Bridging the gap between academic research and market-ready innovations

The "Mind the Gap" project aims to bridge the gap between academic research and market-ready innovation by developing a scalable framework that supports PhD students, Master's students and early career researchers. The initiative focuses on equipping young researchers with entrepreneurial skills and fostering a culture of innovation within academia. By addressing systemic challenges and regional inequalities, the project aims to create an inclusive and competitive European innovation ecosystem that drives economic and sustainability goals, supports the European Green Deal and establishes Europe as a leader in deep tech and sustainable solutions.

The objectives are: Establish a PhD programme: develop an innovative PhD programme supported by universities, future and existing companies and NGOs, aiming to foster collaboration between academic and industrial partners and improve the flow of knowledge, skills and talent.

Improving skills in the ecosystem: Creating professional development opportunities for entrepreneurs and companies with a focus on digital, green and entrepreneurial skills to bridge the gap between scientific advances and market needs.

Improving students' competences: Introduce training modules on entrepreneurship and sustainability to improve students' skills and prepare them to run successful businesses.

Fostering local talent: Equipping local talent with the necessary skills to support business acceleration and digital transformation to address the regional skills shortage.

Promoting entrepreneurial activities: Encouraging students to complete their entrepreneurial projects by integrating entrepreneurial skills into the programme and promoting the creation of start-ups after graduation.