HEI2MARKET

HEI2MARKET is an EIT HEI Initiative project that strengthens the innovation and entrepreneurial capacity of universities across Europe. By 2030, the consortium envisions partner HEIs becoming key innovation hubs, equipped with sustainable structures to support entrepreneurship, technology transfer, and startup creation.

Project duration: April 2025 – March 2027

Total budget: €1,338,250 (100% EIT HEI Initiative funding)

Partners: 7 institutions from 6 countries

What We Do

Entrepreneurial Education – development of new and improved curricula, training over 2,400 students, 245 academic staff, and 190 non-academic staff.
Startup Support & Mentoring – tailored programs for at least 16 startups, including mentoring, training, and access to investors.
Innovation Ecosystem Building – creation of 13 new or improved structures within universities and establishment of 17+ strategic partnerships with industry, government, and NGOs.
Sustainability & Inclusion – a long-term action plan to integrate entrepreneurship into HEIs and a Diversity & Inclusion Action Plan to support underrepresented groups, especially women.

Impact by 2027

• 3 new startups created, with at least 2 reaching first customers or attracting private investment.
• 7 innovative products, processes, or methods developed.
• Institutionalized entrepreneurial programs embedded in multiple faculties across 5 HEIs.
• Strengthened collaboration in Health and Manufacturing sectors, aligned with EIT Health and EIT Manufacturing strategic goals.

Who We Are

The consortium brings together 7 partners from 6 countries:

• 5 Higher Education Institutions: University North (HR, lead), University of Rzeszów (PL), Mother Theresa University (MK), University of Oulu (FI), Marmara University (TR – Innovation Pioneer)
• 2 Business partners: INVENTO (HR), WeCreate (BG)

Together, we foster innovation, connect academia with industry, and transform research into market-ready solutions.

Learn more: https://hei2market.unin.hr

This project is supported by EIT Health, Co-funded by the European Union, and the EIT Higher Education Initiative, this project is part of a broader effort led by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) to foster innovation and improve societal outcomes across Europe.