RUN InnoBoost is powered by a dynamic group of ten partners from across Europe including members of the RUN-EU European University Alliance and trusted industry innovation partners. Together, we bring diverse strengths in education, research, entrepreneurship, and regional development.
HAMK leads RUN InnoBoost, drawing on decades of experience in applied research, regional innovation ecosystems, and entrepreneurial education. With strong ties to industry and regional stakeholders, HAMK is a mission-driven institution focused on sustainable applied research and regional development. Its ethos centres on co-creation, real-world testing, and support for rural economies. The HAMK Bio ecosystem delivers world-class programmes in circular agriculture, soil carbon cycles, biogas and advanced bio-based materials, making them a key force in the Bioeconomy. HAMK also integrates smart technologies into environmental solutions, bridging towards Future Industries.
NHL Stenden brings its strength in design-based learning, social entrepreneurship, and cross-border collaboration. NHL Stenden’s mission is centred on practical, societal impact and circular innovation. The university’s hands-on educational pathways include initiatives like the Circular Business Design minor and pilot projects that transform waste streams into market-ready products. They also spearhead Greenwise Campus, a regional innovation ecosystem that brings together companies, governments, and knowledge institutions to co-create solutions across major sustainability transition themes, from circular plastics to renewable energy and digital innovation.
Through students learning by doing in real-world projects, like recycling hospital plastic for 3D printing and designing biopolymer composites, NHL Stenden positions itself at the forefront of circular bioeconomy, future industries and social innovation in practice.
TUS is a regional university known for its leadership in enterprise engagement, SME support, and applied learning. With campuses across Ireland’s midlands, a designated Just Transition Region, TUS contributes to capacity building for educators and local industries alike. It runs community-driven innovation projects that address agritech, health, and social cohesion, using a Living Lab-style approach that brings together students, educators, businesses, and residents to co-create sustainable solutions. It has key strengths in Future Industries via its Digital Manufacturing Lab supporting SMEs through smart factory principles, industrial automation, and advanced production processes, anchoring the region’s shift to a high-tech economy.
Howest combines creative disciplines with technology and applied research. Pioneers in Tech-for-Good and Maker-Driven Innovation, Howest champions a hands-on “make and learn” ethos. Their AI Lab, Cyber3 Cybersecurity Centre, and Game & Media Career Academy integrate future-facing technologies with applied uses. They support student spin-outs in smart healthcare and creative industries. Howest’s incubator regularly launches ventures in AI-based agri-solutions and robotics.
FHV is a RUN-EU Innovation & Entrepreneurship Pioneer. It combines regional industrial collaboration with applied R&D. Its Digital Factory Vorarlberg merges scalable digital systems with production, and its Mechatronics and microtechnology centres contribute to smart manufacturing—firmly within Future Industries . Their Mechatronics and Microtechnology centre collaborates with cross-border SMEs on sustainable materials, including bio-derived composites. FHV fosters growth and contributes to circular innovation in manufacturing, bridging to Bioeconomy sectors.
IPCA is actively engaged in regional innovation and the digital economy. It champions civic-led innovation, blending digital creativity with social engagement through digital heritage, e-health, and cultural Living Labs. IPCA is deeply committed to embedding R&D and entrepreneurship across its campuses, promoting an interdisciplinary approach that engages students, faculty, businesses, and community groups in applied research and innovation. With three nationally recognised R&D units including artificial intelligence, design, and applied accounting, IPCA connects research with real-world impact through collaborative entrepreneurship initiatives e.g he SAP programme in social innovation with TUS and by supporting student spin-offs.
StartUp Leiria unifies our 3 focus sectors of Bioeconomy, Future Industries, and Social Innovation. As an open-door incubator, StartUp Leiria is a leading business incubator with deep expertise in start-up support, mentoring, and business development. It acts as an applied innovation partner, connecting academia with the real needs of regional entrepreneurs. It specifically champions inclusive entrepreneurship, spanning agri-food, clean tech, and creative arts. Their mentor network is sector-diverse, providing support from farmers to software innovators. Farm-to-table ventures like bioplastic packaging start-ups and rural tourism apps have spun out of their accelerator..
UBU brings academic strength in sustainability, applied sciences, and regional development. It supports the project through its experience in innovation management, Living Lab implementation, and bioeconomy research. UBU focuses on agro-industrial circularity, evaluating bio-based composites and alternative crop systems via applied research. Their Centre for Social Innovation provides co-working space and mentoring for local social entrepreneurs. UBU is a leader in youth-focussed sustainability projects.
Momentum is an innovation consultancy specialising in EU project delivery, digital education, and regional development. Its social innovation ethos is expressed through green entrepreneurship programmes for non-business majors and underserved groups. Projects include sustainable food systems training and digital inclusion networks, positioning Momentum strongly within Social Innovation, with activities connecting to the Bioeconomy through regional food-tech initiatives. In RUN InnoBoost, Momentum leads communication and dissemination, supporting the project’s visibility and reach across Europe.
IPL is an Innovation & Entrepreneurship Pioneer in the RUN-EU alliance. It plays a leading role in institutional strategy, innovation pedagogy, and cross-sector engagement. IPL also supports the mentoring of other institutions in capacity building. IPL blends marine biotechnology, cultural entrepreneurship, and inclusive pedagogy. Its Living Labs in coastal fishing and food systems co-create with local enterprises to transition heritage industries to sustainable models. IPL training modules teach green practices to students and regional educators. It is a key driver in both Bioeconomy and Social Innovation integration.
Regional innovation drivers bring specialist expertise, networks, and real-world impact to RUN InnoBoost. Each plays a distinct role in boosting our reach across Bioeconomy, Future Industries, and Social Innovation.
Momentum is an innovation consultancy specialising in EU project delivery, digital education, and regional development. Its social innovation ethos is expressed through green entrepreneurship programmes for non-business majors and underserved groups. Projects include sustainable food systems training and digital inclusion networks, positioning Momentum strongly within Social Innovation, with activities connecting to the Bioeconomy through regional food-tech initiatives. In RUN InnoBoost, Momentum leads communication and dissemination, supporting the project’s visibility and reach across Europe.
A design-driven innovation agency linking local firms, designers, and communities to address tomorrow’s challenges. Through programmes like Commerce Design Kortrijk and Designers in Residence, they turn sustainability and digital creation into real solutions for urban and rural spaces, strongly aligned with Future Industries and Social Innovation.
Finland’s largest coworking community, Crazy Town fosters entrepreneurship through startup services, investor connections, and global partnerships. With links to The Vault in North America and Asia, and ecosystem work across Denmark and Ukraine, they support tech start‑ups and cross‑border growth strategies, reinforcing Future Industries and Social Innovation.
An innovation foundation based in the Netherlands, Founded supports education–industry cooperation and SME–HEI collaboration through digital tools and facilitation. While not sector-specific, their work in creative and technical entrepreneurship supports both Future Industries and Social Innovation.