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BLENDS is an innovation project of the UNIC European University alliance, funded through the EIT Higher Education Initiative. By connecting universities, cities, businesses, public authorities, innovation organisations, and civil society partners, BLENDS strengthens the capacity of European regions to innovate, collaborate, and create lasting societal impact. The project uniquely ‘blends’ the strengths of the alliance's educational capacities with regional innovation ecosystems’ needs and a shared international outlook.
Through entrepreneurship, knowledge transfer, and urban experimentation, BLENDS supports the development of stronger innovation ecosystems across ten European cities and helps transform ideas into solutions for real-world challenges.
BLENDS creates opportunities for students, researchers, educators, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and citizens to work together on challenges that matter.
Operating across ten European cities, the project strengthens connections between education, research, entrepreneurship, and community engagement, ensuring that innovation contributes directly to societal progress and urban transformation.
Core partners
UNIC European University Alliance • Erasmus Centre for Entrepreneurship (ECE) •
Polish Agency for Enterprise Development (PARP) • Climate-KIC • EIT Health • 28Digital
Focus Areas
Entrepreneurship • Innovation • Knowledge Transfer • Urban Transformation • Impact Measurement
Mission
Strengthening innovation capacity and creating pathways that turn knowledge,
research, and ideas into real-world impact.
Funded by:
EIT Higher Education Initiative (EIT HEI)
Project Duration:
2026-2028
European cities are navigating profound social, environmental, economic, and technological change. Climate resilience, digital transformation, social inclusion, health, housing, and economic transition all require new approaches and collaborative solutions.
BLENDS helps build the partnerships, skills, and infrastructure needed to respond to these challenges. By bringing together diverse stakeholders, the project supports the creation of innovative solutions that are practical, scalable, and rooted in local needs.
European cities are navigating profound social, environmental, economic, and technological change. Climate resilience, digital transformation, social inclusion, health, housing, and economic transition all require new approaches and collaborative solutions.
BLENDS helps build the partnerships, skills, and infrastructure needed to respond to these challenges. By bringing together diverse stakeholders, the project supports the creation of innovative solutions that are practical, scalable, and rooted in local needs.
Entrepreneurship Education
Developing entrepreneurial skills and innovation competencies for students,
researchers, and staff.
CityLabs & Urban Innovation
Creating opportunities to test and develop solutions to real urban
challenges alongside local stakeholders.
Knowledge Transfer
Connecting research, expertise, and innovation ecosystems to accelerate
impact beyond academia.
Ecosystem Building
Strengthening collaboration between universities, businesses, public
authorities, startups, and communities.
Impact Measurement
Developing shared frameworks to evaluate, improve, and scale innovation
across Europe.
For more information on BLENDS, please contact: unic@eur.nl