Embedding Circular Economy Thinking in European HEIs through AI and Gamification

EcoLoop is a pioneering initiative designed to foster green entrepreneurship within Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). By merging Circular Economy (CE) principles with cutting-edge technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and gamification, the project empowers students and educators to drive the transition toward a resource-efficient, climate-neutral Europe.
The project addresses the current lack of practical frameworks for integrating circular thinking into university curricula, providing students with the personalized tools and engaging content necessary to thrive in the modern green labor market.
What We’re Building
- Competence Framework for Green Entrepreneurship (WP2): A foundational educational model that defines the essential skills and qualifications required for success in the circular economy, grounded in the EntreComp framework.
- AI-Based Gamified Readiness Evaluator (WP3): An innovative assessment tool that uses AI algorithms to provide students with personalized feedback and recommendations, helping them identify their entrepreneurial strengths and skill gaps.
- Gamified E-Learning Platform (WP4): An interactive online platform featuring six specialized modules—ranging from Green Finance to Green Business Development—designed to boost student engagement through points, badges, and leaderboards.
- AI Chatbot Companion: A closed-model digital assistant integrated into the evaluator to guide users, ask relevant questions, and provide real-time support throughout their learning journey.
Project Facts
- 📅 Duration: 1 December 2024 – 30 November 2027 (36 Months).
- 💶 Total Budget: 400,000.00 €.
- 🎓 Program: Erasmus+ (KA220-HED – Cooperation partnerships in higher education).
Project Partners
The EcoLoop consortium brings together expertise from academic, technical, and environmental sectors across three European countries:
- Association Nouvelle EDC (France) – Project coordinator and lead on entrepreneurship education and content methodology
- Hafelekar Unternehmensberatung (Austria) – AI specialist, green economy specialist
- Alliance des Générations pour le Climat (France) – Experts in the green economy and intergenerational climate action
- GESTIONET MULTIMEDIA, S.L. (Spain) – Technical lead responsible for AI development, gamification, and platform architecture
- Hacettepe University (Türkiye) – Lead on research, ICT integration, and instructional technology
- INNOMATE (Türkiye) – Specialists in vocational training, curriculum design, and digital tool dissemination