SECOVE launches a European Network of 6 Innovation Hubs


The SECOVE project (Sustainable Energy Centres of Vocational Excellence) has officially launched a network of six Innovation Hubs across Greece, Portugal, Spain, Slovakia and Italy. This initiative represents a major step forward in the transformation of Vocational Education and Training (VET), creating pioneering spaces where education, industry and research work hand in hand to accelerate Europe’s green and digital transitions.


A unique innovation ecosystem

Each hub is adapted to local strengths and industrial needs, but all are interconnected to form a European innovation ecosystem. Together, they will:

  • Bridge the gap between schools and the labor market.
  • Promote entrepreneurship and applied research in sustainable energy.
  • Provide students and professionals with cutting-edge green and digital skills.
  • Strengthen cooperation between businesses, public entities and VET providers.


The six Innovation Hubs

  1. University of West Attica (Athens, Greece) – Flexible solar cells and renewable energy applications.
  2. Instituto Politécnico do Porto (Portugal) – Technology-driven educational innovation.
  3. Politeknika Txorierri (Derio, Spain) – IoT, industrial cybersecurity, smart manufacturing and energy efficiency.
  4. Technical University of Košice (Slovakia) – Sustainable construction and green building.
  5. CIOFS-FP (Sardinia, Italy) – Energy efficiency of buildings, HPC, AI and cybersecurity.
  6. IDEC (Greece) – Entrepreneurship Academy for innovation and venture creation.


What’s next?

The hubs will go far beyond traditional training, offering students and professionals real-world innovation experiences. Upcoming activities include:

  • International competitions in applied research with SMEs.
  • Student mobilities across Europe for cross-cultural and professional exchange.
  • Collaborative projects with companies and stakeholders, including new funding opportunities.

With this network, SECOVE ensures that VET is not only about training, but about building a living ecosystem of innovation, sustainability and employability, fully aligned with the EU’s Green Deal and Pact for Skills.


Discover more about the Innovation Hubs: https://secove-portal.eu/innovation-hubs/