On November 20th, 2024, the InnoLabs project officially launched, marking the beginning of an exciting new phase in the Erasmus+ Capacity Building in Higher Education programme. The project, titled “Entrepreneurship and Innovation Labs to Foster STEM Innovative Projects in Ecuador and Cuba”, began with the consortium’s Pre-Kick-off Meeting, a key milestone for the future of STEM education and entrepreneurial development in both Ecuador and Cuba.

A Vision to Bridge Education with Real-World Innovation

InnoLabs aims to tackle the increasing need for professionals capable of driving socio-economic development within their communities. The project will integrate innovation and entrepreneurship into Higher Education systems in Ecuador and Cuba, ensuring that academic learning is combined with practical, real-world application. This approach will allow students to not only learn theory but also develop the skills to apply it in solving current challenges faced by society.

Objectives and Ambitions for Future Innovators

InnoLabs sets out with a series of specific, actionable objectives to ensure the success and impact of the project:

1. Establishing Entrepreneurship and Innovation Labs (EILs): These labs will serve as vibrant hubs for interaction and collaboration, bringing together academics, researchers, STEM students, entrepreneurs, and industry professionals. The goal is to create a space where mutual learning can take place and interdisciplinary projects can be developed to address real-world problems.
2. Creating an Entrepreneurial Pathway for STEM Students: InnoLabs will establish a clear entrepreneurial pathway for STEM students, including interactive workshops, mentorship, prototyping resources, and business idea acceleration tools. This pathway will help students enhance their entrepreneurial skills, increase their employability, and bring their innovative ideas to fruition.

The ultimate aim is for the EILs to become incubators for student-led ventures, providing students with the opportunity to learn by doing, validate their business ideas, and gain hands-on experience in the entrepreneurial process. This approach fosters critical thinking, not only among students but also within the academic community.

Pre-Kick-off Meeting: Setting the Foundation for Future Success

The Pre-Kick-off Meeting was an essential gathering for the consortium members, where all partners aligned their goals and set the foundation for the project’s next steps. It also provided the perfect opportunity for the team to solidify their commitment to the project, ensuring that all aspects were in place to guarantee the success of this exciting initiative.

Looking Forward: A Bright Future for STEM Education and Innovation

As the InnoLabs project unfolds, it will continue to promote innovation in Higher Education and strengthen the connection between academic institutions, students, and the industry. With the full support of its international consortium, InnoLabs is set to transform STEM education and entrepreneurial practices in Ecuador and Cuba, paving the way for a future rich in innovation, collaboration, and socio-economic development.

We look forward to sharing further updates as the project progresses and we continue our work to empower the next generation of innovators!