4EU+ University Diploma in Entrepreneurial and Intrapreneurial Project Management

The programme allows doctoral candidates to develop professional experience complementary to their research training through:

• Working in international and interdisciplinary teams;

• Participation in real-world projects proposed by European partners;

• The acquisition of project management and collaboration skills;

• Exposure to diverse professional environments;

• Applying research skills in collaborative and practice-oriented contexts.

The degree also offers the opportunity to join a European network of students, doctoral candidates, faculty, and partners from various sectors across the 4EU+ Alliance.

The programme runs from November 2026 to June 2027 and is organised around three complementary components:

1. An interdisciplinary academic track

Participants take online courses focused on innovation, project management, digital and environmental transitions, and collaborative work in an international context.

The courses draw on approaches from multiple disciplines and address contemporary issues related to responsible innovation.

2. Real-world innovation project

Throughout the programme, participants work in interdisciplinary teams on a concrete challenge proposed by a partner organisation (company, public institution, NGO, laboratory, or association).

Through this collective project, participants develop skills in:

• Interdisciplinary cooperation;

• Project management;

• Analysis of complex situations;

• Team communication and coordination;

• Designing and presenting solutions.

Teams are supported by academic advisors and professional partners throughout the project.

3. Professional development support

The programme also aims to help doctoral candidates apply their skills across a variety of professional contexts.

Practical information

• Working language: English

• Format: hybrid (online courses + two in-person boot camps in Europe)

• Schedule: November 2026 – June 2027

• Estimated workload: 12 to 15 hours per week

• Mandatory participation in both bootcamps

The programme enables participants to:

• Work within European teams composed of participants from different disciplines on concrete innovation projects;

• Develop skills in collaborative project management in complex environments;

• Understand contemporary challenges related to digital, environmental, and societal transitions;

• Engage with stakeholders from academic, institutional, non-profit, and business sectors;

• Apply their disciplinary expertise in collaborative and applied contexts;

• Experiment with methods of cooperation, analysis, and problem-solving in real-world contexts;

• Strengthen their ability to communicate, coordinate, and present a project in a professional and international setting;

• Strengthen their doctoral training through a European experience of teamwork and collaborative project management.

1. Module “Entrepreneurial Innovation: Leadership for Sustainable Digital Innovation” (80 hours)

This introductory module offers an interdisciplinary approach to contemporary challenges related to innovation, cooperation, and digital and environmental transitions.

This module is taught in English, with six hours of online classes per week between late November and late March and aims to develop participants’ understanding of entrepreneurial and collaborative approaches to innovation.

The course covers, in particular:

• The dynamics of innovation in complex environments;

• Issues related to artificial intelligence and responsible digital technology;

• Environmental and societal issues associated with contemporary transformations;

• Collaborative project management and interdisciplinary work;

• Entrepreneurial and intrapreneurial approaches applied to innovation.

Topics covered

• Innovation and planetary boundaries

• Responsible AI and inclusive technologies

• Infrastructure and the green transition

• Leadership practices and strategic alignment

The module brings together faculty and speakers from the 4EU+ Alliance member universities, as well as professionals involved in the fields of innovation, research, and organizational transformation.

2. Real-world innovation project

In parallel with academic instruction, each team works for seven months on a concrete challenge proposed by a partner organization.

Projects may be led by:

• Companies;

• Public institutions;

• NGOs;

• Research laboratories or institutions;

• Associations or actors in the social and solidarity economy.

Participants are expected to:

• Analyze a complex issue;

• Collaborate with stakeholders from diverse professional backgrounds;

• Organize group work within an international team;

• Design, test, and present potential solutions;

• Produce prototypes, deliverables, and project presentations in a professional context.

The work carried out is regularly supervised by academic advisors and program partners.

Projects may address a variety of topics such as responsible artificial intelligence, environmental transitions, social innovation, digital services, health, public policy, or new forms of cooperation between organizations.

Projects are presented at the end of the year to a jury composed of faculty members, researchers, and professionals from member universities and organizations.

• Language of instruction: English

• Format: hybrid (online courses and 2 in-person sessions)

• Schedule: November 2026 – June 2027

• Estimated workload: 12 to 15 hours per week

• Mandatory participation in the two European bootcamps organized at 4EU+ member universities

The programme combines:

• Online courses;

• A group project carried out by an international team;

• Support from academic advisors and program partners.

Assessment and evaluation

Assessment is based on:

• Individual and group deliverables;

• Work completed as part of the project;

• Interim presentations;

• The final defense before a European jury.

Involvement in group work and participation in the programme are also taken into account in the evaluation.

Target audience

The programme is primarily intended for doctoral candidates enrolled at one of the 4EU+ Alliance member universities.

It is also open, subject to availability, to:

• Students nearing the end of their master’s degree (M2 completed by 15 October 2026, at the latest);

• Recent master's graduates wishing to develop additional experience in project management, collaborative innovation, and interdisciplinary work.

The programme welcomes participants from a variety of disciplines: science, health, engineering, law, humanities and social sciences, economics, management, design, or other fields of research and study.

Special attention is given to candidates:

• Who are interested in collaborative and interdisciplinary work;

• Motivated by collaborative projects in an international context;

• Able to commit to a demanding programme based on cooperation, autonomy, and teamwork.

No prior experience in entrepreneurship or project management is required.

Documents to be provided (to be submitted in English)

Applicants must submit the following documents:

• An up-to-date CV;

• A recent certificate of enrolment in a doctoral programme at a 4EU+ member university (for doctoral candidates);

• A master’s degree or proof of completion;

• A letter of recommendation (from a thesis advisor, supervisor, association leader, or professional, etc.);

• A one-page reflective essay describing a situation, problem, or challenge observed in an academic, professional, organisational, or research context that the candidate would like to help address or improve.

Applications must be submitted via the Faculty of Science and Engineering’s E-Candidat platform.

The programme is intended for candidates wishing to gain additional experience in teamwork, project management, and interdisciplinary cooperation within a European context.

Candidates must have:

• A good command of English (B2/C1 level recommended);

• The ability to work in an international and collaborative environment;

• An interest in issues related to innovation, contemporary transitions, and collaborative work.

The programme requires:

• Regular participation in the programme’s activities;

• The ability to work independently and organize your own work;

• A commitment to teamwork and group projects.

Applicants from all disciplines are welcome.

• Applications open: June 5, 2026

• First application phase closes: July 10, 2026

• Selection interviews: late June to mid-July 2026

• Supplementary application phase (if necessary): August 24 to September 22, 2026

• Administrative registration deadline: October 15, 2026

• European kick-off bootcamp: November 18–20, 2026 (location to be confirmed)

• End of the programem and final defenses: June 2027

• Tuition: €500 for students enrolled at 4EU+ Alliance member university

• Travel and accommodation costs related to the European bootcamps may be covered or co-funded by the Alliance 4EU+, depending on the member universities and available funding.