due to participation from all levels of the Initiative which fosters the opportunity to interact and discuss the future actions that HEIs will need to deliver in the coming years, to promote I&E and generate Institutional change. Following the IVAP Workshop, the policies, domains, and actions of the Initiative will provide a strong reference for new and ongoing projects to guide and implement the defined IVAPs. The three – day program included introductory lectures, interactive workshops, and numerous networking opportunities. Special attention was given to topics such as entrepreneurship and partnerships, diversity and inclusion, DeepTech innovations, sustainability, and impact measurement.
