There is a pressing need to address the growing environmental challenges facing not only Europe, but the world as a whole. These challenges include climate change and resource depletion, which have become increasingly pronounced in recent years. The effects of climate change are being felt globally, impacting ecosystems, economies, and communities. Young people are becoming increasingly concerned about the future of the planet, but many lack the necessary skills and opportunities to take concrete action.
The EcoInnovators: Next-Gen Sustainability through Science and Innovation Project aims to bridge this gap by equipping young people (ages 16-25) with the knowledge, skills, and tools needed to become eco-innovators and sustainability leaders. This project not only raises awareness of climate change but also encourages practical action by teaching participants how to develop sustainable products and solutions.
Through hands-on workshops, collaborative projects, and digital learning tools, participants will be empowered to lead environmentally responsible initiatives in their communities, creating a ripple effect that can contribute to broader environmental goals. The project was specifically designed to support the European Green Deal by encouraging a new generation of young entrepreneurs to innovate in the fields of green technologies and sustainable products, with a focus on environmental sustainability, youth empowerment, and digital transformation. By addressing on both digital education and green skills, the project is aligned with Europe’s vision of a green and digital transition, making it highly relevant to current and future EU priorities.
Key Objectives:
1) Fostering Green Entrepreneurship:
The project will teach entrepreneurial skills to participants, with a focus on sustainable product development. This objective aims to empower young people to start environmentally friendly businesses that contribute to climate change mitigation and economic growth.
2) Raising Climate Change Awareness and Promoting Action:
Participants will learn about the urgency of climate change and be equipped with knowledge and tools to implement sustainability practices in their daily lives and communities.
3) Enhancing Digital Skills and Preparation:
The project will develop participants’ skills to use technology for green innovation by integrating digital tools into sustainability education.
4) Promoting Social Inclusion:
The project prioritizes marginalized youth, ensuring that participants from diverse backgrounds are included in all activities.
Project Website: https://ecoinnovators-project.eu/
First TPM
Between the 15th and 18th of July 2025, the project partners of ECO Innovators (2024-2-FR02-KA220-YOU-000279572) gathered in Paris, France, for the first Transnational Project Meeting. The meeting brought together teams from France, Belgium, Turkiye, and Portugal, marking the official start of the project.
During the meeting, partners had the opportunity to get to know each other, review the general objectives and priorities of the project, and clarify their respective roles. The main project activities were presented, along with the structure of the work packages and a preliminary timeline for the next steps. Special focus was given to the introduction of the GreenLink Hub platform, the dissemination strategy, and the evaluation and monitoring process. Financial management and reporting procedures were also briefly discussed.
The meeting concluded with the alignment of all partners on the upcoming activities and the validation of the initial action plan, reinforcing cooperation and shared goals for the successful implementation of the project.
Learning, Teaching and Training Activity (LTT) in Brussels
The Learning, Teaching and Training Activity (LTT) held in Brussels from 3 to 7 November 2025 brought together young participants and project partners for a week dedicated to sustainable innovation, eco-design and green entrepreneurship. Participants begin to explore the mission and objectives of the Eco Innovators project, which served as the foundation for understanding sustainability and sustainable product design and preparing them for the activities that followed.
Alongside the theoretical sessions on eco-design principles, such as material selection, product lifecycle thinking and recyclability, the LTT also offered a practical component. Participants analyzed real case studies and took part in hands-on workshops where they developed their own concepts, transforming ideas into early prototypes and assessing their feasibility, value and sustainability. These activities enabled them to apply theoretical knowledge into concrete ideas and promoted team collaboration and peer learning.
To enrich the pedagogical experience, the program included cultural and institutional visits. The group visited the Museum of European History, gaining a broader understanding of Europe’s cultural and social development, and the European Parliament, where they learned more about European governance and democratic processes and had the opportunity to meet MEP Bruno Gonçalves from Braga.
The week concluded with a final presentation session, during which participants shared perspectives from their own countries and showcased local sustainability initiatives, highlighting the diverse approaches to environmental challenges across Europe and beyond.
