The NEXT-HEI Capacity Building Programme supports Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in strengthening their innovation and entrepreneurial capabilities.
The programme has been specifically designed to:
The first open call will select 15 HEIs.
Eligible applicants are Higher Education Institutions established in EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries. This includes public and private universities, universities of applied sciences, technical institutes, and other accredited institutions that offer programmes leading to recognised degrees or equivalent qualifications at ISCED level 5 or higher.
established in EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries, including public and private universities, applied science institutions, and research-oriented academic bodies.
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with clear plans to strengthen their role within their local, regional, and national innovation ecosystems. These may include initiatives around knowledge transfer, university-business collaboration, startup support, and societal impact.
actively promote gender equality in entrepreneurship and innovation, and seek to embed these principles across institutional structures and educational programmes. Institutions working to improve opportunities for underrepresented groups, including women, youth, and underserved communities, are especially encouraged.
as defined by the European Innovation Scoreboard. These HEIs are strongly encouraged to apply, as at least 70% of selected participants will be drawn from these regions to help address the innovation divide and support territorial cohesion.
Selected HEIs will participate in a comprehensive and high-impact package of non-financial support programme designed to enable institutional transformation. Benefits include:
IP management, and commercialisation.
at leading innovation universities.
aligned with Smart Specialisation Strategies (S3) and EU priorities.
with corporates, investors, and public agencies.
through NEXT-HEI events and EU-level promotion.
with training and methodological materials.
Applications must be submitted via the official NEXT-HEI online form, available on the project website. The process includes:
Completing the application form (Expression of Interest)
Providing all required institutional details and strategic information.
Submitting before the official deadline.
All applications will be reviewed through a transparent evaluation process based on eligibility, relevance, impact, inclusivity, and institutional commitment. The open call will act on a “first come, first served” approach, so we encourage all potential applicants to submit your proposals as soon as possible.
Deadline for Submissions
Notification of Selected HEIs
Programme Start
Programme Duration
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