Maria Curie Skłodowska University (UMCS) in Lublin is taking part in the international AccEnt (Accelerating Innovation and Entrepreneurial Excellence in Higher Education Institutes) project, which aims to develop innovation and entrepreneurial excellence in higher education institutions.

In addition to the Lublin university, the project, led by Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (Greece), involves KU Leuven (Belgium), Thomas More (Belgium), Pablo de Olavide University (Spain), Fontys University of Applied Sciences (Netherlands), University of Macerata (Italy) and two universities from Ukraine (universities of Lutsk and Odessa).

As intended, the project involves empowering the university as a partner in business initiatives, as well as helping various university-related groups to develop their business ideas. 

The three main activities on which the project is based include: stimulating entrepreneurship and creativity among students, cooperation between faculties, institutes and researchers and business, and the development of ecosystems (open innovation). One of the main intentions of the originators is to support a minimum of 50 start-ups.