The ECOPRISE project, of which CEI-Iscte is a partner, starts this month.

The main aim of the project is to develop a multidisciplinary course on Ecopreneurship, promoting social entrepreneurship with a focus on the future, using ecovillage design as a central tool. The course will be inspired by the four dimensions of sustainability and will offer recognition through micro-credentials and a European certification.

To find out more about the project, read the summary below:

Current international challenges, such as climate change, environmental degradation and rising unemployment rates, highlight the urgent need to adopt more sustainable approaches in our lifestyles and production systems. However, a true transition to a culture of sustainability can only take place if people are equipped with the right skills and encouraged to come up with innovative business initiatives. In this context, ECOPRISE aims to promote a new model of entrepreneurship and develop skills for a new professional figure: the Ecoprise Designer. This professional will be able to contribute to local regenerative development, promoting a harmonious coexistence between human life and nature in companies.

To this end, the project will create a multi-sector alliance, bringing together higher education institutions, vocational training providers, companies and non-profit organisations. Together, they will develop a multidisciplinary course on Ecopreneurship – an innovative, forward-looking approach to social entrepreneurship centred on the design of ecovillages. This course will be inspired by the four dimensions of sustainability and will offer recognition through micro-credentials and European certification.

The project will include an international pilot test of the newly created course and an impact analysis to ensure its effectiveness and transferability, while promoting new professional interactions. Throughout the project, additional opportunities for peer learning and knowledge exchange will be offered to encourage participation in training activities.