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ESIC project programme at Tallinn University

This pilot is an interactive online programme for Tallinn University (TLU) students, designed to build practical skills in social innovation and social entrepreneurship. Running from 26 February to 17 April.

Delivered via the Howspace platform, the pilot combines structured modules, facilitated discussions and practical assignments. Students will explore how innovative and sustainable solutions can be developed to address complex societal challenges..

Across the pilot, participants will learn foundational concepts, develop a social business model, and design a basic approach to measuring and communicating social impact. By the end of the programme, students will have gained practical tools and a clearer understanding of how social innovation can be implemented in different organisational and community contexts.

Who is it for?

The pilot is designed for Tallinn University (TLU) Social Work and Business Administration students who are interested in social innovation and societal impact.

We are looking for students who are curious, motivated, and open to collaboration. The programme is suitable for students who want to understand how social challenges can be addressed using both social sector approaches (needs assessment, inclusion, ethics) and business approaches (value proposition, sustainability, partnerships).

Participants should be ready to engage actively online, contribute to discussions on Howspace, collaborate in small teams, and complete short assignments throughout the pilot period. No previous experience in social entrepreneurship is required — commitment and willingness to learn are the most important criteria.

Why join?

By joining the pilot, TLU students gain practical, career-relevant skills that complement their degree studies. Participants will learn how to turn social challenges into actionable solutions, develop social business models, and measure social impact — skills that are valuable in social innovation development processes.

The pilot offers a supportive learning environment with peer learning across disciplines, helping students build confidence in collaboration, communication, and problem-solving. The online format via Howspace provides flexibility while still enabling interactive teamwork and feedback.

As this is a pilot, participants also have the opportunity to shape future versions of the programme through their input and reflections. Students finish the course with a stronger understanding of social innovation and a clearer idea of how they can contribute to social impact in their future careers.

Programme structure:

Duration: 26 February – 17 April
Format: fully online via Howspace
learning units with:
- learning materials
- facilitated discussions
- individual tasks and assignments
Progressive development of a social impact idea/project

Pedagogical approach:

Case-based learning
applied exercises
feedback and guided reflection
development of solutions and models

Programme modules:

Foundations of Social Innovation and Social Economy
Social Entrepreneurship
Social Business Models
Social Impact Measurement

Where and when:

The pilot is delivered online via Howspace for Tallinn University (TLU) students in Tallinn, Estonia. The programme runs from 26 February until 17 April and is conducted in English.

Participants engage with learning activities, discussions, and assignments on Howspace. All learning materials and communication take place online.

Frequently asked questions

A pilot generally refers to a small-scale, preliminary test or trial run of a project, product, or process before a full rollout. Its purpose is to validate assumptions, identify potential issues, and gather feedback in a controlled environment. In this case we are testing the co-designed content with Design Thinking Methodology in a participatory design phase.

The ESIC Accelerator offers valuable networking and mentorship opportunities. Participants receive a certificate that validates the potential of the social innovation. The program concludes with a final event day, providing you and your project with visibility at a European level.

No, there are no cash grants associated with the ESIC Accelerator Progamme.

Howspace is an AI-powered digital collaboration and social‑learning platform designed to facilitate meaningful engagement and collective sense‑making at scale. ESIC is using howspace as the learning platform for all its pilots.

No, individual written feedback will not be available for programme applicants.

Don’t worry – you don’t need to produce a high quality or expensive video. You can use a smartphone or tablet. We just want to hear you telling the story of your project in 2 – 3 mins max. Please tell us:

● who you are
● why you are applying for the award
● the problem/issue your project is trying to solve
● how you will do that
● how your solution is innovative or creative.

Course info

Language:

English

Location:

Estonia

Online

For:

Student

Duration:

from 26th of February until 17th of April

Partner

Tallinn University (TLU)

Website

Tallinn University (TLU) is a modern and dynamic research university in Estonia with a leading role in promoting an intelligent lifestyle through education, research, and a unique collaboration across disciplines. The Social Entrepreneurship MA study program (SEMA) is a progressive educational initiative of Tallinn University to promote entrepreneurship and the innovation of the social and health sector, environmental protection, urban development, rural development, and community development. It is the only international curriculum for Social Entrepreneurship in the Baltic region. The program follows the project-based learning method. Experienced staff members guide students through their learning process in a very practice-oriented way using the academic and creative infrastructure of the university for both academic learning and project development.