Project title: HEIs as Innovation Engines for Place-based Climate Solutions
Project acronym: Climate Engine
Programme: EIT Higher Education Initiative (EIT HEI), supported by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) under Horizon Europe
Project ID: 250017
Project duration: 1 April 2025 – 30 April 2027
Project coordinator: Savonia University of Applied Sciences (Finland)
https://www.savonia.fi/en/homepage/
Project Partners
Savonia University of Applied Sciences (Finland)
Humak University of Applied Sciences (Finland)
Nokia Solutions and Networks (Finland)
Estonian Aviation Academy (Estonia)
Stefan cel Mare University of Suceava (Romania)
University of Forestry (Bulgaria)
University of Chemical Technology and Metallurgy (Bulgaria)
Yuriy Fedkovych Chernivtsi National University (Ukraine)
King Danylo University (Ukraine)
National Scientific Centre "Institute of Agriculture of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine"
Kyiv Agrarian University of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine
Moldova State University (Republic of Moldova)
International Society for Professional Innovation Management (United Kingdom)
Project Summary
Climate Engine is an international initiative that empowers higher education institutions to become drivers of climate innovation and sustainable regional development. The project strengthens universities' capacity to co-create innovative, place-based climate solutions through entrepreneurship, interdisciplinary collaboration, and close engagement with public authorities, businesses, and civil society. Building upon the successful experience of the ILCA initiative, Climate Engine establishes Climate Innovation Labs that support the development of innovative ideas, climate entrepreneurship, and practical solutions addressing regional climate challenges.
Project Objectives
The project aims to: strengthen the innovation and entrepreneurship capacity of higher education institutions; establish and develop Climate Innovation Labs; foster climate entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystems; enhance collaboration between universities, industry, public authorities, and civil society; promote interdisciplinary education and research addressing climate challenges; support institutional transformation towards sustainability and climate resilience.
Expected Results
Climate Engine will deliver tangible institutional and societal impact by: training more than 1,600 students and university staff; providing mentoring programmes for aspiring innovators and entrepreneurs; establishing and strengthening Climate Innovation Labs across partner institutions; supporting the development of climate-focused innovation projects and start-ups; creating new international partnerships and strengthening regional innovation ecosystems; integrating climate innovation into higher education strategies and institutional development.
Project Website: https://www.climate-engine.org/