Solution Factory
Real Problems. Real People. Real Results
Join an international tribe of innovators and changemakers.
From solving real challenges to shaping your future career, the Talent Funnel turns ideas into action across Europe..
What is the Talent Funnel?
The Talent Funnel is a strategic framework within E³UDRES² that systematically transforms talent development into regional impact. It provides a clear, step-by-step process that connects education, research, and industry—ensuring that every involved stakeholder – form SME/Startups to students and lectors – knows exactly where they fit and what to expect.
Regional challenges require reliable talent pipelines and measurable outcomes. The Talent Funnel delivers both by aligning educational programs with the real-world needs of businesses and communities.
Each stage of the Talent Funnel is modular, transparent, and documented—from initial challenge formulation to internships and innovation labs. This ensures that every partner can plan, track, and contribute effectively, with the confidence that each step adds value to their goals and to the region’s development.
The Talent Funnel Model
Your smart path from ideas to impact
The Talent Funnel is more than a metaphor — it’s a modular learning and innovation journey. From first sparks in IECs to real solutions in Bootcamps and Internships, this model helps talents grow and regions thrive. Step in where it fits. Build what matters. Grow together.
Move step-by-step through our plug-and-play framework: start with inspiration, then build prototypes in labs, and finish with internships—all tailored to different timeframes and goals.
Whether you’re a student, researcher, or stakeholder, you can join at any stage: from short sprints to multi-week projects. You choose how deep to go, and leverage tailored formats to match your need
You’re embedded in a Europe-spanning ecosystem—yet everything remains locally grounded. Co-develop solutions with peers from partner universities, then test or implement them in your own region.
Real challenges. Real collaboration. Real results.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur looking for new talent, a policymaker aiming to close the innovation divide, or a changemaker ready to grow your region—this is your launchpad.
Why it works
- We bridge Innovation Leaders and Emerging Regions with smart, actionable formats.
- Our students co-create solutions for digital health, manufacturing, sustainability, and more.
- We align with the European Innovation Agenda, making it easier to tap into EU funding, pilot across regions, and scale what works.
What you get
- A cross-European team of future-proof talents
- Access to digital tools, innovation labs, and co-creation programs
- A seat at the table where education, industry, and regional policy meet
Learn. Match. Grow.
The Talent Funnel blends short digital learning bites, real-world challenge formats (Hackathons, Living Labs, Bootcamps), and AI-powered career guidance through the Talent App.
Whether you’re a student exploring your next step or a company seeking future-proof solutions, the Talent Funnel offers flexible, high-impact collaboration that connects talent to regional needs.
What is — International Engagement Circus
Discover the challenge.
The IEC kicks off the journey by exploring real-world problems from business, public, or regional partners. Students work in international teams to deeply understand the context, needs, and ambitions — setting the stage for innovation.
What if — Hackathon
Imagine the possibilities.
In the Hackathon, students and stakeholders generate bold, creative ideas. It’s where curiosity rules and “What if we tried this?” becomes the starting point for solutions. Fast-paced, energetic, and full of potential.
What wow — iLivingLab
Shape and test the solution.
The Living Labs give teams the time and space to refine their best ideas, validate them with real users, and co-create early prototypes. This is where surprises happen — and impact begins to take form.
What works — Bootcamp
Build it. Improve it. Pitch it.
In the Bootcamp, teams focus on execution. They build MVPs, test business models, and work hands-on with coaches and partners to bring ideas closer to reality. It’s all about making it work in the real w
How it works — Internships
Embed the impact.
Through internships or micro-internships, students bring their skills into real work environments. They learn by doing, and companies benefit from fresh talent. It’s the final step that transforms solutions into long-term value — for learners and regions.