The PIONEER+ initiative, launched under the EIT Higher Education Institutions (HEI) Initiative, is set to ignite a new era of innovation and entrepreneurship across higher education institutions (HEIs) throughout Europe. Anchored in digital transformation, the project follows a “triple-helix” model bringing together universities, industry, and government to drive systemic change.   

PIONEER+ aims to empower HEIs to redefine their role in regional innovation ecosystems by enhancing their innovation structures, curricula, and entrepreneurial culture. It fosters strategic collaboration across sectors to unlock the full potential of digital capabilities within academia.   

Equipping HEIs for a Digital-First, Entrepreneurial Future  

Throughout the project, PIONEER+ will:  

• Establish and expand Technology Transfer Offices (TTOs) to boost research and commercialization pathways.  

• Develop a Master’s curriculum in “AI in Innovation Management & Entrepreneurship”, complemented by micro-learning modules tailored to modern digital needs.  

• Launch mentoring programs with special emphasis on female and creative entrepreneurs to nurture emerging innovative talent.  

• Deliver consulting, training, and AI-enabled support in digital entrepreneurship for students, faculty, and institutional leaders.  

• Facilitate integration across the knowledge triangle (education, research, and innovation), embedding long-term partnerships with regional ecosystems.   

A Strategic and Inclusive Consortium  

The project is led by the Ionian University (Greece) as the coordinating partner and is supported by a robust pan-European consortium, including:  

• Digital Green Jobs Srl (Italy)  

• A.B. Institute of Entrepreneurship Development Ltd (Cyprus)  

• Lazarski University (Poland)  

• RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau (Germany)  

• Université de Haute-Alsace (Mulhouse) (France)  

• Universität Trier (Germany)   

• Warsaw University of Life Sciences – SGGW (Poland)  

This diverse alliance unites expertise in entrepreneurship, digital innovation, education, and business collaboration. Together, they are committed to building institutional capacity, improving regional innovation ecosystems, and shaping educational offerings that meet the needs of a rapidly evolving digital landscape.  

Creating Lasting, European-Wide Impact  

PIONEER+ is funded by the European Union through the EIT HEI Initiative, with activities tailored towards lasting transformation. Through five key domains, institutional change, partnership strengthening, venture creation, educational quality enhancement, and knowledge sharing, the project ensures its impact extends far beyond campus walls into society and industry.   

By empowering HEIs to become innovation champions, especially in digital entrepreneurship and AI management, PIONEER+ supports Europe’s broader goals of sustainability, competitiveness, and inclusive growth.