OUR PROJECT

Sole MED overall objective is to establish a transnational Collaborative Spaces Network in the Euro-MED area by transferring and capitalising the Emilia Romagna ERDF regional project of Open Labs to foster open innovation, business opportunities and youth training models for start-up creation, focusing on the field of sustainable bioeconomy.

The SOLE project aims to create a transnational Open Lab Network across the Euro-MED region, fostering Open Innovation, youth training, and new business opportunities. Building on the Emilia Romagna ERDF 14-20 project and similar urban innovation hubs in Ferrara, Lleida (Spain), Thessaly (Greece), and Razlog (Bulgaria), the initiative connects collaborative spaces to boost SME and startup growth.

Through capacity building, digital skills, and targeted STEM programs for young people, the project supports dynamic entrepreneurship ecosystems. A core focus is the Bio Economy Startup Creation Lab, a dedicated training module for young entrepreneurs (18–30), to be delivered in 6 Euro-MED urban Open Labs during the project’s final 6 months.

This lab combines Open Innovation and Bioeconomy value chains with hands-on modules: idea generation, co-design, acceleration, prototyping, and sustainable bio-practices. The goal? To foster a new generation of startups committed to green innovation, sustainable growth, and regional cooperation in the Mediterranean area.