U-SOLVE is a project that aims to transform the start-up process into an entrepreneurial sustainable development strategy, by bridging active policy for entrepreneurship and adopting sustainable development goals at regional level. The most pressing Sustainable Development Goals issues in Mediterranean cities are tackled, something that will enable entrepreneurial agents to form coalitions. Through this action, we will be able to emerge, create qualified jobs and economic value, as well as support the transition towards a sustainable model. The U-SOLVE project will manage to balance new technology and business models adopted by entrepreneurs and young companies, aiming towards socio-economic growth, and environmental protection. U-SOLVE expected results will be highly innovative:

• start-ups and young enterprises addressing sustainable development challenges managed by/employing youths (highly educated, between 24 and 35 years old) and/or women (all ages),
• a toolbox for the implementation of an effective, SDGs driven open innovation process,
• multilevel policy recommendations for urban sustainable development strategies based on impact-oriented entrepreneurship,
• a Mediterranean network of stakeholders of impact-oriented entrepreneurship

Main objectives of U-SOLVE project are:

• to increase entrepreneurial culture among youths and women;
• to support innovative businesses supporting SDGs in target urban areas;
• to test tools and methodologies for sustainable urban economic development based on entrepreneurship and community participation;
• to locally impact societies, through innovation hubs either created or empowered in cities belonging to the Mediterranean area.

The U-SOLVE project bring together 10 different organizations Southern Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. More specifically:

• Consorzio ARCA – Italy
• Academy of Scientific Research and Technology – Egypt
• Bethlehem Municipality – Palestine
• E-trikala – Greece
• Institute of Entrepreneurship Development – iED – Greece
• Jordan University of Science and Technology – Jordan
• Palestine Ahliya University – Palestine
• The Cyprus Institute – Cyprus
• The Higher Council for Science and Technology/ International Cooperation Department – Jordan
• University of Cyprus – Cyprus

The project is financed under the programme ENI CBC MED, and has received an overall financing of €3,577,070.

This document has been produced with the financial assistance of the European Union under the ENI CBC Mediterranean Sea Basin Programme. The contents of this document are the sole responsibility of iED and can under no circumstances be regarded as reflecting the position of the European Union or the Programme management structures.