Epoka University is proud to announce its participation as a full partner in the European project “Sustainability for Future,” a transformative initiative under the prestigious EIT HEI Initiative. This ambitious project brings together leading higher education institutions (HEIs) from across Europe to embed sustainability at the heart of innovation and entrepreneurship.

Led by VIA University College (Denmark), the project includes a strong consortium of full partners:

• Fundació Tecnocampus Mataró-Maresme (Spain)
• POWERHUB ZU (Czechia)
• Artevelde University of Applied Sciences (Belgium)
• Esslingen University of Applied Sciences (GründES!) (Germany)
• Epoka University (Turgut Ozal Education) (Albania)
• University of Economics in Bratislava (Slovakia)
• Estonian Entrepreneurship University of Applied Sciences (Estonia)
• University West / Högskolan Väst (Sweden)
   

The project is further enriched by the contributions of associated partners:

• Kristiania University College (Norway)
• Start for Future Cooperative (Germany)
• Oulu University of Applied Sciences (Finland)
   

A Collective Vision for a Sustainable Future

The “Sustainability for Future” project responds to the urgent global call for climate action, resource conservation, and social equity by transforming the role of HEIs in fostering sustainable development. By embedding sustainability principles into the core of teaching, research, and entrepreneurial support systems, the project aligns closely with the EIT HEI Initiative’s mission to strengthen institutional capacity for long-term, sustainable impact.

Three Pillars of Transformation

The project is structured around three main pillars:

1. Entrepreneurial Teaching and Learning
2. Entrepreneur Support and Preparation
3. Fostering Entrepreneurial Ecosystems

Using the HEInnovate framework, the consortium will co-develop interdisciplinary curricula (WP2), launch localized Sustainability Hubs for incubation and innovation (WP3), and activate regional innovation ecosystems (WP4). These efforts are supported by strong governance (WP1) and a focus on measurable impact (WP5).

A Bold Target for 2027

By the end of the project in 2027, the initiative aims to:

Engage over 1,200 students and 240+ staff across Europe

Support the development of 80+ startups

Activate two regional valleys as dynamic innovation hubs
 

Epoka’s Role in Driving Change

As Albania’s representative in this pan-European collaboration, Epoka University brings its academic excellence and growing entrepreneurial ecosystem to the forefront. Through its participation, Epoka aims to further enhance its sustainability-focused curricula, foster student-led innovation, and strengthen regional partnerships that drive inclusive and green economic growth.

The “Sustainability for Future” project marks a significant step for Epoka University and its European partners in shaping a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future. Together, they are setting a new benchmark for how universities can lead in solving society’s most pressing challenges.

🔗 More about the project