The launch of the Sustain4Future project under the EIT Urban Mobility initiative took place in Ghent, Belgium, from May 27 to 28, 2025. This marked the beginning of a collaborative effort to embed sustainability into urban innovation and entrepreneurial education across Europe.

The kick-off meeting gathered partners from higher education institutions, innovation networks, and entrepreneurship ecosystems, all part of the broader Start For Future Alliance. Representing Epoka University, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Alba Kruja and Dr. Vilma Cekani joined the sessions to contribute to the co-creation of new educational and entrepreneurial pathways focused on sustainable urban development.

Day 1: Co-Designing for Impact

The first day of the meeting focused on establishing common ground among partners, introducing the project goals, and highlighting existing achievements within the Start For Future network. Participants were introduced to the core components of the Sustain4Future project and engaged in a hands-on workshop dedicated to designing the “Teach and Rise” module. This work package will focus on integrating sustainability into teaching and innovation practices across partner institutions.

Day 2: Structuring Innovation Pathways

The second day introduced participants to the project's structured modules supporting entrepreneurial journeys, including phases for team formation, idea development, and co-creation. In addition, the collaborative platform supporting these activities was demonstrated, and partners collectively defined next steps, success indicators, and operational priorities. The meeting concluded with an exploration of local innovation initiatives in Ghent, providing inspiration for future regional engagement strategies.

About Sustain4Future
Sustain4Future is an initiative of EIT Urban Mobility, designed to empower universities and innovation ecosystems to collaboratively address sustainability challenges in urban environments. Through the integration of education, entrepreneurship, and co-creation, the project aims to develop practical, scalable solutions that prepare learners and innovators to shape the cities of the future.