From research to reality, from ideas to impact
A structured pathway transforming European academics into innovative entrepreneurs through training, mentoring, and real-world connections.
TRIANGLE's programme combines online learning with in-person immersion, personalized guidance with peer collaboration, and academic excellence with entrepreneurial action. Whether you're a student with a breakthrough idea, a researcher ready to commercialize your work, or faculty supporting innovation—this is your launchpad.
An Agile, Collaborative Approach to Innovation
TRIANGLE follows an innovative agile methodology designed to foster entrepreneurship and commercialization of research within European academia. Our structured online program is accessible to all potential entrepreneurs from EU universities, covering fundamental topics to lead successful and profitable startups.
The program combines training modules for capacity building with personalized mentoring sessions, complemented by three in-person events where the most promising projects are invited to participate. By fostering transparency and collaboration, we're building an innovation ecosystem that is efficient, inclusive, and resilient.
Ready to Transform Your Innovation?
Join TRIANGLE and be part of Europe's next generation of academic entrepreneurs.
Express Your InterestComplete our interest form to stay informed about upcoming opportunities!
Program Timeline
TRIANGLE runs in two main phases, each designed to test, refine, and scale our innovative approach to academic entrepreneurship:
📅 Phase 1: Pilot Phase (2025)
The first edition is implemented in Albania, Greece, Cyprus and Spain. It tests and refines the training, mentoring and AI-powered participation tools with a limited number of cohorts.
Focus: Testing methodologies, gathering feedback, and building the foundation for EU-wide scaling.
🚀 Phase 2: Full-Fledged Phase (2026)
Building on the pilot, the programme is opened to participants from all EU Member States, with alumni from the pilot phase returning as mentors and ambassadors to support new cohorts.
Focus: Scaling proven methodologies across Europe, expanding impact, and building sustainable innovation networks.
📍 Each cycle includes: An online training sprint (entrepreneurship, innovation, digital & green skills), an online mentoring sprint, and three in-person integration events where the most promising projects are showcased to investors, innovation hubs and policymakers.
Who Can Apply
TRIANGLE is open to people and teams who meet the following criteria:
✅ Eligible Participants
Academic Status: Students (Bachelor - final year, Master, PhD), researchers, academic or non-academic staff, or recent alumni of a higher education institution.
Location: Based in an EU Member State. Pilot cohorts prioritize Albania, Greece, Cyprus and Spain; later cohorts are open EU-wide.
Project Stage: Have an idea, research result, prototype or early-stage startup you want to develop, or a strong motivation to join an entrepreneurial team.
Commitment: Willing to commit to the full programme (training, mentoring and events).
🌟 We Particularly Welcome
• Women and under-represented groups
• Participants from low-innovation or structurally weaker regions
• SME employees or intrapreneurs who want to spin out or innovate inside their organisation
How to Apply
The application process is straightforward and designed to identify committed participants with innovative ideas:
1
Online Application Form
Share basic information about yourself/your team, your HEI, and your idea or project.
2
Project Summary
Describe the problem you address, your proposed solution, and how it connects to your academic work or research.
3
Screening & Selection
Applications reviewed against clear criteria: relevance to TRIANGLE themes, feasibility, innovation potential, team commitment and diversity.
📆 Application Deadlines
Full-fledged programme applications: Dates will be announced on this website and our social media channels. Stay tuned for the opening of our next call!
Programme Duration & Time Commitment
⏰ What to Expect
The core programme for each cohort runs for around 8 weeks of structured online training and mentoring, within a broader 6-month pilot cycle that also includes community-building and integration events.
Weekly Time Commitment: Expect an average of 3-5 hours per week, including:
• Live online workshops
• Mentoring sessions
• Teamwork and preparation
Participation Costs
🎉 Participation is FREE of Charge
The programme is funded by the EIT Higher Education Initiative through EIT Urban Mobility and other EIT KICs, so no tuition fees or participation costs are required for the 2-month core activity.
What Participants Cover:
• Your own equipment and internet access for online activities
• Travel and accommodation for on-site events (unless specific scholarships or travel support are announced for a given call)
Languages of Instruction
The main language of instruction is English, used for all core online training, mentoring and documentation.
Training Sprints
The training component of TRIANGLE consists of six distinct training sprints delivered over the programme period. Each sprint combines workshops, seminars, round tables, and practical exercises designed to build essential entrepreneurial competencies.
📖 Six Core Training Modules
Module 1: Business model development
Module 2: Market analysis and validation
Module 3: Customer development
Module 4: Product development and prototyping
Module 5: Open innovation
Module 6: Pitching and fundraising
🎯 Delivery Format
Training sprints are delivered through a mix of:
• Interactive online workshops with expert facilitators
• Practical exercises and real-world case studies
• Peer learning and collaborative activities
• Self-paced materials and resources
Mentoring Framework
Alongside training sprints, TRIANGLE provides personalized mentoring to guide participants through their entrepreneurial journey. Mentoring runs in parallel with training, offering one-on-one guidance tailored to each project's specific needs.
👥 Mentor Pool
Our mentors include:
• Experienced entrepreneurs and startup founders
• Industry experts from partner organizations
• Successful alumni from pilot cohorts
• Innovation ecosystem stakeholders
🎯 Mentoring Structure
Each participant receives:
• Minimum 3 mentoring sessions during the program
• Matching with mentors based on project needs and expertise
• One-on-one guidance on startup development
• Ongoing support throughout the journey
🔄 Train-the-Mentor Program
To ensure sustainability and quality, TRIANGLE includes a "train-the-mentor" component:
Pilot programme alumni undergo training to become mentors for future cohorts, creating a self-sustaining ecosystem where successful participants give back by supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs.
📍 Impact: This approach ensures current and future sustainability of the programme while building a strong, connected alumni network across Europe.
In-Person Integration Events
Throughout each programme cycle, TRIANGLE hosts three major in-person integration events where the most promising projects are invited to showcase their innovations, network with stakeholders, and connect with potential investors.
🎪 Event Highlights
🎤
Pitch Sessions
Present your project to investors and experts
🤝
Networking
Connect with ecosystem stakeholders
💡
Workshops
Intensive learning and collaboration
Selected participants gain visibility, forge strategic partnerships, and receive direct feedback from innovation hubs, policymakers, and potential funders.