CHARM-EU Innovator’s Journey – Sustainable Entrepreneurs, and what their needs are
Ever had a groundbreaking idea but not known where to start? Or wondered how sustainability, business, and cutting-edge research intersect in the real world?
Designed for curious minds – whether you are a student, researcher, or entrepreneur – the CHARM-EU Seminar Series will take you on a deep dive into the world of innovation, turning bold ideas into impactful businesses. Forget dry lectures, expect interactive sessions, real-world challenges, and insights from leading experts.
Ready to bridge the gap between ambition and action? Join us!
What is the CHARM-EU Seminar Series?
The CHARM-EU Seminar Series will introduce you to the fundamentals of entrepreneurship, sustainability-driven innovation, and the practical skills you need to transform your ideas into impactful projects.
Each seminar will align with CHARM-EU’s interdisciplinary and challenge-driven approach, catering to different experience levels – beginner, intermediate, and advanced – ensuring accessibility for all participants.
After this series, you will:
- Understand key entrepreneurial concepts and their relevance to sustainability.
- Learn practical tools for turning an idea into an actionable project or business.
- Gain insights from experienced entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders.
- Develop problem-solving skills through real-world case studies and interactive sessions.
- Explore pathways to funding, incubation, and further entrepreneurial opportunities.
CHARM-EU Innovators’ Journey | 3rd Seminar | Sustainable Entrepreneurs, and what their needs are
4-5 pm CET, 24 February 2026, hybrid format
For in-person attendance location: HALC, Utrecht University (Androclus building, Room 0.004, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL Utrecht)
The session will interactively explore the difference between transformative and non-transformative entrepreneurship, and which resources and facilitating conditions different forms of sustainable entrepreneurship might require. Next, we will discuss how universities can contribute—through research and education—to making sustainable entrepreneurship successful.
Delivered by Frank van Rijnsoever, Associate Professor at the Department of Sustainable Development, Faculty of Geosciences, Utrecht University
Frank van Rijnsoever is also Principal Fellow at the Centre for Academic Teaching and Learning at Utrecht University. His research focuses on sustainable entrepreneurship, change agency, and the ways in which these processes can be effectively facilitated through higher education and the development of ecosystems for sustainable entrepreneurial activities. He studies entrepreneurship across the globe at sites such as San Francisco, Boston, Sydney, Shanghai, Tel Avil, and Berlin. Moreover, he has published his work in leading international journals such as Research Policy and Technovation. Moreover, he teaches government professionals in different ministries about how companies operate in sustainability transitions.
Future sessions will take place in the next academic year.
You will receive a link several days before the event.