The Next Generation of Deep Technology Leaders
The TROPHY project is a strategic initiative designed to transform participating higher education institutions (HEIs) into leaders within the European deep technology innovation ecosystem by 2030.
TROPHY focuses on the development and application of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, Internet of Things (IoT), augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR), and cloud technologies, with the goal of enhancing education and creating solutions for modern societal challenges.
Understanding Innovation Ecosystems
First goal involves analyzing and mapping the regional and local innovation ecosystems where the consortium universities operate. The goal is to identify challenges, needs, and strengths to enhance the roles and impacts of the higher education institutions (HEIs) in their respective regions
Connecting with External Stakeholders
This involves building active links between the consortium universities and external stakeholders, including start-ups, scale-ups, entrepreneurs, NGOs, and government bodies. The purpose is to foster knowledge exchange, mutual learning, and collaboration opportunities regarding advanced technological solutions.
Fostering Entrepreneurial Thinking
This objective focuses on engaging participants in training and mentorship programs to expand their perspectives beyond their existing domains. A key part of this goal is developing the abilities of participants to identify commercialization opportunities within Web 4.0 technologies, which include artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, IoT, virtual reality (VR), and cloud technologies
Training & Mentorship for Societal Challenges
This goal aims to empower participants to initiate entrepreneurial ventures through specialized training that moves research ideas to the market. It focuses on creating structures for technology transfer that support all stages of innovation development, and training participants to apply advanced technologies to address societal and economic challenges in sectors such as healthcare, energy, and education
Enhancing educational content in deep technologies
Shaping the innovators of tomorrow
TROPHY will develop curricula incorporating the latest knowledge and skills in high-tech fields, contributing to workforce readiness for implementing these technologies across sectors such as energy, healthcare, and the digital industry.
Increasing employability through practical skill development
Empowering students with industry-ready expertise
By focusing on hands-on training and mentoring, the program aims to enable students to acquire industry-relevant skills. The goal is for 60% of graduates to work in deep technology fields, fostering an innovative and competitive job market.
Commercialization and innovation support
Accelerating ideas into scalable real-world solutions
The program will back start-up initiatives via mentoring and support systems, steering them toward creating scalable market solutions and services. At least 40 start-ups are expected to utilize these opportunities, generating at least 20 service-oriented innovations.
The project consortium brings together seven partners from academia and industry
The project will establish knowledge and technology transfer centers, develop innovative curricula and educational programs, and provide mentorship and professional training for students, academic, and non-academic staff. Special emphasis will be placed on strengthening the link between academia, industry, and the innovation ecosystem to ensure the creation of sustainable collaboration models.
Structured Implementation Through Work Packages
The project’s implementation is organized into nine interconnected Work Packages (WPs), each led by a designated consortium partner to ensure efficient and high-quality execution over the 24-month timeline.
WP1 - Project Management
Ensures smooth coordination, monitoring, and quality management across the entire TROPHY project through a comprehensive project management framework
WP2 - Analysis of the Current State
Provides an in-depth analysis of the current educational landscape in deep tech across partner countries, identifying gaps, needs, and opportunities for transforming innovation-oriented learning.
WP3 - Deep Tech HE Leadership – Growing Together
Empowers universities to develop innovative curricula and foster leadership in Web 4.0 technologies and entrepreneurship.
WP4 - Talent Development
Equips students with practical Web 4.0 skills through hands-on modules, workshops, and mentorship programs.
WP5 - Industry Cooperation – One-Stop Shop
Connects higher education institutions with industry to support startups, mentorship, and collaborative innovation.
WP6 - Policy Lab
Explores regulatory frameworks to foster innovation in higher education and strengthen academia-industry-policy collaboration.
WP7 - Access to Innovation Resources
Provides students, educators, and entrepreneurs access to masterclasses, funding, and networking for entrepreneurial growth.
WP8 - Quality Control and Impact Measurement
Implements a robust system for monitoring quality, measuring outcomes, and evaluating the long-term impact of TROPHY.
WP9 - Dissemination and Final Conference
Strategically disseminates project results and organizes a high-impact final conference to showcase achievements and foster collaboration.