ENTREPRENEDU: Enhancing entrepreneurial ecosystems for education

In the EU project ENTREPRENEDU, Fraunhofer IPK supported the development of a scalable educational model to promote entrepreneurial expertise throughout Europe. The project focused on Italy, Bulgaria, and Greece because these countries have historically been less innovative. The project aimed to provide targeted support to young teams of founders as they transitioned from initial idea to entrepreneurial implementation.

The initiative began with regional hackathons where 90 teams developed and tested their initial business ideas. The twelve most promising teams advanced to a multi-stage mentoring program based on a thorough needs analysis to ensure the content was tailored to the participants' needs.

Fraunhofer IPK coordinated the program's content and methodology, developing key components of the curriculum. Topics included business model development, value propositions, financing strategies, and entrepreneurial planning. These topics were embedded in a clearly structured learning concept.

The hybrid approach combined asynchronous learning units, such as video-based training and self-study materials, with synchronous formats, such as workshops, Q&A sessions, and individual mentoring. This approach allowed participants to acquire basic knowledge and in-depth content in a flexible and practical manner.

After participating in the program, teams reported noticeable increases in expertise, strategic clarity, and business idea development. By actively participating in the design, coordination, and implementation of the program, Fraunhofer IPK demonstrated its proficiency in methodologically sound startup and innovation-oriented team development.

Measures

Hackathons: Three regional events with a total of 90 teams (30 teams per event) to promote innovative business ideas.

Educational model: A highly replicable model for imparting business know-how has been developed and validated at three educational institutions in Italy, Greece, and Bulgaria.

Support for startups: A mentoring program will accompany the twelve most promising ideas from concept to market launch.

Venture capital program: Validation of an educational model at two universities and a vocational training institution with 90 students.