From Research to Innovation:
EURECA-PRO Students Develop an Entrepreneurial Mindset in Nancy
- News
How can research ideas become innovations that make a real difference to society?
This was the challenge at the heart of the Think Innovation Week 2026, hosted by Université de Lorraine in Nancy (ENSGSI engineering school). Bringing together master’s students and doctoral candidates from across Europe, the programme offered EURECA-PRO participants an immersive international mobility experience where research, entrepreneurship and collaboration came together.
Over nine intensive days, participants worked in multicultural teams to explore the full innovation journey: identifying opportunities from existing technologies, designing sustainable business models and developing prototypes capable of addressing real societal challenges. Throughout the programme, they strengthened not only their innovation skills but also their entrepreneurial mindset and their ability to collaborate across cultures.
Learning from different perspectives
One of the defining features of the Think Innovation Week was its international and interdisciplinary environment. Students from different universities, countries and academic disciplines were encouraged to combine their expertise to tackle complex challenges from multiple perspectives.
For Atif Mehmood, a second-year PhD candidate at the Silesian University of Technology, this diversity became one of the programme’s greatest strengths.
“What interested me most was working alongside people from different countries and cultures. I wanted to discover how they approach innovation, how they think and how they solve problems. It has been a very rewarding experience, and I am really pleased that I took part.“
Working in multicultural teams encouraged participants to question their assumptions and enrich their thinking.
“Everyone in our group came from a different academic discipline, country and cultural background, which meant that each person brought a unique perspective. Having so many different ideas and approaches to the same problem helped us analyse the challenge from multiple angles before agreeing on a solution.” Atif Mehmood
The same collaborative spirit was highlighted by Tetiana Drobot, a master’s student from Montanuniversität Leoben, who worked on a project focusing on circular economy and plastic packaging traceability.
“Engineers naturally focus on technology, while students from business or the social sciences immediately think about user adoption and consumer behaviour. This diversity encouraged us to move beyond purely technical solutions and design a more holistic approach.“
From scientific ideas to entrepreneurial thinking
Throughout the programme, participants learned how innovation extends beyond research itself. From exploring dormant patents to designing business models and pitching ideas, they experienced the complete process of transforming scientific knowledge into practical solutions.
For Atif, one lesson stood out above all others:
“One of the biggest lessons for me is that having a good idea is only the beginning. As researchers, we often focus on developing innovative technologies, but that does not necessarily mean they will become successful businesses.“
He explained that the programme encouraged him to think differently about research:
“This programme encouraged us to think beyond the technical aspects and consider how an innovation can create value, be commercially viable and ultimately succeed in the real world. That entrepreneurial mindset is something I will definitely take forward in my future career.“
Tetiana also discovered new ways of communicating innovation:
“Learning how to identify dormant technologies in patent databases and adapt them to existing projects gave me a completely new perspective. I was also challenged to present complex scientific ideas through storytelling and visual communication rather than conventional PowerPoint slides — a skill I will continue to use throughout my studies and future career.”
More than a workshop: a European mobility experience
Beyond the academic programme, the Think Innovation Week also offered participants the opportunity to discover France, experience life in Nancy and build lasting relationships with fellow students from across Europe.
For Atif, these moments were an important part of the experience:
“Nancy is a wonderful city. I particularly enjoyed the light show in the city centre, which was an unforgettable experience. Throughout the week, everything was extremely well organised, and everyone made us feel very welcome.“
Tetiana was equally inspired by the host city:
“I was deeply inspired by the connection between Nancy’s rich history and its commitment to innovation. Seeing how places such as ENSGSI bring together heritage, education and entrepreneurship made the experience even more meaningful.”
Building Europe's next generation of innovators
For EURECA-PRO, the Think Innovation Week demonstrates how international mobility can help students and young researchers develop the skills needed to address Europe’s future challenges.
By combining academic excellence, entrepreneurship and intercultural collaboration, the programme enables participants to strengthen their European networks while discovering new ways to transform research into innovation with societal impact.
As participants return to their home universities, they bring back much more than new technical knowledge. They leave with an entrepreneurial mindset, new international connections and the confidence to turn ideas into solutions that can make a difference.
