iSTART

iSTART is a transnational project aimed at strengthening higher education institutions’ capacity to deliver market- and startup-oriented Digital Entrepreneurship Practice (DEP) curricula. Through an evidence-based and co-created framework grounded in a quadruple helix approach, the project aligns academic training with real market and innovation needs. iSTART combines training needs analysis, curriculum development, and piloting activities supported by a blended Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). The project was implemented through 2 Trainers’ Labs, 4 Digital Entrepreneurship Academies, and 7 Multiplier Events across Greece, Italy, Portugal, and Turkey. Its impact supports the transformation of HEIs into entrepreneurial institutions and contributes to preparing graduates for the European digital startup ecosystem.

Partner di progetto

• Yasar University (TR)
• SEERC South-East European Research Centre (GR)
• i4G – Incubation for Growth SA (GR)
• IPN – Instituto Pedro Nunes (PT)
• COMONEXT (IT)
• EBAN – European Business Angel Network (BE)

Attività di NExT

ComoNExT led focus groups with SMEs to identify market needs and define the requirements of the Digital Entrepreneurship Academy. It also coordinated and hosted the Entrepreneurial Academy in ComoNExT, culminating in final pitching sessions by participating teams. In addition, ComoNExT acted as Work Package Leader for project monitoring, overseeing progress tracking, KPI definition, and performance assessment to ensure alignment with project objectives and impact targets.

A chi si rivolge

• Higher Education Institutions (HEIs): academic staff, trainers and curriculum designers involved in the development and delivery of digital entrepreneurship education.
• University students and recent graduates, particularly those interested in digital entrepreneurship, startups and innovation-driven careers.
• Quadruple helix stakeholders, including incubators, investors, SMEs, startups and innovation ecosystem actors engaged in co-creation and open innovation activities.
• Trainers, mentors and experts involved in the Digital Entrepreneurship Academies and pitching activities.
• Indirect beneficiaries:
• Policy makers and institutional actors at local, national and European level, as indirect beneficiaries of the project’s outcomes and evidence-based practices.