Nanobiotech Nexus

3 February 2026

First Day of the Winter School “Innovation-Driven Nanobiotech Entrepreneurship”

On 2 February 2026, the Winter School “Innovation-Driven Nanobiotech Entrepreneurship” officially started at Vasyl Stefanyk Carpathian National University.

Welcome remarks were delivered by Iryna Hryhoruk, Head of the Research Department and Project Manager, and Iryna Piatnychuk, Dean of the Faculty of Management. In their addresses, they outlined the objectives of the Winter School, its practical focus, and the importance of interdisciplinary cooperation.

The introductory lecture was delivered by Taras Malyshivskyi, lecturer at the Department of Management and Business Administration, PhD. The session focused on the fundamentals of entrepreneurship, approaches to selecting and formulating startup ideas, problem definition, strategic planning, and the principles of design thinking as a tool for developing innovative projects.

The Winter School will run until 31 March and includes a series of educational activities dedicated to entrepreneurship, nanobiotechnology, and practical interaction with business, including visits to companies and engagement with real-world innovation practices.

28 January 2026

Announcement of the 1-st winter school "NanoBioTech NEXUS: FIRST STEPS"

Vasyl Stefanyk Carpathian National University opens its doors to new knowledge, innovation, and entrepreneurship!

From February 2 to February 13, 2026, the 1st Winter School “NanoBioTech NEXUS: FIRST STEPS” will take place.

Designed for first-year students, this Winter School is a first step into science-driven innovation and entrepreneurship. Participants will explore the basics of nanotechnology and biotechnology, learn how scientific ideas turn into real-world solutions, and gain first insights into startup and commercialization pathways.

The program combines lectures, interactive workshops, and study visits to businesses, innovation hubs, and public institutions, where participants will meet practitioners, explore real entrepreneurial cases, and see how science-based ideas are implemented in practice

Participants will benefit from:

● Introductory lectures and hands-on workshops;
● Practical sessions on idea generation and innovation;
● Visits to companies and organizations within the regional innovation ecosystem;
● Joining the NanoBioTech NEXUS academic and entrepreneurial community.

Please register here: https://forms.gle/ifsWxmXebY5yxdTf9

We invite everyone interested in the future of science, technology, and interdisciplinary ideas!

6 December 2025

EnterPRIZE Competition at UKLO, within the NanoBioTech Nexus Project

We would like to inform you that the presentation and selection of the best innovative ideas took place on:

5 December 2025 (Friday)
House of the Army – Bitola
Started at 10:00 h.

The event was organized as part of the activities marking the Patron’s Day of the University “St. Kliment Ohridski” – Bitola and within the NanoBioTech Nexus project. For participants traveling from other cities, the project provided transportation to the event venue.

The Evaluation Committee, composed of representatives from the non-governmental sector, industry, and academia, ensured a fair, transparent, and professional selection process.

The financial support allocated for third parties within the NanoBioTech Nexus project was awarded as prizes to the participants in the Deep Tech EnterPRIZE competition, recognizing and encouraging the most promising innovative ideas.

Awarded Ideas and Winners

First Prize – €12,000
Dragancho Nikolov
Idea: Intelligent System for Monitoring Fermentation in Wine Production

Second Prize – €8,000
Kristijan Salamovski, student at the Veterinary Faculty – UKLO
Idea: Digitally Supported One Health Apitherapy in Mountain Beekeeping

Third Prize – €5,000
Metalotehnika DOO Prilep
Idea: OGNOSTOP: Nano Hydrogel for Eco-Efficient Firefighting

The awarded solutions demonstrated strong innovation potential and applicability within the deep-tech ecosystem, supporting the transition from concept to practical implementation.

3 December 2025

CNU Strengthens Urban Innovation Cooperation Through Partnership with the Department of Infrastructure, Housing and Municipal Policy of the Ivano-Frankivsk City Council within the NanoBioTech Nexus Project

Vasyl Stefanyk Carpathian National University (CNU) is pleased to announce a new partnership with the Department of Infrastructure, Housing and Municipal Policy of the Ivano-Frankivsk City Council as part of the international project NanoBioTech Nexus (EIT HEI Initiative, 2025–2027).

The Department is an executive body of the City Council responsible for managing the city’s housing and municipal services, public utilities, transport, and urban infrastructure. It oversees the maintenance of the housing stock, ensures the delivery of high-quality municipal services, coordinates the work of municipal enterprises, supervises engineering networks, and supports the effective functioning of public spaces. Its mission is to enhance the quality of urban life through reliable services, modern infrastructure, and sustainable urban development.

Within the NanoBioTech Nexus partnership, CNU and the Department will work together to strengthen urban innovation, support community-focused initiatives, and integrate modern technological and educational solutions into the city’s development processes. The collaboration aims to create new opportunities for students, researchers, and municipal stakeholders to jointly address urban challenges, develop practical solutions, and promote sustainable city management.

3 December 2025

CNU Expands Regional Cooperation Through Partnership with the Ivano-Frankivsk Regional Branch of the Association of Ukrainian Cities within the NanoBioTech Nexus Project

Vasyl Stefanyk Carpathian National University (CNU) is pleased to announce a new partnership with the Ivano-Frankivsk Regional Branch of the Association of Ukrainian Cities (IF RBA AUC) within the framework of the international project NanoBioTech Nexus (EIT HEI Initiative, 2025-2027).

The Association is a non-profit, non-governmental organisation that brings together municipalities across the Ivano-Frankivsk region to represent and defend their common interests at regional and national levels. Its core activities include providing legal, consultative, and methodological support to member municipalities, advocating for local self-government, facilitating inter-municipal cooperation, and supporting decentralisation reforms and regional development.

Within the NanoBioTech Nexus project, this partnership aims to strengthen ties between CNU, local authorities, and regional communities to ensure better integration of innovation, talent development, and entrepreneurial education into local development strategies. Together, the partners will work to promote community engagement, improve regional innovation capacity, and support initiatives that connect students, researchers, and municipalities.

Through collaboration with IF RBA AUC, CNU will contribute to sharing best practices, fostering evidence-based regional decision-making, and building stronger bridges between academia and local self-government.

3 December 2025

CNU Launches a Talent Engagement Center within the NanoBioTech Nexus Project

Vasyl Stefanyk Carpathian National University (CNU) is proud to announce the establishment of its new Talent Engagement Center (TEC) - an innovative space designed to support student talent, foster entrepreneurship, and build interdisciplinary teams in nanotechnology, biotechnology, and innovation.

The TEC is created within the international project NanoBioTech Nexus (EIT HEI Initiative, 2025–2027), which aims to develop cross-border innovation ecosystems, counteract talent drain, and strengthen cooperation among universities, businesses, and research institutions.

The new Center will serve as a dynamic hub where students, young researchers, and early-stage entrepreneurs can develop and refine their innovative ideas, participate in training programs, workshops and summer schools, receive mentoring and guidance from industry partners, work on prototypes and entrepreneurial projects, and join international innovation communities and networks.

The project team is currently preparing the space and developing training modules for students. The TEC will host a series of programs ranging from introductory innovation courses to intensive entrepreneurial hackathons.

3 December 2025

UKLO Organizes a Training on Entrepreneurship and Advanced Technologies within the NanoBioTech Nexus Project

The University “St. Kliment Ohridski” – Bitola successfully carried out a training program focused on developing modern entrepreneurial competencies and encouraging the application of advanced technologies in contemporary business, within the NanoBioTech Nexus project.

The events centered on the topic: “Providing entrepreneurial training, mentorship and assistance to the start-/scale-ups selected within the Talent Engagement Center.”

The program included lectures and interactive sessions led by professors from the Faculty of Information and Communication Technologies – Bitola and the Faculty of Economics – Prilep. The interaction among participants and the full alignment with the project’s visual identity fostered a productive and dynamic environment, enabling high-quality exchange of knowledge and practical experience. Participants received branded materials and certificates for successfully completing the training, while the entire event was supported with professional photo and video documentation, as well as digital materials for further education.

The implementation of this conference reaffirms UKLO’s commitment to promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, and the application of modern technologies, creating a strong foundation for the development of young researchers and startup teams in the country.

An online pre-session was held on 27 November 2025, where participants were welcomed, introduced to the programme flow, and provided with the study pack. The main lecture series took place in person from 28 November to 1 December 2025.

1 December 2025

Partnership Agreement – Anima-Vet Laboratory, the Agency for the Promotion of Agricultural Development, and the Talent Engagement Center within the NanoBioTech Nexus

Anima-Vet Laboratory, the National Extension Agency (hereinafter referred to as “the Partners”), and the Talent Engagement Center UKLO within the NanoBioTech Nexus enter into this partnership agreement with the shared intention of supporting sustainable regional development, innovation, and talent growth in the Pelagonia region and beyond.

Together, the Partners will jointly design and implement programs that support talent engagement, capacity building, technology transfer, and innovation-based entrepreneurship. This partnership serves as a foundation for long-term cooperation aimed at connecting regional strengths, enhancing innovation potential, and promoting sustainable development.

Anima-Vet http://www.animavet.mk is the first private laboratory for food analysis in the Republic of Macedonia. The company employs seven dedicated professionals. As such, it carries the responsibility of operating in a responsible, independent, conscientious, and impartial manner, in accordance with Macedonian and international standards. The company operates several laboratories, including a raw milk testing laboratory, a food microbiology laboratory, a sensory analysis laboratory, and an animal disease diagnostics laboratory. We collaborate with the largest companies in Macedonia and the region.

The National Extension Agency https://agencija.gov.mk/provides advisory services to farms with the aim of transferring knowledge and information, and supporting their implementation to improve the quality and quantity of agricultural production. These services enhance economic efficiency, competitiveness in domestic and EU markets, and sustainable rural development. Advisory support is delivered through the practical application of scientific and technical knowledge, strengthening farmers’ associations, assisting in government programs and policies, and implementing information systems to improve traceability and facilitate information exchange among stakeholders in the agricultural sector.

1 December 2025

Talent Engagement Centre Launched at Ivano-Frankivsk National Medical University

Ivano-Frankivsk National Medical University is pleased to announce the launch of the Talent Engagement Centre (TEC) which will be ceremonially opened on 22 December 2025. The new centre will become a dynamic space where students, young researchers and non-academic professionals can develop innovative ideas, collaborate with mentors, and gain practical skills in nanotechnology, biotechnology and entrepreneurship.

TEC is designed as a modern, multifunctional hub equipped with digital tools, co-working areas and training facilities. Its programmes will include workshops, mentoring sessions, innovation challenges, pitching events and support for teams working on deep-tech solutions in healthcare.

By launching the Centre, IFNMU aims to strengthen its innovation ecosystem and create more opportunities for talent development, interdisciplinary cooperation and engagement with industry partners.

The NanoBioTech Nexus project is implemented under the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) and the EIT RawMaterials Knowledge and Innovation Community within the EIT HEI Initiative. The project consortium is coordinated by the University of Nova Gorica (Slovenia). EIT RawMaterials is supported by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology, a body of the European Union.

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or EIT RawMaterials. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

24 November 2025

Northern Primorska Chamber of Commerce Joins the NanoBioTech Nexus Partnership

The University of Nova Gorica has, at the start of the implementation of the international NanoBioTech Nexus project, entered into a partnership and become a member of the Northern Primorska Chamber of Commerce.

In the future, in cooperation with the Northern Primorska Chamber of Commerce, we plan activities that will further accelerate collaboration between the consortium and breakthrough economic actors in the region.

20 November 2025

Presentation and Selection of the Best Innovative Ideas from the Deep Tech EnterPRIZE Competition at UKLO, within the NanoBioTech Nexus Project

We would like to inform you that the presentation and selection of the best innovative ideas will take place on:

5 December 2025 (Friday)
House of the Army – Bitola
Starting at 10:00 h.

The event will be organized as part of the activities marking the Patron’s Day of the University “St. Kliment Ohridski” – Bitola and within the NanoBioTech Nexus project.

For participants traveling from other cities, the project will provide paid transportation to the event venue.

The Evaluation Committee will consist of representatives from the non-governmental sector, industry, and academia, ensuring a fair, transparent, and professional selection of the most innovative ideas.

The financial support allocated for third parties within the NanoBioTech Nexus project will be awarded as prizes to the participants in the Deep Tech EnterPRIZE competition.

These awards aim to recognize and encourage the most promising innovative ideas presented at the event. By providing financial support, the competition enables participants to further develop their concepts and make the transition from idea to implementation.
Note for Participants

Participants are required to prepare a short presentation in which they will present their innovative idea, expected impact, and implementation plan.

The detailed agenda for the event will be announced soon!

17 November 2025

The Second Summer School “NanoBioTechNEXUS: Foundation” has successfully concluded!

The second edition of the NanoBioTechNEXUS: Foundation school brought together motivated students, researchers, and young startup innovators who spent two intensive weeks exploring the intersection of science, technology, and entrepreneurship.

Participants completed a rich programme covering key topics - from design thinking, idea generation, and team building to creating value propositions, MVPs, market assessment, and preparing a pitch deck.

From 3-11 November, participants attended a series of workshops within 2 domains:

• Entrepreneurship: design thinking, team dynamics, marketing, finance, legal aspects, and business scaling led by Antonina Tomashevska;
• Nanobiotechnology: introduction to modern concepts, challenges, and opportunities in the field delivered by Volodymyr Kotsiubynskyi.

Practical sessions focused on developing business models and customer profiles, allowing participants to apply their new knowledge to real-life cases.

The Summer School “NanoBioTechNEXUS: Foundation” is implemented within the international project “Bridging Nanotechnology & Biotechnology for Business and Growth” (NanoBioTechNEXUS), funded by the European Union through the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) under the EIT HEI Initiative.

The content of this publication is the sole responsibility of its author and does not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union or EIT.

Teams that Lit Up the Stage at the Final Pitching of the Second Summer School “NanoBioTechNEXUS: Foundation”

On 14 November, we held the long-awaited final pitching event, where teams presented the results of ten days of learning, collaboration, and creativity. It was a true marathon of ideas, innovation, and inspiring presentations.

The pitching session became the culmination of the school, bringing together researchers, students, mentors, and instructors in one room. The atmosphere was filled with drive, adrenaline, and creative energy. The teams didn’t just showcase their projects, they competed for the attention, support, and trust of the jury.

Meet the teams that presented their projects:

• SmartParking;
• FairRent;
• SensoBox;
• Speechie;
• Dormitory Food Share;
• MindSet (Ai);
• FactFlow;
• MindGarden;
• BridgeU;
• ReVive;
• SkinLab;
• MindLift;
• BudgetBox;
• FoodLoop;
• BrandCall;
• DressMate.

And the victory went to the students of the “Software Engineering” programme with their startup BrandCall!

Thank you to all the teams for your creativity, energy, and drive! You made the pitching event incredibly dynamic, fun, and inspiring. Your ingenuity is the best part of this school.