A European Collaboration to Spark Entrepreneurial Spirit

Since 2022, an innovative university project has connected students from the universities of Nice (UniCA), Košice (TUKE), and Podgorica (UCG) to work together on sustainable entrepreneurial challenges. 

ed by instructors Zenna Marshall (UniCA), Eva Kaščáková and Henrieta Kožaríková (TUKE), Milorad Jovovic (UCG), and Leroy Samy (UniCA), the project brings together international student teams working remotely to co-develop innovative ideas. 
 

Educational and Personal Goals

• Foster international collaboration at undergraduate level 
• Enhance English communication skills in a meaningful context 
• Offer a taste of entrepreneurship and innovation methodology 
• Promote sustainability and creativity 
• Develop remote teamwork skills 
• Encourage employability through experience 
• Strengthen ties between ULYSSEUS partners and entrepreneurial ecosystems 

A Rapidly Growing Initiative 

What began in 2022 as a modest pilot project has quickly evolved into a dynamic and large-scale international collaboration, reflecting both its relevance and its success. 

• In 2022, the first edition brought together 91 students (48 in Nice, 43 in Košice) across 20 international teams. Diversity was a strong point from the outset — one team included members from four different nationalities. 
• In 2023, the project gained momentum. The second edition involved 174 students (73 from Nice, 101 from Košice), working in 37 teams. A significant new feature was the involvement of a panel of entrepreneurial judges from the Innovation Fund of Montenegro, who assessed the students’ final pitches. 
• In 2024, the project entered a new phase of expansion with the inclusion of the University of Monténégro. The third edition engaged 286 students from all three partner universities, guided by four instructors. A record number of 74 international teams tackled real-world sustainability challenges in areas such as tourism, energy, and food-processing — reinforcing the project’s strong alignment with global priorities. 

An Evolving, Hands-on Pedagogical Approach

Each edition runs from September to December and includes three progressive tasks : 

1. Getting to know each other and building a team identity 
2. Reflecting on entrepreneurship and team strengths 
3. Final challenge: launching a sustainable start-up – presented through a graded video pitch 

Teachers meet weekly to discuss progress and adapt the process. Students work collaboratively, sharing their progress and building key soft skills for their professional futures. 
 

A Meaningful and Career-Building Experience for Students 

Beyond academic learning, the project offers students a truly career-enhancing experience. Working in international teams, solving real-world challenges, collaborating remotely, and pitching in English are all valuable, transferable skills that students can confidently showcase on their CVs or in job interviews. 
 

As part of the final evaluation, students were invited to reflect on their journey. Here's a testimonial from a UniCA student.