Non Alcoholic Wine as a vehicle of Innovation and Value for Agri-food Training and Education

<< Background >>Introducing non-alcoholic wine production to educators and students supports environmental sustainability and the fight against climate change. The production of non-alcoholic wines often involves the use of sustainable technologies and connected with eco-friendly production aspects, which can lead to lower environmental impact compared to traditional winemaking methods. By engaging students and teachers in this field of innovative beverage production, knowledge about these sustainable practices can be disseminated more widely, contributing to innovation in vocational education and training. The project aligns education with labor market needs, especially in sectors focused on sustainability and innovation. Promoting alcohol-free wine options also encourages healthier, habits. The project strengthens the social dimension by promoting responsible, non-alcohol-consuming youth, a key focus for INNOPOLIS, which mainly works with young people. This shift can indirectly reduce the ecological footprint of production processes, contributing to broader environmental goals. Integrating non-alcoholic wine production into educational curricula enhances industry relevance and fosters innovation crucial for tackling climate change.<< Objectives >>The WINOVATE project aims to promote alcohol-free wine and beverage culture, technology and practices among younger generations, while contributing to the environment and the fight against climate change. Alcohol-free wine production generally uses more eco-conscious resources than traditional methods, supporting sustainability goals. The project focuses on adapting vocational education and training to labour market needs by equipping agrarian and cooking teachers and students with relevant, labour market oriented skills in a growing sector. Through structured, publicly available learning materials and hands-on training, WINOVATE fosters innovation in vocational education and training. Teachers and students had the opportunity to explore modern technologies related to alcohol-free wine production, strengthening their competencies and improving employability. By aligning education with market trends and promoting healthier, eco-conscious consumption habits, the project responds to both environmental and economic challenges in the wine and food industry. European Politics - Special attention was also given to the European wine and agricultural policy with an increasing focus on alcohol free products. << Implementation >>The Winovate project included two key activities: the Winovate Training Platform and the Winovate Business Incubator, aimed at enhancing education and business opportunities related to alcohol-free wine production.Winovate Platform:T1.1: Create 6 micro-MOOCST1.2: Create the education on MOOCS platformT1.3: Create the websiteT1.4: Assessment and validationT1.5: Social media activityBusiness Incubator:T2.1: Analyses (survey)T2.2: Best practice mapT2.3: Pilot period of meetingsT2.4: Business plansT2.5: Multiplier eventsT2.6: Final event<< Results >>The WINOVATE project delivered concrete outputs in training, business development, and dissemination. The WINOVATE Training Platform produced 6 micro-MOOCs on non-alcoholic wine, translated into 4 languages (EN, HU, GR, IT) and hosted on an interactive online platform. It also included documentation of, 9 local workshops, and a digital toolkit with all materials. The WINOVATE Business Incubator generated a survey report on trainers' and students’ knowledge, an interactive Best Practices Map, evaluated business plans, and documentation of 18 co-creation meetings, three multiplier events, and a final online event.The project also enhanced networking and shared resources. As a result, it significantly improved the knowledge and skills of VET trainers and students, boosted employability and entrepreneurship, and promoted health awareness. WINOVATE successfully contributed to education, innovation, and international collaboration in the non-alcoholic wine sector.The results of the project can be measured by numbers:12945 portal visitors427 personal contacts19214 social media views86:45 hours videos1350 recipients of the institutional newsletter x618 workshops, 3 multiplier event, 9LTTA,