The Boosting Innovative and Knowledge-Based Entrepreneurship in Higher Education Institutions (BIKE-HEI) project aims to strengthen the role of higher education institutions within regional innovation ecosystems by supporting the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in the later stages of innovation processes. The project focuses on fostering entrepreneurship and developing AI-based solutions in the fields of environmental protection, climate action, and the green economy.

BIKE-HEI brings together four European higher education institutions—the University of Alicante (Spain), the University of Passau (Germany), the University of Primorska (Slovenia), and Mariupol State University (Ukraine)—along with business partners, non-governmental organisations, and science parks. The consortium shares the common objective of advancing the twin transition—digital and green transformation—through AI-driven innovation, institutional change, and strategic collaboration.

The project will:

• establish a joint Innovation and Entrepreneurship Hub (BIKE Hub);
• provide tailored training programmes and mentoring for students, academic staff, and professional support staff;
• create support structures for spin-off and start-up companies;
• improve institutional policies and strategies in the fields of innovation and entrepreneurship;
• establish new partnerships with external stakeholders and regional innovation ecosystems.

By integrating the concept of the knowledge entrepreneur into the Transform4Europe European University Alliance, BIKE-HEI will ensure long-term impact, transferability, and sustainability. Through a multidisciplinary and inclusive approach, the project will equip more than 1,250 participants with entrepreneurial skills and foster a culture of innovation aligned with the objectives of EIT Climate-KIC, EIT Digital, and EIT RawMaterials.

Contact person: Astrid Petz, astrid.petz@fm.upr.si, tel: 05 663 77 87