February 11-12, 2025, ACE2-EU Applied, Connected, Entrepreneurial, and Engaged European University consortium gathered in Villach, Austria, for the WP3 In-Person Meeting at the Carinthia University of Applied Sciences (CUAS). The event provided a platform for collaboration on research, innovation, and entrepreneurship within the European higher education landscape.

The meeting kicked off with a warm welcome by Vice-Rector Angelika Mitterbacher, followed by a presentation of CUAS’s research strategy and flagships by Claudia Pacher and Brigit Aigner-Walder. A highlight of the morning was the "Pitch Your Idea" session, where participants actively shared and refined innovative proposals.

In the afternoon, discussions centered on CUAS’s incubator strategy and facilities, led by Erich Hartlieb, Josef Tuppinger, and Julien Presland. The day concluded with an intensive workshop on structuring the ARIES Incubator, aimed at fostering entrepreneurship across partner institutions.

The second day began with a recap of Day 1, setting the stage for another intense work session focused on integrating research, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Participants then outlined the next steps, including finalizing the WP3 project schedule and establishing writing and review groups for the Operational Framework.

For those staying an extra day, a cultural program was planned to explore the Carinthia region, reinforcing the balance between work and community building.

The ACE2-EU WP3 meeting in Villach marked a significant step toward strengthening academic and entrepreneurial collaboration across European universities. The discussions and outcomes set the foundation for advancing innovation and incubator strategies within the ACE2-EU alliance.