The EIT HEI Initiative has reached remarkable results so far: a total of 65 projects were funded during the Pilot phase, comprising 405 HEIs (362 as full partners and 43 as associated partners) and 392 non-HEIs (145 as full partners and 247 as associated partners). So far, 134,086 participants (students, non-academic and academic staff) have been trained, and 2,605 startups have received support (please note that the Cohorts #2 and #3 projects are currently in the final stages of the End-of-Project review process and the current KPI numbers have not yet been fully validated). These outcomes reflect the initiative's significant contributions to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship across Europe. In addition, the initiative focuses on capturing key learnings and insights.
This has been possible through the collaboration and commitment of the existing 8 KICs, the entire EIT Ecosystem that united to support the design, development and implementation of the Initiative. As such the team efforts have allowed to organise - despite the Covid Restrictions in 2021 - 3 successful IVAP workshops, PPC event and 8 co-creation workshops. The Initiative’s team defined five Impact Pathways, developed and adopted its own Model of Change, experienced Cohort-specific Sensemaking sessions and supported the sharing of knowledge across projects through online tools, such as the Resource Hub.
In 2023 and 2024, the HEI Initiative demonstrated remarkable performance across various dimensions. The initiative witnessed substantial progress through the successful expansion of its scope, incorporating Cohort 3 projects with a strategic emphasis on deep tech, thereby contributing significantly to the Deep Tech Talent Initiative. Notably, the initiative dedicated efforts to enhance usability, making improvements to infrastructure and features, ensuring optimal functionality for all pilot cohorts involved.
One of the key highlights was the sustained focus on increasing the visibility and impact of the HEI Initiative and its associated projects. This was achieved through targeted initiatives in branding, communication, and dissemination activities, solidifying the initiative's presence in the ecosystem. The proactive approach to project management and coordination was evident in the successful completion of key deliverables and milestones. Among these achievements was the implementation of a robust Data Management Plan (DMP), showcasing the initiative's commitment to responsible and organized data handling. Overall, the HEI Initiative's performance in 2023 and first half of 2024 reflects a commitment to growth, innovation, and strategic management, positioning itself as a dynamic force in the landscape of initiatives fostering technological advancements and talent development.
