The BIKE-HEI project (Boosting Innovative and Knowledge-based Entrepreneurship of HEIs) aims to enhance the role of higher education institutions in regional innovation by supporting the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the later stages of the innovation journey. It focuses on driving entrepreneurship and developing AI-powered solutions for Environmental Protection, Climate Action, and the Green Economy.
At the heart of the project is the creation of a Joint Innovation & Entrepreneurship Hub. This hub will provide tailored mentoring, funding advice, intellectual property support, internationalisation opportunities, and matchmaking services. A key goal is to support students and university staff in launching spin-offs and start-ups that contribute to Europe’s green transition.
Supporting regional innovation ecosystems
The project will also map regional innovation ecosystems and deliver targeted training programmes to help universities strengthen their strategies and build lasting collaborations with industry, policymakers, and civil society.
By equipping higher education institutions with the tools to champion sustainability and entrepreneurship, BIKE-HEI supports Europe’s broader push for a green economic transformation. The project’s focus on AI integration makes it especially relevant as institutions look to harness digital innovation for climate action.
META Group will act as the business partner in BIKE-HEI, enhancing business opportunities for innovative and knowledge-based entrepreneurs in AI, environmental protection, climate action and green economy. We will also contribute by supporting spin-off services in HEIs and strengthening their role in the regional innovation ecosystem.
Running from April 2025 to April 2027, BIKE-HEI is funded by the European Union through the Horizon Europe Framework Programme and the European Institute of Innovation & Technology (EIT). The University of Alicante is coordinating the consortium that includes Universität des Saarlandes, University of Primorska, Mariupol State University, META Group, CESIE ETS, and the Association of Balkan Eco-Innovation. Associated partners include UiT The Arctic University of Norway and the Alicante Science Park.