Applications are open for the BIKE-HEI award in the field of innovation and entrepreneurship
Applications are now open for the call for the best entrepreneurial ideas within the BIKE-HEI project. Following the excellent response and numerous high-quality submissions in the first edition of the competition in autumn 2025, the BIKE-HEI consortium is launching its second edition and invites all interested participants to apply and contribute to the co-creation of innovative solutions for the future in the fields of artificial intelligence, climate and environmental action, and the green economy. The deadline for applications is Monday, 11 May 2026.
BIKE-HEI (Boosting Innovation and Knowledge in European Higher Education Institutions) is an initiative co-funded by EIT Raw Materials that supports universities in strengthening their role in innovation ecosystems. By strengthening institutional capacities, encouraging entrepreneurship, and supporting the creation of start-ups and spin-offs, BIKE-HEI enables higher education institutions to contribute to changes in priority areas such as artificial intelligence, climate actions, and the green economy.
For this reason, the four partner institutions of the project – the University of Alicante, Saarland University, the University of Primorska, and Mariupol State University – have undertaken an initiative to identify and support the most promising start-up and spin-off projects in the early stages of development. These projects focus on artificial intelligence, climate and environmental solutions, and innovations in the field of the green or circular economy. This initiative is part of the broader efforts of the BIKE-HEI project to support institutional transformation through innovation and to provide tailored support services to new entrepreneurial ventures emerging within higher education institutions.
Who can apply?
Each partner institution of the project will select one winner within its higher education institution. Applicants may include students, researchers, staff, and alumni of the University of Primorska, as well as members of the wider innovation ecosystem of the university.
Conditions for participation
Legal entities established in the last five years may apply, whose initiative is related to at least two of the three areas: (1) artificial intelligence, (2) climate or environmental solutions, or (3) green or circular economy.
As attachments to the application, it is necessary to submit:
- a completed online form (including a project description and motivation),
- a project summary (PDF, maximum 5 pages),
- a project presentation (PowerPoint, maximum 5 slides) – may include audiovisual material (up to 3 minutes).
When preparing the documentation, use the prepared official templates, which together with the preparation guidelines can be found here.
Applications
Interested applicants submit their application via the online form and, after successful submission, also send a short description of the business idea in Word format and a PowerPoint presentation to the email address info@bike-hub.eu. Applications are being collected until Monday, 11 May.
How will the winners be selected?
Applications will be evaluated by a three-member committee of the University of Primorska based on the following criteria: (1) innovation, (2) social and environmental impact, (3) feasibility and scalability, (4) team capabilities, (5) thematic relevance, and (6) team diversity. In case of a tie, the winner will be the one who receives the highest score in the criterion Innovation.
All those who wish to contribute with their ideas to a more sustainable, digital, and innovative future are invited to apply.
