The partners
The EXPAND project is made possible by a complementary partnership of leading higher education institutions, social enterprises and startup ecosystem builders.
Impact Shakers
Impact Shakers is a global impact ecosystem founded to grow and connect the global ecosystem of impact or social entrepreneurship through a global community of impact entrepreneurs, by organising (online) events to educate, inspire and amplify the voices of impact entrepreneurs and through an academy for impact entrepreneurs. Besides, Impact Shakers is working on a first fund targeting underrepresented founders. In their entrepreneurship programmes (‘labs’) they build different accelerators programmes to work with those who have beaten the odds before and will do again in the future.
Universitat Ramon Llull – ESADE
Takes part in EXPAND with the Universitat Ramon Llull – Esade Center for Social Impact (ECSI) at the Esade Entrepreneurship Institute and the Institute for Social Innovation (IIS). The ECSI: to develop research with rigor, reach and relevance about and for Social Impact (Impact Investment, Impact Entrepreneurship and Impact Measurement and Management). The IIS: focus on social innovation to help students, citizens and organisations navigate the social challenges related to exclusion, vulnerability, precariousness and sustainability. Universitat Ramon Llull – Esade also collaborates with some highly relevant organizations tackling homelessness in Barcelona.
ESSEC Business School
A pioneer of business-related learning since 1907, ESSEC’s mission is to respond to the challenges of the future. In an interconnected, technological, and uncertain world, where the tasks are increasingly complex, ESSEC offers a unique pedagogical approach. This approach is founded on the creation and dissemination of cutting-edge knowledge, a blend of academic learning and practical experience, and a multicultural openness and dialogue.
Beta-i
Beta-i is a collaborative innovation consultancy with a global reach. A team of experts in managing corporate open innovation, pilot-oriented projects with highly curated startups, and designing products and services alongside in-company teams. Also, Beta-i uses its acceleration expertise and network to help ecosystems grow, connecting a huge network of entrepreneurs, mentors, experts, investors, and knowledge institutions to solve things that matter.
H-Farm Education
A unique offering for both Italy and Europe, H-FARM Education can provide a complete educational experience in a single hub, one in which students, entrepreneurs, young startuppers, and professionals who live side by side, exchange knowledge, share experiences and ideas on best practices.
Espacité
Espacité is a consulting firm specialized in the field of housing territorial policy and urban renewal. The firm is helping local authorities and social landlords in the whole elaboration process of urban and patrimonial projects, their implementation, and their follow-up.
Diogenis
Diogenis is a non-profit organization which designs, develops and implements a wide range of social projects and activities aiming to support people who are experiencing homelessness and social exclusion to support themselves, while raising social awareness and mobilizing the broader community in the fight against poverty. “Shedia” street paper, “Shediart” upcycling project, “Shedia home” café+bar+restaurant, “Invisible Tours” social city walks, the “Kick Out Poverty” social football campaign are some of the projects that seek to energize, empower, provide educational and training as well as employment opportunities to the most vulnerable of our society.
GLIMPS
GLIMPS.bio is a bio-innovation agency. We explore the potent mix of biology and technology, with the intention of creating a sustainable future. A bio-based circular economy is the only way forward. It’s a win-win for all: zero waste, plenty of opportunities. We help companies, entrepreneurs, researchers, and governments to act now: from idea to market, and from plan to impact. We make the bio mind shift happen.
Associate Partner
Vlerick Business School
Vlerick Business School is a triple-accredited, international business school at the heart of Europe – ranked number one in the Benelux for executive education and 19 in Europe. This EXPAND associate partner has specific expertise in Digital Transformation, Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Healthcare, Energy, and Financial Services. Apart from the close ties to KU Leuven and Ghent University – and strategic alliances with Peking University and University of Stellenbosch Business School – Vlerick Business School is constantly building a network of corporate partners across the world.