In short
Start for Sustainability boosts sustainable entrepreneurship in and through higher education. The project builds a European network of universities, incubators and regional partners to support students, lecturers and start-ups in creating impactful and sustainable ventures.
Need and relevance
Climate change, growing inequality and resource depletion demand entrepreneurs who prioritise long-term value and societal benefit. Yet sustainable start-ups still face structural barriers such as fragmented policies, limited access to impact funding, and a lack of sustainability integration in education. Higher education institutions are ideally placed to turn the tide by embedding sustainability in teaching, research and regional engagement.
From approach to impact
The project is built around three core pillars:
Educational innovation: students and staff follow tailored programmes on sustainable and circular entrepreneurship.
Support programmes: aspiring entrepreneurs are guided through mentoring, incubation and access to impact finance.
Ecosystem building: Sustainability Hubs foster collaboration between education, industry and government.
Start for Sustainability aligns with HEInnovate priorities and three European Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs): urban mobility, circular manufacturing and future food. By 2027, the project aims to train 1,200 students, support 80 start-ups, and create a scalable model for sustainable entrepreneurship in Europe.
Our partners
