University of Ljubljana and Impact Hub Ljubljana Join Forces to Foster Social Impact Entrepreneurship Among Young People

On 24 September 2025, the University of Ljubljana (UL) and Impact Hub Ljubljana signed a cooperation agreement aimed at empowering students, staff, and alumni to develop entrepreneurial skills and ideas that drive positive social change.

The agreement was signed by Prof. Dr Gregor Majdič, Rector of the University of Ljubljana, and Jan Peloza, CEO of Impact Hub Slovenia. Within the University, the collaboration will be coordinated by the Knowledge Transfer Office and the Career Centres of UL.

Author picture

At the heart of the partnership lies a shared mission – to support the development of entrepreneurial ideas with a social and environmental impact. Through mentoring, free business registration advice, team formation support, and access to incubation and bootcamp programmes, the partnership will help individuals turn early-stage ideas into sustainable ventures addressing real societal challenges.

 

“Students at the University of Ljubljana are innovative and creative, often developing ideas that could significantly improve society. However, many of these ideas remain on paper. By helping them recognise their potential, equipping them with entrepreneurial skills, and connecting them with like-minded peers, we can empower them to create solutions for challenges that go beyond what we can solve ourselves,”
said Prof. Dr Gregor Majdič, Rector of the University of Ljubljana.

 

The partnership complements the work of the Ljubljana University Incubator (LUI), which primarily supports deep-tech start-ups, by focusing on impact-driven and socially oriented entrepreneurship.

 

“At Impact Hub Ljubljana, we believe the future of entrepreneurship lies in solving the world’s most pressing social and environmental issues. Partnering with the University of Ljubljana is a key step towards turning students, researchers, and alumni from idea-holders into changemakers. Together, we’re creating an environment where social innovation can grow faster, reach more people, and make a lasting difference,”
said Jan Peloza, CEO of Impact Hub Slovenia.

 

“For years, the Career Centres of UL have been working with a diverse range of partners that support students on their entrepreneurial journeys. We recognise that this path is different from traditional employment routes, which is why strong support networks are vital. Many students are drawn to entrepreneurship based on social and environmental values, making our collaboration with Impact Hub a natural extension of our mission,”
added Maja Dizdarević, Head of the University Service for Students and Alumni.

 

The new partnership expands UL’s support network in the field of social innovation — an area that requires interdisciplinary collaboration and community-driven approaches. It also aligns with the UL Strategy 2022–2027, which emphasises innovation, sustainability, and social responsibility.
Together, UL and Impact Hub Ljubljana are building a bridge between academia and society — transforming knowledge into action for the benefit of all.

You might also be interested in ...

Impact in your inbox!

Sign up for our free global membership perks, incredible opportunities and monthly inspiring updates!