TROPHY

TROPHY (“The Next Generation of Deep Technology Leaders”) is a strategic initiative under the EIT Higher Education Initiative (HEI) that aims to transform participating higher education institutions (HEIs) into leaders within the European deep technology innovation ecosystem by 2030. The project focuses on the development and application of advanced Web 4.0 technologies, namely artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, the Internet of Things (IoT), augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR), and cloud computing, to modernise higher education and create solutions for contemporary societal and economic challenges in sectors such as healthcare, energy, and education.

Through its Innovation Action Plan, TROPHY enables students, academic and non-academic staff, and industry partners to collaborate on cutting-edge solutions. The consortium develops innovative curricula, practical workshops, and mentorship programmes, establishes knowledge and technology transfer structures, and creates networking platforms that connect students, researchers, start-ups, and industry experts. Special emphasis is placed on strengthening the links between academia, industry, and the wider innovation ecosystem, fostering entrepreneurial thinking, and supporting the creation of start-ups and spin-offs in deep technology fields.

CERTH/ITI participates in all project activities and leads the work package on Industry Cooperation (“One-Stop Shop”, WP5), which connects higher education institutions with industry to support start-ups, mentorship, and collaborative innovation. CERTH/ITI contributes its extensive experience in deep technology research and commercialisation, drawing on specialised laboratories and infrastructures such as the nZEB Smart Home Digital Innovation Hub and the Agile 4.0 Cluster, as well as its Technology Transfer Office, SPIRA. Through these capacities, CERTH/ITI facilitates access to specialised knowledge, supports the development of industry-relevant skills and curricula, strengthens technology transfer mechanisms, and helps translate research outcomes into practical, market-oriented applications.

Consortium

University of Belgrade – Faculty of Organizational Sciences (FON), Serbia – Lead Partner
Ethniko Kentro Erevnas Kai Technologikis Anaptyxis (CERTH), Greece
Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad (MFNS), Serbia
University of Maia / Maiêutica CRL (UMAIA), Portugal
Politeknika Ikastegia Txorierri, S. Coop. Ltda (Txorierri), Spain
Udruga za blockchain i kriptovalute (UBIK), Croatia
Moonstruck doo Beograd, Serbia
I4byDesign – Competence Centre for Industry 4.0 (KENTRO IKANOTITON GIA TIN VIOMICHANIA 4.0), Greece (Associated Partner)