In the following article, we explore the strides being made in research, innovation, and collaboration across our partner universities. We’re pleased to introduce Zsolt Bedő, Director of Innovation and External Relations at the University of Pécs and co-founder of the OpenUP Education platform, along with Csenge Tóth, Product Manager for OpenUP. Together, they share insights into the platform’s vision, development, and its role as a digital marketplace connecting researchers, students, and industry professionals within EDUC-WIDE.
The Beginnings of OpenUP
Reflecting on the platform's origin, Zsolt notes, “OpenUP was initially conceived as a tool for student entrepreneurs to showcase their projects and engage with market stakeholders, venture capitalists, and alumni.” He explains that one of the early goals was to address the need for a collaborative space for student projects, where they could “validate their ideas and attract mentors who could guide them through the complexities of launching entrepreneurial ventures.”
The initial stages of OpenUP heavily emphasized building functions like a project room, designed to “guide teams step-by-step through business development,” according to Zsolt. These functions were meant to support a systematic approach to learning and interaction, “creating a bridge between students, alumni, and market experts who wanted to get involved in university-based projects.”
Growing Functionality: A Platform that Evolved with Demand
As the platform gained traction, its scope widened to cater to various demands from external partners. “We had requests from innovation clusters and local companies in Hungary,” Zsolt recounts. One cluster, Eduwood, utilized OpenUP to “bring together students, faculty, and companies in an interactive environment where educational and practical knowledge could merge.”
Additionally, Skillversum, an integrated learning module, was introduced to accommodate new educational needs, enabling the platform to support “not only entrepreneurship but other areas of learning as well,” says Zsolt.
An Expanding Vision with the EDUC Alliance
The turning point for OpenUP came when the EDUC Alliance joined the platform’s mission. According to Zsolt, this collaboration “represented a unique challenge to connect universities, researchers, and the corporate ecosystem across the European Union.” The idea was to create a pan-European digital marketplace, facilitating interactions that would “bridge the gap between university research and the entrepreneurial sphere, on a much larger scale than we initially envisioned.”
Csenge shared how joining the team in September 2022 led to a period of substantial development for OpenUP. “We brought in new features like the microcredit system and internship matchmaking, which had been a complex process for students previously,” she explains. “With the platform, we now streamline these processes, providing students with resources and connecting them directly with alumni mentors.”
Current Capabilities and Features
Today, OpenUP boasts an array of features designed to foster collaboration and learning. “One of the standout sections is the feed,” says Csenge, “where users can post updates, share ideas, or start discussions, similar to a social media platform but tailored to the academic and research communities.” Users can also access a Courses section, which serves as a catalogue for ongoing academic programs, allowing students to explore and register for courses across partner institutions.
OpenUP’s job and internship portal is another recent addition. “It acts as a shared space for posting career opportunities, tailored to students and alumni who seek internships or jobs that align with their studies and career paths,” Csenge explains. Another major highlight is the Core Facilities section, connecting young researchers with advanced laboratory and technical resources, an idea initiated by a partner from Brno.
Dynamic Development and User Feedback
The development process is collaborative and responsive, shaped by continuous feedback from university partners. “In our weekly update meetings,” Csenge says, “we discuss new features with our developer and faculty partners, ensuring OpenUP meets the needs of its diverse users.” This iterative approach is critical, as Zsolt explains, “allowing us to stay aligned with what researchers, students, and educators require as they engage with OpenUP.”
Looking Ahead: OpenUP and the EDUC Community
As OpenUP continues to expand, both Zsolt and Csenge are enthusiastic about the future possibilities it holds for the EDUC Alliance. “We envision OpenUP becoming a primary platform for cross-border collaboration within the European higher education landscape,” says Zsolt, emphasizing its role in “strengthening the ties between academia and industry, bringing real-world applications and entrepreneurial spirit to the university setting.”
For Csenge, the ultimate goal is to “provide a seamless experience for students and researchers across Europe, so they can access the resources, mentorship, and opportunities they need to excel.”
With each development, OpenUP strengthens its foundation as a collaborative space where knowledge, innovation, and entrepreneurial potential thrive. By bringing together university partners and real-world industry connections, OpenUP is setting a new standard for collaborative education platforms across Europe.
Stay tuned for more from EDUC-WIDE as we continue exploring groundbreaking projects and innovations, bringing academia and society closer than ever before.