The new Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Solutions at An-Najah National University will strengthen green innovation, renewable energy skills, and sustainable entrepreneurship in Palestine
The Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Solutions at An-Najah National University has officially been launched under the CERES Project, co-funded by the European Union through the Interreg NEXT MED Program. The Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Solutions will strengthen green innovation, renewable energy skills, and sustainable entrepreneurship in Palestine.
The establishment of the Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Solutions marks an important milestone for both the University and the CERES Project. More importantly, it reflects ANNU’s long-term commitment to advancing sustainability, renewable energy, innovation, and entrepreneurship in Palestine.
The Centre has been established within the University’s Technology Transfer Office (TTO) to create an innovation ecosystem that connects academia, industry, entrepreneurs, public institutions, and local communities.
Its mission is to promote research, technology transfer, entrepreneurship, and professional training while supporting practical solutions to today’s environmental and energy challenges. In addition, the Centre encourages collaboration between researchers, businesses, and policymakers to accelerate the green transition.
Through this integrated approach, the Centre will strengthen cooperation between education and industry while helping develop a highly skilled workforce capable of responding to the evolving needs of the green economy.
The Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Solutions is one of the main outcomes of the CERES Project. It contributes directly to the project’s objective of establishing Centres of Excellence across the Mediterranean region to promote resilient entrepreneurship, innovation, and sustainable development.
Furthermore, the Centre strengthens collaboration between the CERES partners in Palestine, Greece, and Lebanon. It also promotes knowledge exchange and encourages the development of innovative solutions that address regional sustainability challenges.
By bringing together universities, businesses, researchers, and public authorities, the Centre supports stronger regional cooperation and creates opportunities for long-term impact beyond the lifetime of the project.
One of the Centre’s flagship initiatives is the development and delivery of industry-oriented micro-credential programmes. These short, flexible courses are designed to bridge the gap between higher education and labour market needs while supporting lifelong learning.
The first portfolio of micro-credentials developed by An-Najah National University includes:
These programmes target university students, recent graduates, engineers, technicians, entrepreneurs, energy professionals, and job seekers. As a result, participants will gain practical skills that improve employability and prepare them for careers in the growing green economy.
Beyond professional training, the Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Solutions will support applied research, innovation, technology transfer, and business development.
The Centre will organize specialized training programmes, networking events, innovation activities, and partnerships with the public and private sectors. Moreover, it will encourage entrepreneurs and innovators to transform research outcomes into sustainable products, services, and businesses.
This approach strengthens the role of universities as drivers of innovation while contributing to sustainable economic growth.
The Centre also supports the European Union’s priorities related to climate action, renewable energy, digital transformation, and sustainable development.
By strengthening local capacities and expanding access to high-quality training, the Centre helps prepare the next generation of professionals who will lead the transition toward cleaner, smarter, and more resilient energy systems.
Furthermore, the Centre contributes to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by promoting quality education, decent work, innovation, clean energy, and climate action.
Speaking about the launch, Dr. Imad Ibrik, TTO Director at An-Najah National University, emphasized the strategic importance of the initiative:
“The Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Solutions represents an investment in people, knowledge, and innovation. Through the CERES Project, we are creating an environment where education, research, entrepreneurship, and technology transfer work together to address sustainability challenges and prepare future generations for the green economy.”
Looking ahead, An-Najah National University remains committed to expanding the activities of the Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Solutions and strengthening cooperation with regional and international partners. The University also aims to ensure that the Centre continues to serve students, researchers, entrepreneurs, and industry long after the CERES Project has ended.
Through this initiative, ANNU is contributing to a greener, more innovative, and more resilient Mediterranean region while creating lasting opportunities for sustainable development in Palestine.
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