4InnoPipe2

About the Project

4InnoPipe2 builds on the success of the 4InnoPipe project (Cohort 2 of the HEI Initiative), aiming to reshape the role of universities as drivers of innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainability. By fostering regenerative innovation ecosystems, the project empowers higher education institutions (HEIs) to address the most pressing societal and environmental challenges of our time.

Vision and Mission

Universities have the unique potential to drive economic and social change. Through cutting-edge research, innovative thinking, and skill development, they can create impactful businesses and inspire the next generation of changemakers. 4InnoPipe2 takes this mission further by embedding sustainability and regeneration into every stage of the innovation pipeline—from education and research to business development and industry collaboration.

Rather than simply continuing where 4InnoPipe left off, 4InnoPipe2 expands the project’s scope to create lasting, systemic transformation through interdisciplinary and multi-regional collaboration. The project promotes long-term value creation and foresight-driven planning, with a special focus on regenerative practices in the agri-food and pharmaceutical sectors.

Objectives

4InnoPipe2 is aligned with Strand A of the HEI Initiative, focusing on strengthening innovation and entrepreneurship capacity at HEIs through a holistic, institution-wide approach. The key objectives are:

• Develop infrastructure, including digital platforms to support innovation (Domain 1)
• Foster collaboration and mutual learning through best practice exchange (Domain 2)
• Support business creation through structured incubation and entrepreneurship environments (Domain 3)
• Provide training and mentoring for students and staff in innovation and entrepreneurship (Domain 4)
• Capture and share success stories and lessons learned (Domain 5)
• Promote innovation-driven research (Domain 3)
• Organise internships with business partners to bridge academia and industry (Domain 4) 

Each partner contributes based on their unique strengths, as identified through the HEI Innovation Self-Assessment.

Project Partners

The project brings together a diverse and experienced consortium of academic and industry partners from across Europe:

• University of Helsinki (Project Coordinator)
• Zagreb School of Economics and Management
• Reutlingen University
• Kozminski University
• Luxembourg School of Business
• University of Pristina
• ELEKS
• Virtual Center for Digital Innovation NOSC-UA DIH 

This multi-stakeholder partnership strengthens cross-sectoral collaboration and ensures broad impact across different innovation ecosystems.

Implementation Phases

The project spans 25 months and is divided into three main phases:

• Phase 1 – Design: Includes capacity mapping, strategic planning, and the launch of key activities such as the 4InnoPipe2 course and startup support. 
• Phase 2a – Scaling: Expands on the initial activities, deepening impact and reach. 
• Phase 2b – Wrap-Up: Focuses on documenting lessons learned and preparing for long-term sustainability and exploitation. 

Coordination and Impact

Led by the University of Helsinki, and supported by an experienced team from the original 4InnoPipe project, the consortium holds monthly meetings to ensure smooth coordination and alignment with SMART objectives.

Quantitative goals (e.g. participation numbers, number of startups supported) are clearly defined and measurable, while qualitative goals (e.g. entrepreneurial mindset, innovation culture) are tracked through participant feedback and evaluation tools.