In times of increasing ecological and social challenges, sustainability is becoming more and more important for companies: not only as a responsibility towards the environment, but also as a driving force for innovation and long-term success. Paderborn University is launching a new project called "gr33nUP" to promote sustainable entrepreneurship. The aim is to support companies in systematically integrating sustainability into their business models. The project is based at the university's "garage33" start-up centre and is aimed in particular at start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). As part of the funding programme "Nachhaltig wirken - Förderung gemeinwohlorientierter Unternehmen", "gr33nUP" is funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE) and the European Union via the European Social Fund Plus (ESF Plus) with a project volume of around 1.2 million euros until 2028, according to the funding decision.
"gr33nUP" focuses on innovative approaches to make knowledge from research accessible. These include short visual learning formats, interactive workshops and practical tools. These methods teach the basics of sustainable management and highlight concrete options for action for companies. In this way, "gr33nUP" has created an on offer that provides companies with targeted support in designing future-proof, sustainable business models. "Our visual clips convey knowledge in an understandable and low-threshold way. Interactive 'classes', such as events and workshops, enable practical learning and concrete implementation. We also provide companies with the Compass, a tool that offers evidence-based guidance in this complex field," explains Professor Dr Rüdiger Kabst, project manager of gr33nUP. Sustainability should not only be understood as an ecological goal, but is also an economic factor for future-proof companies that want to develop their business models responsibly.
With "gr33nUP", Paderborn University is strengthening its activities in the areas of sustainable innovation and entrepreneurship. The project is helping to further develop the culture of innovation in the Ostwestfalen-Lippe region and promote new collaborations between research, start-ups and companies.
