IMPACTWHEEL Project: Empowering Students, Researchers, and Innovators Through Entrepreneurship and Innovation Training

The Goce Delcev University in Stip continues to strengthen its commitment to fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and practical knowledge among students, academic staff, and early-stage innovators. Through a series of specialized trainings organized within the IMPACTWHEEL project, the University has successfully created a dynamic environment where ideas can evolve into real-world solutions.

Entrepreneurship Training for Students (November 25–26, 2025)

On November 25 and 26, 2025, UGD organized two days of interactive entrepreneurship workshops, bringing together more than 60 students from various faculties.
The sessions were designed to introduce participants to modern tools and approaches for developing business concepts, with a strong emphasis on the VCW – Value Creation Wheel methodology. This innovative model supports young innovators in identifying real problems, creating value, and generating optimal solutions through a structured analytical process.

Through teamwork, practical exercises, and guided discussions, students explored ideas that respond to current market needs and learned how to assess the potential of entrepreneurial opportunities. The training was led by experienced mentors and university professors who shared insights from the fields of entrepreneurship and innovation. A special acknowledgment goes to Mitko Andonov, who contributed his time, expertise, and inspiring entrepreneurial journey. This event is another important milestone in UGD’s ongoing effort to cultivate innovation, creativity, and an entrepreneurial mindset among young people, showing that education is not only about acquiring theory, but also about turning ideas into meaningful projects and successful stories.

Entrepreneurship & Innovation Clinic for Academic Staff and Researchers (November 27–28, 2025)

As part of the IMPACTWHEEL project, UGD also delivered an intensive two-day Entrepreneurship & Innovation Clinic aimed at academic staff and researchers.
The goal was to strengthen entrepreneurial thinking within the academic community and bridge the gap between scientific research and its application in the business sector. Participants engaged in hands-on sessions focused on recognizing opportunities, validating ideas, and understanding the pathways toward commercialization. A central component of the clinic was once again the practical use of the VCW – Value Creation Wheel, a methodology guiding participants through problem identification, stakeholder mapping, ideation, and solution validation.

The level of engagement, creativity, and collaboration throughout the clinic was truly inspiring and highlighted strong potential for developing innovative, science-based solutions.
A warm thank-you goes to Evgenija Angelovska, MBA, for her valuable contributions and inspiring way of sharing real-world experiences. Through initiatives like this, the University is building a strong foundation for systematic support in innovation commercialization, including the development of spin-off and start-up companies.

Marketing for Startups and Companies Workshop (December 9)

On December 9, the University conducted another impactful training session, Startups’ Workshop: Marketing for Startups and Companies.

This workshop focused on equipping young innovators with essential marketing skills necessary to effectively promote their businesses, acquire customers, and build a strong brand presence.

Participants explored fundamental marketing concepts and applied practical strategies tailored to the startup environment. The training was enriched with real-world examples, interactive work, and the integration of the VCW framework to support structured decision-making in marketing. A special thank you goes to Boris Dabevski from Korab Trnica for his valuable contribution and for generously sharing his practical experience with the participants.

The highly engaging learning experience further strengthened students’ confidence and readiness to navigate the entrepreneurial landscape.

Moving Forward: Building a Stronger Innovation Ecosystem

Through the IMPACTWHEEL project, Goce Delcev University in Stip is continuously investing in the future generation of innovators and researchers. These trainings, whether focused on entrepreneurship, innovation, or marketing share a common purpose: to empower participants with practical skills, entrepreneurial thinking, and structured methodologies for turning ideas into impactful solutions.

With each successfully delivered workshop, the University reinforces its mission to build a vibrant innovation ecosystem where talent, creativity, and knowledge come together to shape the future.

UGD remains committed to supporting the development of young innovators and strengthening the entrepreneurial culture within the academic community.

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