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CVTT-ISCTE connects research, innovation, and technology transfer with real-world applications, helping businesses and society benefit from science. Within CVTT-ISCTE, the project is supported by the Business Research Unit - a diverse team of 177 members from 18 nationalities, recognised as Excellent by Portugal’s national research agency.
In SME-RISE, CVTT-ISCTE coordinates the project and shapes the training content, learning methods, and tools, including interactive Virtual Reality training, to help SMEs, entrepreneurs, and adult learners build practical skills for the drone industry.
“At CVTT-ISCTE, we are excited to help translate research and innovation into practical support for SMEs, young entrepreneurs, and any adult learner in the evolving drone market. By funding the SME-RISE project, ERASMUS+ has given us a great opportunity to connect education, business, and new technology to create a positive societal impact.”
Sofia Kalakou
Assistant Professor
Sofia Samoili
Invited Assistant Researcher
James de Brito McLeod
Assistant Researcher
Nuno Miguel Silva
Research Funding Manager
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Future Needs is a Cyprus-based research and consultancy firm, bridging the gap between proof-of-concept and market reality by combining socio-economic analysis, market research, and user-centred methodologies.
In SME-RISE, the team leads the development of the online learning platform, creating an accessible space where SMEs and young entrepreneurs can build their business skills and explore opportunities in the evolving drone sector.
“We know that emerging technologies only create real impact when people have access to practical, user-centred learning opportunities. Through SME-RISE, we are excited to develop a digital training platform that supports future-ready skills, entrepreneurship, and new opportunities for SMEs and professionals entering the evolving drone sector.”
Sofia Iosifidou
Innovation Project Manager
& Researcher
Egle Joneliunaite
Communication & Dissemination Manager
Sami Sechante
Communication Designer
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European Progress works across Vocational Education & Training (VET), adult education, employability, entrepreneurship, and business development - helping people build skills, access opportunities, and grow
In SME-RISE, their focus is on turning ideas into something practical. They help develop easy-to-use training materials, support learners in building real business skills, and promote the project to reach and inspire more people.
“As European Progress, we participate in SME-RISE because it empowers entrepreneurs with cutting-edge skills and innovative tools in the rapidly growing drone sector. We contribute to a shared European vision that creates opportunities, knowledge, and sustainable growth for the future."
Maria Giampoulaki
Director and Erasmus+ Project Manager
Popi Daskalaki
Finance & Projects Support Officer
Kristali Ladomenou
Administrative Assistant & Seminar Coordinator
Spotin is a Greek non-profit that uses technology, digital maps and geo-storytelling to make learning more spatial, creative and connected to the real world - working with schools, educators and organisations across Greece and Europe.
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In SME-RISE, the team contributes to the development of learning content and training activities, bringing its expertise to help create engaging, practice-oriented experiences for entrepreneurs and professionals in the drone sector.
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“The drone sector is an emerging field in Europe, and SME-RISE allows us to apply our expertise in innovative learning design to a new professional context. We are excited to help build real business skills for adult learners and the next generation of SMEs and drone entrepreneurs. ”
Alkyoni Baglatzi
Founder and Programmes Manager
Afroditi Riga
Communications Manager
Instituto Pedro Nunes is a non-profit private organization founded in 1991. IPN promotes innovation and technology transfer, being the main link between the University of Coimbra and the business sector. IPN has currently a team of almost 100 permanent staff to support startups and researchers in these activities. With a self-sustained business model, IPN operates in three complementary areas:
1. Incubation and acceleration of technology-based enterprises;
2. Research and technological development;
3. Highly specialized training.
Fátima Matias
Training and Quality Department Coordinator
Gonçalo Brásio
Project Manager
Rui Henriques
Project Manager
Camila Aveiro
Trainee at the Training Department