Saxion University of Applied Sciences and fifteen European partners are receiving a grant of more than €1.3 million to promote innovation in healthcare and entrepreneurship. The funding is provided by the European Institute of Innovation & Technology (EIT HEI) under the project name LEAPXR, and will be allocated over the next two years. Coordinated by Saxion, this collaborative effort focuses particularly on the application of extended reality (XR) to address key societal challenges.
LEAPXR, which stands for Linking Education and Applied Practice for Entrepreneurship and Innovation in eXtended Reality, offers students, educators, and industry partners new opportunities to develop entrepreneurial skills while exploring cutting-edge XR solutions. Launched on 1 April 2025, the project aims to create impactful innovations in the healthcare and technology sectors, with a strong emphasis on smart XR applications such as Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR). Saxion coordinates the initiative through its Centre for Entrepreneurship (SCvO), with close involvement from the Saxion XR Lab.
Societal Relevance
The LEAPXR partners are committed to using XR technologies to tackle critical issues, including Europe’s ageing population and disparities in healthcare access. The project also promotes inclusiveness and gender equality in tech-driven entrepreneurship. Through the support of the SCvO and others, there is a strong focus on encouraging female leadership in emerging fields such as XR and deep tech.
Building an Innovation Hub
Over the next two years, the project will establish advanced XR infrastructure, foster entrepreneurial frameworks, and set the foundation for a European XR Innovation Hub to support emerging startups. During the project’s lifecycle, LEAPXR aims to support 25 startups, train 1,000 students and 330 staff, and establish twelve new partnerships.
Strengthening Europe’s Innovation Ecosystem
LEAPXR contributes to strengthening Europe’s economy and innovation capacity in line with the mission of E³UDRES². The project builds on existing collaborations within the E³UDRES² alliance and marks another step forward in creating a resilient European innovation landscape that supports sustainable employment, regional development, and knowledge-driven entrepreneurship.
Through international collaboration, LEAPXR provides startups with valuable tools—from mentorship to access to global markets—ensuring long-term impact and positioning Europe as a leader in XR-driven innovation.
The XR Perspective
At Saxion, XR is already an integral part of future-oriented education and innovation. The recent launch of the Health & Wellbeing XR Hub and the success of the Startup Entrepreneur minor have already led to promising XR startups, such as Cherit. In September 2025, Saxion—within the E³UDRES² framework—will launch GRACE, a new joint master’s degree focused on XR. The programme will make extensive use of the Saxion XR Lab and is designed to strengthen experiential learning with XR. For example, nursing students can use XR to gain new perspectives and experience real-life scenarios in a safe, immersive environment.
