Who we are

Saxion University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands plays a pivotal role in the LEAPXR project by embedding entrepreneurial thinking into applied XR and Health (Tech) education and innovation. The Saxion Centre for Entrepreneurship as a leading unit forbrings extensive experience in fostering student entrepreneurship, mentoring early-stage ventures, and translating academic knowledge into real-world business opportunities. With a strong foundation in effectuation, Lean Startup, and design thinking methodologies, Saxion provides practical, scalable models for entrepreneurial education and venture development. Its involvement builds on successful EU-funded EIT HEI projects like CITE and E.I.N.S, from which transferable tools, workshop formats, and impact frameworks are now adapted to the XR and healthcare domains.

By participating in LEAPXR, the Saxion Centre for Entrepreneurship aims to expand its impact at the European level. Its goals include scaling proven entrepreneurship support structures across partner HEIs, supporting the launch of at least ten new XR health startups by 2030, and increasing inclusive participation in deep tech innovation—particularly by empowering women through initiatives like Girlboss and the LEAP Women in Entrepreneurship Programme.

UCLimburg is a higher education institute in Belgium, Collaborating under the name UC Leuven-Limburg (UCLL) with UC Leuven. UC Leuven-Limburg is renowned for the high quality of its teaching, research & regional development. More than 30 professional bachelor (EQF 6), and 30 lifelong learning study programmers are offered in various study areas: 

• Education
• Health Care
• Applied Social Studies
• Applied Engineering & Technology
• Business Management

Yearly about 14.000 students are enrolled in UC Leuven-Limburg. Moreover, about 15.000 professionals attend a training, seminar or workshop at UC Leuven-Limburg. UCLL’s strong commitment to research ensures state-of-the-art study programmers and trainings for these students and professionals.

Located in Austria, St. Pölten University of Applied Sciences stands for forward-looking tertiary education, applied research and international networking. 

Fulda University of Applied Sciences, located in Germany offers an extensive program of continuing education courses. It is aimed at subjects and managers who want to expand and specialise their skills and knowledge in order to meet the challenges of a constantly changing professional world. The continuing university education centre's offer includes certificate courses, part-time Bachelor's and Master's programmes as well as seminars and workshops.

Jamk University of Applied Sciences from Finland, is internationally recognized for its innovative approach to education and its commitment to strengthening competitiveness. In addition to providing work-life-oriented higher education, Jamk engages in applied research and development that actively supports both professional practice and regional growth. At the core of Jamk’s mission is “Creating Competence” – a guiding principle that aligns seamlessly with the objectives of the international LEAPXR project.

At LEAPXR Jamk aims to enhance innovation and start-ups by emphasizing collaboration between business, research, and education with 15 European implementing partners of the project. Key components include the development of innovative educational courses and creation of new start-ups utilizing XR technologies in the healthcare sector. The ultimate goal is to foster innovation and share expertise as well as best practices among different stakeholders.

Vidzeme University of Applies Sciences, located in Latvia offers 15 study programs in the faculties of Social Sciences and Engineering. The motto of the UAS is "Ground for growth" and the university offers a strong, creative, interdisciplinary community for studies, researc and knowledge transfer for the students, employees and cooperation partners.

Vidzeme UAS is involved in all seven work packages of the project. The goal, together with the consortium by 2027 is to support 25 start-ups, create two Health (Tech) start-ups, train 1,000 students and 330 staff, establish 12 partnerships, and develop 6 structures for systemic entrepreneurship and innovation by 2027. As a representative of the WP7 working group, the UAS informs the public, organizations, and policymakers about the work accomplished and the results achieved in the project.

World Trade Center Twente, located in the Netherlands, is part of the World Trade Centers Association, which has a network of 320 World Trade Centers in 92 countries and more than 750,000 member companies. WTC Twente connects with companies all over the world every day. 

WTC Twente supports companies in the region doing business internationally, offers entrepreneurs a place to work and support and help companies grow and prepare better for international activities. 

As a well-established Austrian business incubator, accent brings extensive experience in startup support, entrepreneurship, and business development to the LEAPXR project, helping transform innovative XR technologies from research and education into viable, scalable business models. With a strong focus on sustainability, innovation, and advanced technologies, accent complements the academic partners by contributing deep entrepreneurial expertise and equipping emerging ventures with the tools needed to grow effectively. Through structured collaboration with the full and associate project partners, accent helps align the project outputs with regional economic goals, real-world applications, and industry standards. By leveraging its networks, particularly in healthcare, accent supports the identification of real-world challenges and opportunities for XR applications, especially in preventive care.

Accent’s involvement ensures that LEAPXR remains closely connected to the startup ecosystem, fostering sustainable entrepreneurship and innovation with a clear focus on lasting market impact and societal benefit.