Innovators' Artificial Intelligence Launchpad

<< Background >>The Innovators’ Artificial Intelligence Launchpad project was initiated to address a critical gap in digital and green skills among startups and young entrepreneurs in Austria and Slovenia. Many early-stage ventures lack access to tailored support and practical guidance on integrating AI and sustainability into business models. This project responded to the growing demand for future-ready competences by offering structured, AI-driven business model tools and open-access resources. The main needs addressed were: building AI proficiency, embedding sustainability practices, and fostering collaborative networks among entrepreneurs. Through blended training, an online OER platform, and partnerships with regional incubators and universities, the project enabled participants to conceptualize and refine business ideas, supporting labour market adaptation and responsible innovation. The project was developed in alignment with Erasmus+ VET priorities for digital transformation, green skills, and cross-border cooperation.<< Objectives >>The Innovators’ Artificial Intelligence Launchpad aimed to empower startups and young entrepreneurs in Austria and Slovenia to leverage artificial intelligence for business innovation and sustainability. The project focused on making AI-based tools—especially the AI-driven Business Model Canvas—accessible for early-stage business development. Objectives included strengthening digital and green skills, guiding participants to embed AI and sustainability into business models, and building a transnational community for peer learning and exchange on AI-enabled entrepreneurship. Through blended training, explainer videos, and an open educational resource (OER) platform, the project facilitated hands-on experience with AI applications in business planning. Additional aims were to encourage ethical and responsible AI use and strengthen links with universities, incubators, and innovation networks. All objectives supported Erasmus+ priorities for digital transformation, green skills, and cooperation.<< Implementation >>The project implemented a structured set of activities to enable startups and young entrepreneurs to apply artificial intelligence in business innovation. Key actions included the co-design and piloting of the AI-driven Business Model Canvas through focused workshops and pilot sessions in Austria and Slovenia, and the development and iterative testing of eight custom AI-powered chatbot tools. The blended training curriculum was delivered via targeted online webinars, in-person workshops, and a transnational Learning, Teaching, and Training Activity (LTTA) in Slovenia, ensuring both reach and depth of learning. An Open Educational Resource (OER) platform and the ai-startup.eu website were launched, providing multilingual explainer videos and tutorials for open access. Outreach was supported by partnerships with universities, incubators, and business networks, as well as a LinkedIn-based digital community for ongoing peer exchange. Special focus was placed on sustainability, with strategies and follow-up to embed project results in regional innovation ecosystems. All activities were systematically monitored and documented per quality assurance requirements, and adapted in response to ongoing feedback and participant engagement.<< Results >>The project’s main result is the AI-startup.eu platform, with a Chatbot Lab (eight custom GPT-powered modules) and four structured learning modules. Each provides OER: 33 explainer videos (11 per language: English, German, Slovenian), interactive chatbot tutorials, and downloadable templates, checklists, and guides—all as OER in three languages. Module 1 includes foundational videos and templates; Module 2 offers sustainability tools and checklists; Module 3 delivers tutorials and videos for the chatbots; Module 4 contains pitching guides, MVP tools, and curated OER.The LTTA in Slovenia engaged 17 participants. Across all activities, 1,138 participants joined at least 15 online webinars and 10 on-site workshops in Austria, Slovenia, and partner locations (KPI Monitoring). LinkedIn outreach reached 211 followers and the peer group 91.KPI targets were fully met: 80% of surveyed participants improved AI/business model skills, 60% confirmed increased sustainability—per QA and monitoring plan. Survey data show strong gains (std. dev. 0.97–0.99). Satisfaction averaged 9.22/10; 77.78% rated events 9 or 10. These results confirm achievement in digital and green skills, impact, and sustainability.