Elevating Green and Digital Innovation in Higher Education Institutes
The project at a glance
The LOTUS Project is an initiative funded under the EIT HEI Initiative to strengthen the innovation and entrepreneurial capacity of European Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). By connecting education, research, and business, LOTUS empowers universities to drive green and digital transitions, nurture inclusive ecosystems, and turn knowledge into real-world impact.
Vision
LOTUS aims to transform European Higher Education Institutions into recognized leaders of sustainable innovation and entrepreneurship by 2030.
Through tailored training, strategic partnerships, and inclusive ecosystems, LOTUS enables universities to become drivers of systemic change — advancing Europe’s green transition, digital transformation, and social inclusion.
Key Areas
Green & Digital Innovation
We promote sustainable, tech-driven entrepreneurship that addresses real societal and environmental challenges.
Inclusive Education & Equality
LOTUS integrates diversity and gender equality into all its actions, ensuring innovation opportunities for all
Collaboration & Ecosystems
Through open innovation, LOTUS connects universities, industry, policymakers, and communities across Europe.
Our Goals
1,100+ Trained
Equip students and staff with entrepreneurial skills in green and digital innovation.
15+ Start-ups
Support start-ups and scale-ups through hackathons, bootcamps, and acceleration programs.
6+ Structures
Enhance or establish entrepreneurial hubs and innovation ecosystems in HEIs.
2 Hackathons
Organize bootcamps and hackathons with 80+ participants, creating real-world solutions.
3 New Start-ups
Foster the creation of new ventures, with 2+ reaching €200K investment or €10K revenue.
10,000+ Reached
Engage society through events, website, and dissemination to ensure wide impact
6+ Partnerships
Launch regional and EU-level collaborations with industry, policymakers, and stakeholders.
40%+ Female Participation
Promote diversity, gender equality, and inclusive innovation ecosystems.
KPI Frameworks
Develop tools, success stories, and policy briefs to guide sustainable innovation.
Methodology
LOTUS applies the Knowledge Triangle model — connecting education, research, and innovation — to create a collaborative ecosystem for green and digital entrepreneurship.
Its methodology combines:
- Training & Mentoring: empowering students and staff with entrepreneurial skills
- Knowledge Exchange: sharing best practices across universities and innovation hubs
- Open Innovation: engaging startups, corporates, and public authorities to co-create solutions through hackathons and bootcamps
- Ecosystem Development: strengthening regional and European networks through sustainable partnerships
Our Consortium
