SECOVE launches a European Network of 6 Innovation Hubs to drive transformation in Vocational Education and Sustainable Energy´

Press Release


Greece, 03rd of September 2025 – The European project SECOVE (Sustainable Energy Centres of Vocational Excellence) announces the launching of the network created which includes six Innovation Hubs created in five different European countries. These hubs represent a step forward in the transformation of Vocational Education and Training (VET) in Europe, offering pioneering spaces where education, industry and research will work together with the aim of accelerating the green and digital transitions.

 

A European VET innovation ecosystem

SECOVE's dedication to excellence in employability, sustainability and skill development is reflected in the establishment of this international network of Innovation Hubs. While they are connected to the larger European network, each hub is customized to local strengths and industrial demands. When combined, through collaboration, they offer a special framework for:

•         Closing the knowledge gap between school and the workforce

•         Promote entrepreneurship and applied research in the field of sustainable energy

•         Give professionals and students state-of-the-art digital and green skills

•         Increase cooperation between public entities, businesses and VET providers

The Innovation Hubs are accessible through the SECOVE project portal, which provides an overview of their focus areas and future activities: https://secove-portal.eu/innovation-hubs/


The Six Innovation Hubs

Each of the six hubs brings a specific specialization, ensuring that the network covers diverse aspects of sustainability, digital transformation and advanced training. These are the six innovation hubs included in SECOVE:

  1. Flexible Solar Energy Application Lab by University of West Attica in Athens (Greece). Focused on developing flexible solar cells and their integration into textiles and adaptable surfaces, this hub fosters research and application of renewable energy.
  2. Technology-Driven Education Innovation Hub by Instituto Politécnico do Porto (Portugal). Conceived as a dynamic focal point for innovation in VET, this hub leverages advanced technologies and forward-thinking methodologies to transform teaching and learning practices.
  3. Digital Transformation IoT Hub by Politeknika Txorierri in Derio (Spain).
    An innovation hub specialized in IoT, industrial cybersecurity, smart manufacturing and energy efficiency applications, providing students and companies with real-world learning and experimentation environments.
  4. Centre for Research and Innovation in Building and Construction by Technical University of Košice (Slovakia). Dedicated to green building and sustainable construction technologies, this hub develops smart solutions for energy-efficient infrastructures.
  5. IHE2B (Innovation Hub on Energy Efficiency of Buildings) by CIOFS-FP in Sardegna (Italy). With a strong focus on High Performance Computing, Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity, SHARD-Hub links VET training with the Sardinian Innovation ecosystem.
  6. Entrepreneurship Academy by IDEC in Greece. A newly created hub that promotes entrepreneurship and innovation, equipping students and young professionals with the mindset and tools to turn ideas into impactful ventures.

 

Future activities and opportunities

The SECOVE Innovation Hubs will support a wide range of activities that will go beyond traditional training, ensuring that students and professionals are actively engaged in innovation, collaboration and hands-on experiences. Among the upcoming initiatives are:

  • International Competitions in applied research, scheduled for the last year of the project, where VET students will work alongside SMEs to design innovative solutions for real-world challenges.
  • VET Student Mobilities across Europe, allowing students to learn and train in different Innovation Hubs, promoting cultural exchange and strengthening transnational cooperation.
  • Collaborative Projects developed jointly with companies and stakeholders, including applications for new funding opportunities to sustain innovation in the long term.

These activities will ensure that the network is not only a collection of facilities but also a living ecosystem for innovation and skills development, aligned with the EU’s Green Deal and Pact for Skills.

 

About SECOVE

SECOVE (Sustainable Energy Centres of Vocational Excellence) is a European initiative co-funded by the European Union. Its mission is to build a robust network of Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVEs) in the field of sustainable energy. By bringing together VET providers, companies, research institutions and public authorities, SECOVE creates innovative training models, promotes excellence in skills development and enhances the innovation capacity of regions across Europe.

SECOVE is aiming to contribute to greener, smarter and more resilient economies, equipping future professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in the sustainable energy sector while also supporting regional development and competitiveness with the special focus in VET.

 

For more information about the SECOVE project, please visit: https://secove-portal.eu