Academic institutions across Europe are welcome to join the INNOVA Europe coalition. If your university or business school is committed to fostering responsible entrepreneurship, you can express your interest through our contact form. We are actively expanding and open to new partnerships.

Startups and alumni ventures from our participating member schools are eligible to enter the annual INNOVA Europe Competition, one of Europe’s leading academic startup competitions. Each school conducts its own national selection process before finalists proceed to the INNOVA Grand Final.

Additionally, anyone passionate about sustainable and impactful innovation is encouraged to attend the INNOVA Grand Final, taking place in Berlin on September 5th, 2025. This event showcases the best of student entrepreneurship across Europe and offers a first look at our upcoming European Barometer for Responsible Entrepreneurship, launching in Q4 2025.

At INNOVA Europe, we define responsible entrepreneurship as innovation that creates lasting, positive impact across society, the environment, and the economy. Our definition is grounded in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and grouped into three main pillars:

Environmental Transition

We support ventures that accelerate the shift to sustainable and regenerative practices—moving away from linear, resource-heavy models to circular and eco-conscious innovation.

Related SDGs:

• Clean Water and Sanitation

• Affordable and Clean Energy

• Sustainable Cities and Communities

• Responsible Consumption and Production

• Climate Action

• Life Below Water

• Life on Land

Empowerment & Inclusion

We champion startups that drive social progress by promoting equality, access to opportunities, community building, and inclusive innovation.

Related SDGs:

• No Poverty

• Quality Education

• Gender Equality

• Reduced Inequalities

• Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

Healthy Living & Holistic Well-being

We value entrepreneurship that promotes mental, emotional, physical, and environmental health—enabling people to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.

Related SDG:

• Good Health and Well-being

This framework guides how we evaluate startups in our pan-European student and alumni entrepreneurship competition each year.

The INNOVA Europe coalition is composed of leading academic institutions across Europe dedicated to entrepreneurship education and sustainability. As of 2025, we have grown from three founding schools to 10 European academic institutions and one international partner, representing a diverse network of innovation leaders.

These institutions share a common mission: to nurture entrepreneurial talent, foster impactful ventures, and embed responsible innovation into education.

The 2025 INNOVA Coalition consists of:

• Aalto University (Finland)

• EDHEC Business School (France)

• ESMT Berlin (Germany)

• ETH Zurich (Switzerland)

• IE Business School (Spain)

• Kyiv School of Economics (KSE) (Ukraine)

• London Business School (LBS) (UK)

• Politecnico di Milano (Polimi) (Italy)

• Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University (RSM) (Netherlands)

• SP Jain School of Global Management (SPJ)

• University College Dublin (UCD) (Ireland)

Yes, non-European institutions and individuals can participate in various ways. Each year, INNOVA Europe invites one international academic partner to join the coalition and take part in our annual competition, helping to foster a global dialogue around responsible entrepreneurship.

Individuals, whether students, alumni, entrepreneurs, or researchers, are also welcome to engage by:

• Attending the INNOVA Grand Final, open to the public (this year in Berlin on September 5th, 2025)

• Following and contributing to our research activities, such as the upcoming European Barometer on Responsible Entrepreneurship

If you or your institution are interested in becoming part of our extended global network, we encourage you to reach out via our contact form.