Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Our approach to sustainable innovation and entrepreneurship
Our approach to sustainable innovation and entrepreneurship
IE University develops sustainable innovation initiatives that integrate research, education, and venture creation, turning knowledge into real-world impact. These are spaces where ideas are tested, solutions designed, and new approaches brought into practice.
Our approach to sustainable entrepreneurship is applied and collaborative: moving concepts from research into the field, connecting students, researchers, and global partners, and supporting scalable ventures that bridge knowledge with real market needs.
OUR IMPACt
- + 1700IMPACT CHALLENGEStudents solving real-world sustainability challenges annually
- 25%Entrepreneurial alumniOf IE alumni who start their own company
- +400SUSTAINABility DATATHON STUDENTSusing data science to solve industry problems
- +1500Entrepreneurial management studentstrained per year
- 1ENTREPRENEURSHIP TRAINING IN EUROPEFinancial Times Ranking
- 200PURPOSE IN ACTIONMBA and Master students in applied projects
Challenges and competitions
Challenges and competitions
- ANNUAL PROGRAM
IMPACT CHALLENGE
Over 1,700 students annually participate in the IE Impact Challenge - a multidisciplinary program immersing students in sustainability principles through real-world problem-solving linked to the United Nations SDGs.. Working in diverse teams as Innovation Consultants, students collaborate hands-on with enterprises to develop strategies that strengthen environmental, social, and economic impact.
- 2 EDITIONS/YEAR. 400+ STUDENTS
SUSTAINABILITY DATATHON
The IE Sustainability Datathon unites students to solve pressing sustainability challenges through data analytics and predictive modeling. Over 400+ students across two annual editions apply data science to real-world problems presented by partners like EDP and Infosys.. Through workshops, mentorship, and career opportunities, participants develop breakthrough solutions.
HONORS PROGRAM 2026: SUSTAINABLE CITIESÂ
HONORS PROGRAM 2026: SUSTAINABLE CITIESÂ
CINNOVATE
CinnovatE is a pan-European initiative funded by the EIT (European Institute of Innovation and Technology) that empowers higher education institutions to lead the transition toward circular cities. Led by IE University, the consortium brings together institutions from Spain, Norway, Lithuania, and the UK.
The project strengthens institutional capacity through interdisciplinary collaboration, cross-sector partnerships, and long-term stakeholder engagement.
At IE University, CinnovatE includes an Honours Program, in Sustainable Cities for the 2026 edition, connecting students with applied research and entrepreneurial opportunities in circular economy innovation.
INSIDE THE HONORS PROGRAMÂ
INSIDE THE HONORS PROGRAMÂ
INNOVATIVE LABS
INNOVATIVE LABS
Venture innovative labs like IEX Labs and labs supported and powered by the IE Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center like the Climate Tech Lab, are leading while integrating research, students, partnerships and entrepreneurship across borders to achieve real-world impact.
- IEX CLEANTECH & ENERGY LAB
The IEX Labs extend IE University to be industry-integrated, entrepreneurially driven, and fully international across core technologies, health, clean-tech, and financial systems. Through physical hubs, global faculty, research programs and curated events, the IEX Labs drive climate resilience and clean energy transformation.
CLIMATE TECH LAB
The Lab's goal is to expand and strengthen entrepreneurial talent in climate and deep tech by enabling the transformation of rigorous scientific knowledge into scalable business projects. Led by the IE Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center. Part of the European CinnovatE project, funded by EIT Higher Education Initiative.
IEU Sustainability Lab
A hands-on lab where students develop research and professional skills in sustainability and regeneration. Working with administrations, foundations and companies, student teams propose solutions to real ecological and climate challenges.
Global Dialogues on Tech and Sustainability: The IEX Labs Collider Series
The IEX Collider Series convenes founders, faculty, investors, and industry leaders across global innovation hubs for curated dialogues on technology, policy, and how innovation drives the sustainable transition. At the inaugural IEX Berkeley Collider Summit (UC Berkeley, October 2025), over 30 leaders examined how innovation systems must adapt to geopolitical turbulence, AI diffusion, and resilience, all central to building intelligent infrastructure for the clean transition.
CASE STUDY: naiss
CASE STUDY: naiss
Sustainable commuting through community
Lucas Losantos is behind the wheel of this student-led carpooling platform developed at IE University, reducing emissions and fostering community connections. NAISS emerged as part of the 2025 Sustainable Commuting Challenge, demonstrating how student innovation can create practical solutions for campus and urban mobility.
naiss IN NUMBERS
- 4700naiss rides
- 18.8co2 AVOIDED
- +58,750€SAVED IN FUEL AND PARKING FEES
- 14,100SEATS OCCUPIED
Frequently Asked Questions About Sustainable Innovation and Entrepreneurship at IE University
How does IE University support sustainable entrepreneurship?
IE University's innovation and entrepreneurship initiatives connect education, research, experimentation, partnerships, and venture development. Students and collaborators can explore problems, test ideas, and develop solutions that respond to real market and societal needs.
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What sustainability challenges and competitions does IE University host?Â
Initiatives have included the IE Impact Challenge, the IE Sustainability Datathon, innovation challenges, and other applied competitions linked to real environmental and social problems. Formats, themes, and partners can vary by edition.
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What is the IE Sustainability Datathon?
The IE Sustainability Datathon brings students together to address sustainability challenges through data analysis, modeling, and interdisciplinary teamwork, often in collaboration with external partners. Each edition may feature different datasets, challenges, formats, and audiences.
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How do students turn research and ideas into real-world ventures?
Students can combine research, prototyping, entrepreneurship, mentoring, partnerships, and market exploration to move from an initial concept toward a tested solution or venture. IE University's innovation ecosystem supports learning through experimentation and engagement with researchers, practitioners, and external organizations.
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What labs support sustainability innovation at IE University?
IE University initiatives have included IEX Labs, Student Labs, and the Climate Tech Lab, among other platforms that bring together students, research, technologies, partners, and practical challenges. Current lab structures and calls should be confirmed through the relevant IE University channels.
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