Innovation Challenges for Researchers

The EUTOPIA Innovation Challenges for Researchers are immersive programs designed to bridge the gap between academia and industry. These initiatives empower researchers to apply their expertise to real-world problems, fostering innovation and societal impact.

Key features include: 

• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Work alongside researchers from various disciplines to tackle complex societal issues.
• Industry Engagement: Engage directly with companies through site visits and collaborative projects.
• Skill Development: Participate in workshops and training sessions focused on innovation, impact assessment, and collaboration.
• Fully Funded Participation: Selected participants receive coverage for travel, accommodation, and meals.

Why Participate?

Participating in the EUTOPIA Innovation Challenges offers researchers the opportunity to:

• Enhance Impact: Learn to define and measure the societal and industrial impact of your research activities.
• Receive Mentorship: Gain insights and guidance from experienced mentors within the EUTOPIA network.
• Expand Your Network: Connect with fellow researchers, industry professionals, and stakeholders across Europe.
• Engage with Industry: Collaborate with companies to address real-world challenges and explore potential partnerships.
• Experience Cultural Exchange: Participate in events hosted in diverse European cities, enriching your professional and cultural perspectives.

Past Events 

Innovation Challenges for Researchers at NOVA University Lisbon (5-9 May, 2024)

The Ocean Innovation Challenges brought together researchers from across EUTOPIA’s partner universities to tackle real-world ocean challenges through multidisciplinary collaboration and industry-driven solutions.

The program was structured over 5 days, and aimed to support the transformation of researchers and universities into actors of societal change, through fostering international and regional collaboration with public and private partners.Within the macro topic of the Ocean, the 4 verticals / subtopics proposed by industry partners were:

• Vertical 1: Protection and Regeneration
• Vertical 2: Maritime Transport and Ports
• Vertical 3: Water Management
• Vertical 4: Blue Biotechnology

Click here to find out more.

Innovation Challenges for Researchers Impact Series at the University of Ljubljana (13-17 October, 2024)

This 4-day training programme was organised in close connection to Slovenia's Science and Innovation Festival UNI.MINDS, and connected researchers and industry to provide ample opportunities for meeting companies of all sizes, including start-ups and fellow researchers from EUTOPIA Universities.

Click here to find out more.