About the Project
4InnoPipe2 builds on the success of the 4InnoPipe project (Cohort 2 of the HEI Initiative), aiming to reshape the role of universities as drivers of innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainability. By fostering regenerative innovation ecosystems, the project empowers higher education institutions (HEIs) to address the most pressing societal and environmental challenges of our time.
Vision and Mission
Universities have the unique potential to drive economic and social change. Through cutting-edge research, innovative thinking, and skill development, they can create impactful businesses and inspire the next generation of changemakers. 4InnoPipe2 takes this mission further by embedding sustainability and regeneration into every stage of the innovation pipeline—from education and research to business development and industry collaboration.
Rather than simply continuing where 4InnoPipe left off, 4InnoPipe2 expands the project’s scope to create lasting, systemic transformation through interdisciplinary and multi-regional collaboration. The project promotes long-term value creation and foresight-driven planning, with a special focus on regenerative practices in the agri-food and pharmaceutical sectors.
Objectives
4InnoPipe2 is aligned with Strand A of the HEI Initiative, focusing on strengthening innovation and entrepreneurship capacity at HEIs through a holistic, institution-wide approach. The key objectives are:
- Develop infrastructure, including digital platforms to support innovation (Domain 1)
- Foster collaboration and mutual learning through best practice exchange (Domain 2)
- Support business creation through structured incubation and entrepreneurship environments (Domain 3)
- Provide training and mentoring for students and staff in innovation and entrepreneurship (Domain 4)
- Capture and share success stories and lessons learned (Domain 5)
- Promote innovation-driven research (Domain 3)
- Organise internships with business partners to bridge academia and industry (Domain 4)
Implementation Phases
The project spans 25 months and is divided into three main phases:
- Phase 1 – Design: Includes capacity mapping, strategic planning, and the launch of key activities such as the 4InnoPipe2 course and startup support.
- Phase 2a – Scaling: Expands on the initial activities, deepening impact and reach.
- Phase 2b – Wrap-Up: Focuses on documenting lessons learned and preparing for long-term sustainability and exploitation.
Coordination and Impact
Led by the University of Helsinki, and supported by an experienced team from the original 4InnoPipe project, the consortium holds monthly meetings to ensure smooth coordination and alignment with SMART objectives.
Quantitative goals (e.g. participation numbers, number of startups supported) are clearly defined and measurable, while qualitative goals (e.g. entrepreneurial mindset, innovation culture) are tracked through participant feedback and evaluation tools.
Methodology
4InnoPipe2 builds upon the proven methodology of its predecessor by evolving from a linear innovation pipeline into a dynamic, interconnected ecosystem model. The original four-stage approach—ideation, invention, incubation, and internationalisation—is now reimagined to better reflect the complexity of modern innovation environments. Rather than treating these stages as separate steps, 4InnoPipe2 emphasizes their integration across local, regional, and international ecosystems. The project adopts the quintuple helix model, expanding on the traditional academia-industry-government framework by including civil society and the environment as key innovation drivers. This holistic, interdisciplinary approach strengthens universities’ capacity to collaborate externally, align research with societal needs, and cultivate entrepreneurial mindsets. By fostering collaborative environments and reducing internal fragmentation, the project aims to empower HEIs to serve as engines of regenerative innovation and regional development.
