Applications are now open for the HEInnovate Train the Trainers Programme 2026, a fully funded international training opportunity for higher education professionals interested in promoting innovation and entrepreneurship within their institutions.
The programme will culminate in a two-day in-person workshop in Budapest, Hungary, on 8–9 October 2026, bringing together higher education professionals from across Europe to learn how to effectively implement the HEInnovate framework and drive institutional transformation.
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Programme Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme Name | HEInnovate Train the Trainers Programme 2026 |
| Host Country | Hungary |
| Venue | Budapest |
| Programme Type | Fully Funded Training Programme |
| Workshop Dates | 8–9 October 2026 |
| Number of Participants | 30 |
| Eligible Applicants | Higher Education Professionals |
| Organizers | HEInnovate, European Commission & OECD |
| Format | Online + In-Person Training |
About HEInnovate
HEInnovate is a joint initiative of the European Commission and the OECD designed to help higher education institutions become more entrepreneurial, innovative, and future-ready. The platform provides tools, resources, and self-assessment frameworks that support institutional development and innovation-driven transformation.
The Train the Trainers Programme is specifically designed to equip participants with the practical knowledge, tools, and facilitation skills needed to maximize the use of HEInnovate within their institutions and support long-term innovation strategies.
What Participants Will Learn
Selected participants will have the opportunity to:
- Gain a deeper understanding of the HEInnovate framework.
- Explore practical implementation tools and action cards.
- Learn how to utilize self-assessment results effectively.
- Develop strategies for aligning innovation activities with institutional priorities.
- Exchange experiences and best practices with peers across Europe.
- Build facilitation skills for conducting HEInnovate workshops.
- Support innovation and entrepreneurship initiatives within their institutions.
- Strengthen leadership and institutional transformation capabilities.
Programme Benefits
Successful participants will receive:
- Fully funded participation in the programme.
- Access to HEInnovate training materials and resources.
- International networking opportunities.
- Participation in an in-person workshop in Budapest.
- Exposure to best practices in higher education innovation.
- Opportunities to collaborate with professionals from different countries and institutions.
- Skills to facilitate innovation and entrepreneurship workshops within their organizations.
Programme Structure
The programme consists of three interconnected phases:
1. Preparatory Online Session
A virtual training session will be held approximately one month before the in-person workshop.
2. In-Person Workshop
Participants will attend the main two-day workshop in Budapest, Hungary, on 8–9 October 2026.
3. Follow-Up Session
A post-workshop online session will take place approximately three months after the workshop to support continued learning and implementation.
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Participants are expected to attend all programme components.
Who Should Apply?
The programme is open to professionals working within higher education institutions, including:
- Academic leaders and administrators
- Innovation and entrepreneurship coordinators
- Research and development professionals
- Strategic planning officers
- Quality assurance specialists
- Institutional transformation experts
- Project managers involved in higher education development initiatives
Previous experience with HEInnovate is beneficial but not mandatory.
Selection Criteria
Due to the limited number of places available, applications will be assessed competitively.
Priority will be given to applicants who:
- Have never participated in a previous HEInnovate Train the Trainers workshop.
- Are affiliated with one of the 65 European Universities Alliances.
- Are based in European Union Member States.
- Demonstrate the potential to create institutional impact after completing the programme.
Why You Should Apply
This programme offers a unique opportunity to become a certified HEInnovate trainer and gain practical skills that can help transform your institution’s approach to innovation, entrepreneurship, and strategic development.
Participants will join a growing network of professionals committed to shaping the future of higher education while gaining valuable international exposure and professional development experience.
Application Deadline
Interested applicants should submit their applications through the official programme portal before the stated deadline. Early applications are encouraged due to the highly competitive nature of the programme and the limited number of available places.
Conclusion
The HEInnovate Train the Trainers Programme 2026 in Budapest is an excellent fully funded opportunity for higher education professionals seeking to strengthen innovation, entrepreneurship, and institutional transformation within their organizations.
With expert-led training, international networking opportunities, and hands-on experience with the HEInnovate framework, participants will be equipped to lead meaningful change and foster innovation across their institutions.
