Participate in Hungarian HEInnovate Trainers Workshop 2026 – Travel, Accommodation Cost Covered
Travel, accommodation, and participation costs will be fully covered for 30 higher education professionals selected to join the HEInnovate Train the Trainers Programme 2026, a European initiative designed to help universities strengthen innovation, entrepreneurship, and institutional transformation. The programme culminates in a two-day international workshop in Budapest, Hungary, on 8–9 October 2026 and is now accepting applications until the end of June.
The opportunity is aimed at professionals working within higher education institutions who want to learn how to use the HEInnovate self-assessment framework to drive institutional change. Selected participants will receive free participation, international networking opportunities, practical training, and fully funded travel and accommodation support to attend the on-site workshop in Hungary.
A European Initiative Focused on Institutional Innovation
As universities face increasing pressure to modernize teaching, research, entrepreneurship, and societal engagement, HEInnovate has become one of Europe’s most recognized tools for assessing and improving institutional innovation capacity.
The Train the Trainers Programme is designed to create a network of professionals capable of introducing and promoting HEInnovate within their own institutions. Rather than focusing on individual academic advancement, the programme targets staff members who can influence strategic planning, leadership development, entrepreneurship initiatives, and institutional transformation.
Participants will explore how universities can move from assessment to action by using HEInnovate results to support long-term organizational goals.
What Selected Participants Will Receive?
Unlike traditional scholarships, the programme functions as a fully funded professional development opportunity. Selected participants will receive:
- Free registration and participation
- Fully funded travel expenses
- Fully funded accommodation during the Budapest workshop
- Access to HEInnovate training materials and action resources
- International networking opportunities with higher education professionals
- Participation in all online and in-person training sessions
- Guidance on implementing HEInnovate strategies within their institutions
The organisers have confirmed that participation, accommodation, and travel costs will be covered for successful applicants.
Three-Part Training Structure Extending Beyond Budapest
The programme is not limited to a single workshop. Instead, participants are expected to complete a structured training cycle consisting of three stages.
The first stage is an online preparatory meeting approximately one month before the in-person event. This is followed by the main two-day workshop in Budapest on 8–9 October 2026. A final online follow-up session will take place approximately three months after the workshop to support implementation and knowledge sharing.
During the programme, participants will learn how to use HEInnovate strategically, interpret institutional self-assessment results, facilitate workshops, and support leadership teams in developing innovation-focused policies and practices.
Who Is Most Likely to Be Selected?
The programme is open to professionals working at higher education institutions. Previous experience with HEInnovate is considered beneficial but is not mandatory.
Selection priority will be given to applicants who have never attended a previous Train the Trainers workshop. Additional preference will be provided to candidates associated with one of the 65 European Universities Alliances and those based in European Union member states.
Organisers have also indicated that gender balance and geographical representation will be considered during the final selection process. Because of limited capacity, only one participant can be selected from each institution.
Given that only 30 places are available, competition is expected to be strongest among applicants working in university leadership, quality assurance, innovation management, entrepreneurship centres, strategic planning offices, and internationalisation departments.
Why HEInnovate Matters for Universities?
HEInnovate has become an increasingly influential framework across Europe, helping universities evaluate their performance in entrepreneurship, innovation, leadership, teaching, digital transformation, and knowledge exchange.
For institutions seeking stronger links with industry, startup ecosystems, and regional development strategies, the tool provides a structured approach to identifying strengths and areas for improvement.
Professionals who complete the programme are expected to act as internal facilitators, helping colleagues integrate HEInnovate practices into institutional decision-making and strategic planning.
Applicants will need to complete the official registration form and provide information demonstrating their professional role and interest in applying HEInnovate within their institution.
The application deadline for the HEInnovate Train the Trainers Programme 2026 is 30 June 2026.
With higher education institutions across Europe placing greater emphasis on innovation and entrepreneurial capacity, this programme offers a rare opportunity for university professionals to gain practical expertise while building connections with peers working on similar institutional challenges across the continent.