INNOVA Europe is a pan-European coalition dedicated to promoting responsible entrepreneurship among students and alumni. We host Europe’s leading academic startup competition, conduct insightful research, and organize impactful activities that empower the next generation to tackle today’s most pressing challenges.

10 Universities

ESMT LOGO
AALTO LOGO
KSE LOGO
Erasmus University logo featuring the acronym 'RSM' and text indicating Erasmus University.
Text-based image with the words: 'How to create your own social chain.'
A person scuba diving underwater with a helmet and flashlight, surrounded by fish.
A pair of dice showing the numbers five and six.
A black dog sitting on the grass.
Black silhouette of a person holding a golf club, standing next to a golf cart on a golf course.
Logo of EDHEC Business School with text and emblem
Group of people talking indoors against a blue wall, some holding laptops, engaged in conversation.
A man with glasses in a navy suit and white shirt is sitting, looking to the side with a serious expression, in a dark indoor setting.
A woman is speaking into a microphone in a networking or presentation event, standing next to a woman with a ponytail holding a microphone and wearing a white top and black pants, with a man in the background using a device, in a modern, glass-walled venue with natural light.

Become
a part of
innova

Join the
Coalition

as a startup, as a student, as a university, as a sponsor…

Outline drawing of a four-bladed rotor or propeller against an orange background.

  • Academic institutions across Europe are welcome to join the INNOVA Europe coalition. If your university or business school is committed to fostering responsible entrepreneurship, you can express your interest through our contact form. We are actively expanding and open to new partnerships.

    Startups and alumni ventures from our participating member schools are eligible to enter the annual INNOVA Europe Competition, one of Europe’s leading academic startup competitions. Each school conducts its own national selection process before finalists proceed to the INNOVA Grand Final.

    Additionally, anyone passionate about sustainable and impactful innovation is encouraged to attend the INNOVA Grand Final, taking place in Berlin on September 5th, 2025. This event showcases the best of student entrepreneurship across Europe and offers a first look at our upcoming European Barometer for Responsible Entrepreneurship, launching in Q4 2025.

  • At INNOVA Europe, we define responsible entrepreneurship as innovation that creates lasting, positive impact across society, the environment, and the economy. Our definition is grounded in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and grouped into three main pillars:

    Environmental Transition

    We support ventures that accelerate the shift to sustainable and regenerative practices—moving away from linear, resource-heavy models to circular and eco-conscious innovation.

    Related SDGs:

    • Clean Water and Sanitation

    • Affordable and Clean Energy

    • Sustainable Cities and Communities

    • Responsible Consumption and Production

    • Climate Action

    • Life Below Water

    • Life on Land

    Empowerment & Inclusion

    We champion startups that drive social progress by promoting equality, access to opportunities, community building, and inclusive innovation.

    Related SDGs:

    • No Poverty

    • Quality Education

    • Gender Equality

    • Reduced Inequalities

    • Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

    Healthy Living & Holistic Well-being

    We value entrepreneurship that promotes mental, emotional, physical, and environmental health—enabling people to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.

    Related SDG:

    • Good Health and Well-being

    This framework guides how we evaluate startups in our pan-European student and alumni entrepreneurship competition each year.