Accelerate Future HEI, supporting future-focused higher education is a Horizon Europe project that brings together twelve European partners from eleven European countries to develop and pilot test a methodology for acceleration services to support HEI institutional transformation. As an acceleration partner, Momentum leads Communication, Dissemination and Sustainability and is represented by Samantha Carty who recently travelled to the fifth partner meeting to mark the halfway point of the ambitious four-year journey.
The picturesque island of Tenerife provided the perfect setting to celebrate the achievements of Accelerate Future HEI, explore new training and services, and refine the art of storytelling to showcase the nine HEI’s transformation journeys. Beyond insightful discussions and knowledge exchange, the partners were immersed in the local innovation ecosystem—making for an inspiring, productive, and enjoyable experience.
Led by UIIN, the Accelerate Future HEI project is working towards one goal: fostering more entrepreneurial and innovative universities. Through acceleration services such as training, coaching, and institutional transformation initiatives, the project is shaping the future of higher education.
Day 1: Reflections, Innovation, and Impactful Storytelling
Our first day was packed with valuable discussions and interactive sessions:
🔹 Project leaders, UIIN reflected on the progress made so far and outlined the next steps for acceleration services, capacity building, and knowledge exchange.
🔹 Partners showcased their Institutional Transformation Acceleration Projects (ITAPs), revealing how their initiatives are already yielding impressive results.
🔹 The Ideas Market brought partners together to identify gaps, address common challenges, and co-develop innovative solutions to further enhance acceleration services.
🔹 Impact Capturing and Storytelling sessions, led by TUM International GmbH and Momentum Educate + Innovate, helped participants refine their approach to:
- Measuring and evaluating impact effectively
- Crafting compelling narratives to communicate transformation success stories. Each partner will create a video of their successes by the end of year four.
Day 2: Exploring Tenerife’s Innovation and Entrepreneurial Landscape
The second day went beyond the conference room and into Tenerife’s vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem.
🔹 In Santa Cruz, the partners connected with inspiring local stakeholders and learned from their expertise. A highlight was an engaging presentation by CEOE Tenerife,
🔹 Dr. Julia Ayuso, Director of the EU School of Sustainability at Universidad Europea, shared valuable expertise on integrating sustainable practices into entrepreneurial strategies.
🔹 Innovation took centre stage at COACTFE Arquitectos Tenerife and the Colegio de Enfermería de Tenerife, where they explored groundbreaking initiatives shaping the future of their respective industries.
🔹 Entrepreneurial professors shared how they are turning their ventures into real-world impact.
With two more years to go, we are more inspired than ever to share the driving transformation in higher education institutions and promote how they shape a more innovative and entrepreneurial academic landscape.
