The Initiative

The EIT STEM Tech Talent Induction (EIT STEM Talent) is an EU-funded initiative led by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT). It sits within the EU’s STEM Education Strategic Plan and the wider Union of Skills agenda.

The Initiative aims to support people across Europe to access STEM learning and career pathways. Working with the EIT Community and a Europe-wide network of partners, the Initiative contributes to building the skilled, diverse and entrepreneurial STEM workforce Europe needs to strengthen innovation and competitiveness.

How it works

EIT STEM Tech Talent Induction brings together a community of education and training providers, enterprises, financing partners, member states, institutional partners, and alliances, associations and networks. Known as Pledgers, they support the Initiative in different ways, committing to delivering or funding STEM training, promoting STEM learning opportunities, raising awareness and encouraging participation in collaboration with the EIT Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs).

By signing the Pledge, organisations join a trusted, EU-backed network and can increase the visibility of their STEM learning and training activities across Europe. Those that deliver training can submit their courses or programmes to the catalogue, helping them reach new learners. The Initiative is also developing its own portfolio of EIT STEM modules to be released in 2027.

Who it’s for

EIT STEM Tech Talent Induction supports people looking to explore, enter or progress in STEM. Through induction activities, the Initiative supports those taking their first steps into the field, as well as people developing new skills, changing career direction or re-entering as their careers evolve.

The Initiative is especially committed to reaching women and girls, people from diverse backgrounds, those from non-STEM fields, and people in regions where STEM opportunities are harder to access.

The Initiative targets learners across different stages of education and lifelong learning, aligned with the EU’s International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED):

• Upper secondary and vocational students (ISCED 3) exploring future career paths
• Post-secondary and higher VET learners (ISCED 4) developing advanced technical skills
• University and higher-education students (ISCED 5–7) developing the competencies and experience for early-career roles
• Adults and lifelong learners (25+) looking to upskill in their current field or reskill for a new career

What is STEM?

At EIT STEM Tech Talent Induction, STEM is understood as more than knowledge of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. It’s seen as a capability built across three dimensions: the knowledge to understand how the world works, the practical application to solve problems through design and experimentation, and the mindset to turn ideas into real-world impact.