Unipreneurship Specialist

We believe in making and shaping a competitive digital Europe that is inclusive, fair and sustainable and aim at global impact through European innovation fuelled by entrepreneurial talent and digital technology.

We embody the future of innovation by mobilizing a pan-European multi-stakeholder open-innovation ecosystem of top European corporations, SMEs, startups, universities and research institutes, in which students, researchers, engineers, business developers and investors address the technology, talent, skills, business and capital needs of digital entrepreneurship.

We build the next generation of digital ventures, digital products and services, and breed digital entrepreneurial talent, helping business and entrepreneurs to be at the frontier of digital innovation by providing them with technology, talent, and growth support.

The Unipreneurship Specialist plays a vital role in the Unipreneurship team’s mission to advance technology transfer and knowledge valorisation activities in European universities and research organisations. By connecting academic research with industry and business, the team aims to support the valorisation of innovative ideas into impactful solutions that benefit Europe and beyond. 

The focus of the role will be to support the Unipreneurship Lead in managing European-funded projects, as well as delivering Unipreneurship activities to achieve the business development goals and the EIT KPIs of the Unipreneurship team in Europe. 

The Unipreneurship Specialist will be responsible for managing and executing European-funded projects, ensuring that all project activities are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget. 

In addition, the Unipreneurship Specialist is expected to support in the delivery of Unipreneurship activities, in particular the SPIN programme. This is a programme designed by EIT Digital to inspire and empower researchers in European universities and research institutions to uncover and realise the commercial potential of their Deep Tech innovations. 

The Unipreneurship Specialist is also required to source and support the writing and execution of European calls, grants and tenders (Horizon Europe, Digital Europe and more) related to Unipreneurship services to fund and expand those services further.

European-funded Project Management 

• Coordinate and execute European-funded projects, ensuring timely delivery, compliance, and alignment with objectives.
• Manage project activities with Consortium partners and stakeholders, ensuring clear communication and collaboration.
• Prepare progress reports, manage budgets, and ensure compliance with EU regulations. 

Programme Delivery 

• Deliver the SPIN programme and other Unipreneurship initiatives, creating opportunities for researchers to understand IP valorisation and commercialisation pathways. 

Funding Acquisition 

• Identify, write, and manage proposals for EU funding opportunities to enhance and expand Unipreneurship services.
• Oversee the application process for grants, ensuring compliance and strategic alignment. 

Stakeholder Engagement 

• Build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders, including universities, technology transfer offices, researchers, startups, and corporations.
• Act as a liaison to foster collaboration and drive the success of joint initiatives. 

Reporting and Compliance 

• Report on key performance indicators (KPIs) and ensure adherence to business plans and EU grant requirements.
• Manage administrative tasks related to funding, reporting, and compliance.

• Bachelor/Master degree in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) discipline.
• Mandatory project management experience (3-5 years) with European-funded programmes like Horizon Europe or Erasmus+, including proposal writing, reporting, managing deliverables, compliance with EU regulations and familiarity with EU portals.
• Excellent knowledge of project administrative and financial aspects, as well as ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing priorities.
• Self-starter with operational excellence focus and hands-on mentality.
• Strong relationship management skills and experience building trusted relationships with diverse stakeholders at all levels.
• Experience working with both academic and innovation communities.
• Experience in development and delivery of entrepreneurial education programmes.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and project management tools.
• Fluency in English, with superior verbal, presentation and written communication skills. Additional EU languages are considered an asset.

This is a full-time position. Employment is at the EIT Digital office in Budapest, Hungary. Occasional travel across Europe will be required for this position.

Please mail a resume and motivation letter to careers@eitdigital.eu outlining how your skills and experience meet the qualifications of the position. Applications without a motivation letter will not be considered. 

Applications should be submitted before 23:59 (CET), January 24, 2025 and will be reviewed as soon as they are submitted.

EIT Digital is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. To build a strong digital Europe that works for everyone it is vital that we have diverse range of skills, knowledge and experience in the sector. Therefore, we welcome applications from anyone who meets the above criteria and encourage applications from women, ethnic minorities, and other underrepresented groups.