KreativEU (Knowledge & Creativity European University)

KreativEU (Knowledge & Creativity European University) is a unique European university alliance established in 2022. It is a collaborative initiative launched by the universities themselves. The network focuses on connecting cultural heritage, regional traditions, crafts and folklore with European identity, creativity, research and innovation.

The establishment of KreativEU was driven by the universities’ initiative to respond to modern challenges, including cultural fragmentation, the need for sustainability, digitalisation and inclusive education. Its aim is to create a fully European university that enables borderless study, research and mobility while strengthening regional, cultural and environmental competences through an ecocultural approach and by connecting the academic, social and artistic missions of universities.

The network originally consisted of seven founding universities, including Trnava University. It has gradually expanded to eleven members:

• Trnava University (Slovakia)

• Polytechnic Institute of Tomar (Portugal)

• D. A. Tsenov Academy of Economics (Bulgaria)

• University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice (Czech Republic)

• University of Camerino (Italy)

• Adana Alparslan Türkeş Science and Technology University (Türkiye)

• Valahia University of Târgoviște (Romania)

• University of Greifswald (Germany)

• Breda University of Applied Sciences (the Netherlands)

• Opole University of Technology (Poland)

• Södertörn University (Sweden)

How to Participate in KreativEU Events

Visit the official KreativEU website, where all alliance events and activities are regularly announced. Some are intended for staff members, others for students, while some are open to both groups. Events intended for students are presented on this page.

Important notice: Do not submit an application for an event or activity organised by a partner university within KreativEU unless you have successfully completed the internal selection process.

You can participate in the internal selection process:

• Through an announced Erasmus+ call at your faculty; or

• Following a separate announcement promoting a specific event or activity.

Current KreativEU Events and Activities for Students

11  Nov 2026 – 13 Nov 2026 – 3rd KreativEU Colloquium of PhD Students on Ecocultural Heritage at the Polytechnic University of Tomar (Portugal)

The Polytechnic University of Tomar will host the 3rd KreativEU Colloquium of PhD Students under the theme “Heritage and Social Transformations.” The event will take place in Tomar from 11 to 13 November in a hybrid format, allowing participation both on site and online.

Organised within the framework of the KreativEU alliance, the colloquium aims to create a space for interdisciplinary dialogue, knowledge exchange and international networking among emerging researchers.

The programme will focus on the connections between heritage, sustainability and social transformation, encouraging participants to present innovative research approaches and discuss their contribution to contemporary challenges.

1 Dec 2026 – 4 December 2026 – Hackathon at the University of Camerino (Italy)

Greenathon Twenty26: A Bridge Between Humanities and Technology

Greenathon Twenty26 is an upcoming KreativEU hackathon taking place in Camerino, Italy, from 1 to 3 December 2026.

The hackathon will explore how artificial intelligence can contribute to the knowledge, protection and enhancement of cultural heritage, with a particular focus on historical traditions and living cultural heritage.

It is a great opportunity to explore the rich local culture and heritage of Camerino and the surrounding area in Italy.

24 Feb 2027 - 25 Feb 2027 KreativEU Network Conference: Bridging Challenges-Rurality, Society and the Natural Environment at University of Greifswald (Nemecko)

The University of Greifswald is pleased to announce their Network Conference on “Bridging Challenges: Rurality, Society and the Natural Environment”.

The following networking formats are planned for this two-day event:

• 3 workshops with the following foci:
  • Rurality and Rural Development
  • Environment across scales: Connecting Life and Earth Sciences from Cells to Ecosystems and Continents
  • Study of Contemporary Religion in Europe: Networking and Research Collaboration across KreativEU
• Plenary and poster sessions
• Pre- and post-conference workspaces for research teams

8 Mar 2027 - 12 Mar 2027 – Walking Seminar: Storytelling & Routes as Catalysts for Meaningful Experiences at Breda University of Applied Sciences (the Netherlands)

Breda University of Applied Sciences is delighted to invite KreativEU participants to the upcoming Walking Seminar, “Storytelling & Routes as Catalysts for Meaningful Experiences,” which will take place on campus and across North Brabant.

Over seven days and countless stories, participants will explore how storytelling and routes can create emotional, symbolic and meaningful experiences that connect people to places, heritage and one another.

The journey will take participants to the Netherlands’ most famous theme park, Efteling; across the border enclaves of Baarle-Nassau (the Netherlands) and Baarle-Hertog (Belgium); and into the historic heart of Breda.

Participants will gain practical tools for applying story design principles to trails and public routes, compare the controlled story world of a theme park with organic, cross-border public heritage, and network with researchers, educators and students from the 11 KreativEU partner universities.

Target audience:

The seminar is designed for bachelor’s, master’s and PhD students, as well as academic staff and researchers across the KreativEU alliance who are interested in storytelling, experience design, cultural heritage, placemaking and tourism management.

Format and dates:

A seven-day Walking Seminar comprising five face-to-face days in Breda and two online sessions.

12 Apr 2027 – 16 Apr 2027 – BIP: Heritage Backstage: How Monuments Come to Life at the University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice (Czech Republic)

Through field visits, expert discussions and hands-on learning experiences, participants will explore the complete lifecycle of heritage sites, from initial ideas and development to interpretation, visitor engagement, long-term management and sustainability.

The programme offers a unique opportunity to look beyond what visitors usually see. Participants will gain insight into the processes, decisions and collaborations that shape heritage sites and transform them into meaningful educational, cultural and community experiences.

By exploring heritage “behind the scenes,” students will better understand the challenges and opportunities connected with preservation, management, public engagement and sustainable development in the heritage sector.

9 Jun 2027 – 11 Jun 2027 – Hackathon at Valahia University of Târgoviște (Romania)

A Taste of Heritage – A Bridge Between Smart Food, Local Specialities, Folklore and Local Customs

The hackathon will explore how artificial intelligence can contribute to the knowledge, protection and enhancement of cultural heritage, with a particular focus on A Taste of Heritage (Smart Food Identifier).

Participants will have the opportunity to explore local heritage and culture through the Cultural Wearables Explorer and AR Cultural Lens, an augmented reality tool designed to serve as a companion for discovering cultural heritage and local traditions.

This is a great opportunity to explore the rich local culture and heritage of Valahia.

June 2027 (exact date to be confirmed) – Hackathon at the Polytechnic University of Tomar (Portugal)

A Bridge Between Sustainable Forest Management, the Management and Preservation of Historical and Architectural Heritage, and Enhanced Cultural Experiences Using AI

The hackathon will explore how artificial intelligence can contribute to the knowledge, protection and enhancement of cultural heritage, with a particular focus on sustainable forest management, the management and preservation of historical and architectural heritage, and the enhancement of cultural experiences.

It is a great opportunity to explore the rich local culture and heritage of Tomar, Portugal, and the surrounding region.