Global Leadership Programme in Sustainable Digital Innovation Entrepreneurial and intrapreneurial project management University Diploma
The “Entrepreneurial and Intrapreneurial Project Management” University Diploma is designed for those with a master’s degree or higher and who want to be trained in project management. The programme is ideal for those aiming to work as intrapreneurs in large companies, join innovative start-ups, or contribute to the growth of associations and organizations focused on social economy and environmental transition.
What to expect:
The "Entrepreneurial and Intrapreneurial Project Management" University Diploma has two main components.
The first is an 80-hour module entitled "Entrepreneurial Innovation: Leadership for Sustainable Digital Innovation". Taught in English with six hours of online classes per week between late November and late March, it covers topics such as responsible AI and digital innovation, environmental and societal transitions, collaborative project management, and entrepreneurial approaches to innovation. The module brings together faculty and speakers from the 4EU+ Alliance partner universities as well as industry professionals.
The second component is a seven-month real-world innovation project, in which multidisciplinary international teams tackle a concrete challenge proposed by a partner organization – such as a company, public institution, NGO, or research laboratory. Teams analyze complex issues, collaborate across disciplines, and design, test, and present their solutions to a jury of faculty and professionals at the end of the year.
The program is based on an experiential learning approach that combines:
- Online academic courses;
- Collaborative work on concrete innovation challenges;
- Support from faculty, tutors, and European partners;
- Two in-person European boot camps organized at one of the eight universities in the 4EU+ alliance.
Why join the programme?
The program allows doctoral students to develop experience complementary to their research training through:
- Working in international and interdisciplinary teams;
- Participation in real-world projects proposed by European partners;
- The acquisition of project management and collaboration skills;
- Exposure to diverse professional environments;
- Applying research skills in collaborative and practice-oriented contexts
The degree also offers the opportunity to join a European network of students, doctoral candidates, faculty, and partners from various sectors.
Practical information
- Language of instruction: English
- Format: hybrid (online courses and 2 in-person sessions)
- Schedule: November 2026 – June 2027
- Estimated workload: 12 to 15 hours per week
- Mandatory participation in the two European bootcamps organized at Alliance 4EU+ partner universities
Applications and contact
First, an application must be submitted to the local university. Following an initial evaluation of all applications submitted, a select group of applicants will be referred to the coordinators at Sorbonne University. The Sorbonne University will conduct 30-minute interviews with these individuals. Following this second evaluation of their suitability for engagement in the program, all eligible participants will receive a link to register. Following the completion of the registration process, all participants will be provided with the necessary information to participate in the kick-off event in Paris.
Participants will have to pay a tuition fee. The exact amount will be announced at a later point in time. In 2025, the fee was 500 €.
Heidelberg University students should apply to Cheng-Wen Jaw: cheng-wen.jaw@uni-heidelberg.de
Incoming applications are required to contain the following components:
- Curriculum Vitae
- Recent certificate of enrollment in phd at one partner university
- Master’s degree or proof of completion – (untranslated accepted)
- Letter of recommendation (manager, phd director, association,etc…)
- A one-page reflective analysis based on a complex, unsatisfactory, or tension-filled situation you would like to contribute to transforming in your academic, professional, associative, or research environment.
Transportation and accommodation costs for the two in-person conferences will be covered by Heidelberg University up to a maximum of 500 €.
The programme is designed for candidates who are:
- Enrolled in a 4EU+ university (phd candidates or recent master graduates),
- Fluent in english,
- Available for a 7-month international collaborative programme,
- Interested in innovation, sustainability, AI, entrepreneurship, and social impact,
- Capable of engaging seriously in weekly interdisciplinary teamwork.
The programme is demanding in terms of engagement, teamwork, communication and continuity of participation.
Please note that the schedule might be subject to change as planning and organisation of the module advance.
Schedule
- Applications open: June 5, 2026
- Application phase closes: September 22, 2026
- Administrative registration deadline: October 15, 2026
- European kick-off bootcamp: November 18–20, 2026 (location to be confirmed)
- End of the program and final defenses: June 2027
