About · EIT HEI Initiative

Elevating Green & Digital Innovation in Higher Education

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).

Where we're headed

Our Vision

LOTUS seeks the transformation of European HEIs into leaders of sustainable innovation by 2030 — through training, partnerships, and inclusive ecosystems that turn research and ideas into real-world impact.

Priorities

Three areas of focus

01

Green & Digital Innovation

Sustainable, technology-driven entrepreneurship that addresses real societal challenges.

02

Inclusive Education & Equality

Integrating diversity, equity, and gender equality across education and innovation.

03

Collaboration & Ecosystems

Connecting universities, industry, policymakers, and communities.

Targets & KPIs

Our Goals

LOTUS is driving measurable change across European higher education.

1,100+ trained in green & digital entrepreneurship

Equip students and staff with entrepreneurial skills in green and digital innovation.

15+ start-ups via hackathons, bootcamps & acceleration

Support start-ups and scale-ups through hackathons, bootcamps, and acceleration programmes.

6+ entrepreneurial hubs in HEIs

Enhance or establish entrepreneurial hubs and innovation ecosystems in HEIs.

2 hackathons with 80+ participants

Organise bootcamps and hackathons with 80+ participants, creating real-world solutions.

3 new start-ups (2 reaching €200K or €10K revenue)

Foster the creation of new ventures, with 2+ reaching €200K investment or €10K revenue.

10,000+ people reached

Engage society through events, the website, and dissemination to ensure wide impact.

6+ regional & EU-level 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, success stories & policy briefs

Develop tools, success stories, and policy briefs to guide sustainable innovation.

01

Our methodology

LOTUS applies the Knowledge Triangle model, connecting education, research, and innovation to turn knowledge into real-world impact.

02

What we deliver

  • Training & mentoring
  • Knowledge exchange
  • Open innovation
  • Ecosystem development
Who's involved

The Consortium

Work with us

Partner with LOTUS

Interested in collaborating with the consortium? Let's talk.