Join the ERUA Expert Pool and help shape innovative solutions to societal challenges! Apply now!
The University of the Aegean, in collaboration with the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, invites experienced professionals, academics, researchers and regional stakeholders to join the ERUA iDeaThon 2026 as mentors.
Part of the Challenge-to-Impact Initiative: Future Learning and Student Experience, the ERUA iDeaThon 2026 brings together students, academic and research staff, and regional stakeholders from across the eight ERUA universities and their regions to develop innovative social entrepreneurship ideas that address real societal needs and contribute to sustainable regional development.
We are looking for enthusiastic and experienced mentors who can support participating teams in transforming their ideas into feasible, impactful and sustainable solutions.
Apply to become an ERUA Mentor, by November 24, 2026!
What is the ERUA iDeaThon 2026?
The ERUA iDeaThon 2026 is an online ideathon that encourages interdisciplinary and cross-regional collaboration to address societal challenges through social entrepreneurship.
Participants are invited to identify specific needs within their communities and develop innovative ideas that create social value, drawing on academic expertise, regional knowledge and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The initiative provides a pathway for promising ideas to progress towards the ERUA Bootcamp 2027 in Las Palmas in Spain and the ERUA Hackathon 2027 in Lesvos, Greece. Learn more!
Why are mentors needed?
Mentors will play an important role in helping selected finalist teams develop and strengthen their ideas, offering expert guidance and practical feedback throughout the development process.
Their contribution will help participants assess the feasibility and sustainability of their proposals, identify potential challenges, and prepare compelling presentations for the final evaluation.
Key Information
- iDeaThon: December 2026
- Mentoring period: Following the selection of finalists, in preparation for the final presentations on 9-10 December 2026
- Format: Online
- ERUA Hackathon 2027: May 2027, Lesvos, Greece
Areas of Expertise
We welcome mentors with experience in one or more of ERUA’s five thematic areas:
- Migration, Exile and Refugees
- Democracy and Human Rights, Inclusion and Gender Equality
- Environmental Transition
- Interculturality and Multilingualism
- Arts and Edges
Relevant complementary expertise in areas such as social entrepreneurship, business development, innovation, project management, sustainability, impact assessment, community engagement and regional development is also highly welcome.
Mentors’ Profile
We are looking for:
- Academics, researchers, experienced professionals and innovation-driven stakeholders.
- Expertise in one or more of the thematic areas or related fields.
- Experience in mentoring, coaching, entrepreneurship or project development.
- Interest in social innovation and sustainable regional development.
Mentors’ Responsibilities
Selected mentors will be invited to:
- Guide finalist teams in refining and developing their proposed ideas (First ten days of December, 2026).
- Provide constructive feedback on the feasibility, relevance and potential impact of their solutions.
- Help teams strengthen their proposals and prepare their final presentations.
- Where relevant, support the further development of promising ideas towards the ERUA Hackathon 2027.
Mentoring Format
Mentoring will take place entirely online in the first ten days of December, 2026. The format and frequency of interactions will be coordinated with the assigned teams, allowing mentors and participants to agree on a flexible approach that suits their availability and needs.
Why Become an ERUA Mentor?
By joining the ERUA Mentor Pool, you will have the opportunity to:
- Contribute to the development of solutions with meaningful regional and societal impact.
- Support students and emerging social entrepreneurs from across Europe.
- Connect with an international, interdisciplinary community of academics, professionals and regional stakeholders.
How to Apply
If you are interested in contributing to the ERUA iDeaThon 2026 as a mentor, please complete the online application form:
Mentor applications deadline: November 24, 2026
The ERUA Mentor Pool will remain open for future ERUA activities, offering opportunities to contribute to upcoming initiatives across the Alliance.
For more information about the ERUA iDeaThon 2026, visit the official website and consult the Terms & Conditions.
For any questions, please contact the organising team at erua-challenge2impact@aegean.gr .
