ChallengeEU Students Explore Sustainable Wine Tourism in Requena
Universidad Europea de Valencia connects students with the future of sustainable wine tourism in Requena through a new ChallengeEU M.A.R.K.E.T. Activity. Sixty students from the Bachelor’s Degree in Tourism and Leisure Management take part in an experiential learning day alongside institutional representatives and industry professionals to explore the challenges and opportunities of wine tourism in the Utiel-Requena region. Universidad Europea de Valencia, through its Bachelor’s Degree in Tourism and Leisure Management, organised a new ChallengeEU M.A.R.K.E.T. Activity at Finca Calderón in Requena, entitled “From Wine Production to Destination Experience: The Sustainable and Innovative Future of Wine Tourism in Utiel-Requena.” The initiative, designed by professors María Sánchez de Mora Vidal, Ivana Rihova and Hyeon Jin Lee, brought together 60 students for an experiential learning day focused on one of the key challenges facing the tourism sector today: promoting sustainable development models capable of generating economic, social and cultural value within local communities. Throughout the event, students had the opportunity to gain first-hand insight into the Utiel-Requena destination and to analyse how the sector is working to transform wine production into innovative and distinctive tourism experiences aligned with the evolving expectations of visitors. The event also fostered knowledge exchange between the university community and key stakeholders involved in the region’s tourism and wine sectors. Contributors included María José Martín Muñoz, Third Deputy Mayor and Councillor for Culture and Tourism of the Requena Town Council; Santiago Vaño, Culture and Tourism Manager of the municipality; Carmina Cárcel, Secretary of the Utiel-Requena Designation of Origin; Jorge Srougi, Chief Executive Officer of Coviñas; Rosa Vives, representative of the Utiel-Requena Wine Route; and Alba Ramos, Events Coordinator at Finca Calderón. Through their presentations and contributions, participants addressed key issues shaping the future of wine tourism, including sustainability, innovation, destination promotion, collaboration between public and private stakeholders, and the creation of experiences capable of strengthening the competitiveness and positioning of wine-producing regions. The event reflected the philosophy of ChallengeEU, which seeks to bring students closer to real societal challenges through collaboration among universities, public authorities, businesses and civil society. In this case, students had the opportunity to interact directly with key stakeholders from the tourism and wine sectors of Utiel-Requena, enriching their education through a practical experience closely linked to the realities of the region. Through initiatives such as this one, Universidad Europea de Valencia and ChallengeEU continue to strengthen their commitment to international and experiential education closely connected to industry, preparing students to contribute to the sectors shaping the future of Europe.
First student abroad on ChallengeEU exchange semester
Jenny Bjärne, Tourism & Destination development, is the first student from MIUN studying abroad a full semester within our EUI alliance ChallengeEU. She is spending the autumn semester at Universidad de Europeia in Valencia, Spain.
Universidad Europea de Valencia receives the Manuel Broseta Forum Club Medal on its 40th Anniversary
Universidad Europea de Valencia has been awarded the Manuel Broseta Forum Club Medal during the presentation ceremony of the commemorative book marking the organisation’s 40th anniversary, held at the La Nau Cultural Centre. The distinction recognises the contribution of Valencia’s universities to the publication of a work that chronicles four decades of history, dialogue, and service to Valencian society. The Rector of Universidad Europea de Valencia, Rosa Sanchidrián, received the Manuel Broseta Forum Club Medal from the organisation’s President, Amparo Matíes, on behalf of the entire university community. During her speech, the Rector expressed her gratitude for the distinction and highlighted the value of an initiative that helps preserve the collective memory and legacy of one of the most significant institutions within Valencian civil society. “It is a privilege for Universidad Europea de Valencia to collaborate in a work that preserves the memory and legacy of the Manuel Broseta Forum Club,” she stated. She also emphasised the importance of bringing the history and achievements of an institution that, for four decades, has fostered dialogue, reflection, and the exchange of ideas throughout the Valencian Community closer to younger generations. Sanchidrián also underscored the enduring relevance of Manuel Broseta’s legacy and the principles that guided his life and work. “His legacy continues to remind us of the importance of critical thinking, dialogue, and commitment to a freer, more pluralistic, and participatory society,” she said. The Rector further highlighted the strong connection between the trajectory of the Manuel Broseta Forum Club and the mission of Universidad Europea de Valencia, both united by a shared conviction: knowledge reaches its fullest value when it is placed at the service of others. In this regard, she noted that the University’s participation in this commemorative publication reflects a common commitment to education, reflection, the exchange of ideas, and the building of a society better prepared to face its challenges. The recognition was jointly awarded to the seven Valencian universities that collaborated in the publication of this commemorative work.
HSO Student Startup Wins ASAP Finals
Pace Engineer impresses the jury at the state-wide university startup competition with coaching software for sim racers. At the 16th ASAP Finals hosted by the NXTGN innovation platform, 22 teams from 19 universities in Baden-Württemberg presented their startup ideas. The overall winner comes from Hochschule Offenburg: Nico Kollmer and Paul Müller impressed the jury with Pace Engineer, a digital coaching solution for the growing sim-racing market. The two business administration students developed the idea during the 2025–26 winter semester in the required elective course “Entrepreneurship.” Their approach: Software analyzes the simulator’s telemetry data in real time while the driver is racing and provides immediate, personalized feedback. With this, the founders aim to fill a gap: Around 150,000 people in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland participate in sim racing, yet there is a shortage of qualified coaches. Following a successful pitch in February 2026, software development began in March. An initial prototype is expected to be ready by the end of the year. To this end, the team is currently seeking additional support in development and coding. Later, Pace Engineer will be offered via a subscription model for less than one euro per day. Winning the ASAP final comes with a prize of 1,000 euros, mentoring from the Venture Mentoring Team, and additional startup support. The team is supported by the startup advisory service at Hochschule Offenburg and marketing professor Achim Burkhardt. More information: https://www.hs-offenburg.de/hochschule/news/artikel/startup-von-studierenden-der-hochschule-gewinnt-asap-finale
Universidad Europea de Valencia Celebrates its 2026 Graduation Ceremonies, Highlighting Lifelong Learning, Innovation and Social Impact
The academic ceremonies brought together undergraduate and postgraduate graduates from Social Sciences, STEAM and Health Sciences, alongside distinguished guests including Ezequiel Sánchez, Mara Garcés, Fran Silvestre, Natividad Alcón and Mario Medina, in an edition defined by academic excellence, research and lifelong learning. Universidad Europea de Valencia held its 2026 graduation ceremonies on 10 and 11 July at the Valencia Conference Centre. Across five ceremonies, undergraduate, postgraduate and vocational training students from the fields of Social Sciences, STEAM, and Health Sciences celebrated the completion of an important academic stage and the beginning of their professional careers. Throughout the ceremonies, Rector Rosa Sanchidrián Pardo delivered a message focused on lifelong learning, adaptability, and the importance of people in a context shaped by technological transformation. “The greatest professional strength is not knowing everything, but maintaining curiosity, critical thinking, and the ability to keep learning,” she remarked. The first ceremony brought together graduates from Social Sciences, STEAM, and Higher Vocational Education Programmes, with Ezequiel Sánchez, Executive President of PLD Space, serving as Patron of the Class. During his speech, he encouraged graduates to face future challenges with courage and an innovative mindset, reminding them that “professional life does not reward those who memorise answers, but those who know how to ask better questions.” Representing the students, Bruno Bozzo, Almudena Molina, and Evelyn Roldán highlighted the personal and academic growth achieved throughout their studies. During the ceremony, Universidad Europea de Valencia also presented the Honorary Distinction for Collaboration in Academic Excellence to the Intelligence Regiment No. 1, in recognition of its support for student development and its close collaboration with the University. The second ceremony was dedicated to graduates in Dentistry, Psychology, and Biotechnology, with Dr Mara Garcés, Deputy Director General for Health Prevention and Promotion at the Regional Ministry of Health, serving as Patron of the Ceremony. Garcés emphasised the importance of combining knowledge and humanity within healthcare professions and encouraged graduates to aspire not only to professional excellence but also to personal integrity. Speaking on behalf of the graduating class, Nicolás Villamil, a Dentistry graduate, reminded his peers that the true challenge begins after receiving their degree and that all professions ultimately share the common goal of improving people’s lives. The celebrations continued with the graduation of postgraduate students from the Faculty of Social Sciences and the STEAM School, accompanied by renowned architect Fran Silvestre as Patron of the Class. In his address, he highlighted curiosity, responsibility, and purpose as essential foundations for building meaningful professional careers. Students Pau Reig and Beatriz Real emphasised the value of the campus’s international diversity and the balance between innovation and humanity. On Saturday, the graduation ceremony for Nursing and Physiotherapy students took place, with Professor Emerita Natividad Alcón serving as Patron of the Ceremony. Alcón praised the students’ social commitment and involvement in charitable initiatives. Representing their classmates, Marcos Liébana and Salomé Barraud reflected on how their university experience had transformed them both personally and professionally. The graduation celebrations concluded with the ceremony for postgraduate programmes in Health Sciences, featuring Dr Mario Medina, Managing Director of the Vega Baja University Hospital, as Patron of the Class. Medina stressed that the future of healthcare depends on successfully integrating innovation, knowledge, and humanity, while reminding graduates that no technology can replace professional judgement, ethics, and vocation. As a common theme throughout all ceremonies, Rosa Sanchidrián encouraged the new graduates to embrace lifelong learning and face future changes with confidence and discernment. She concluded by reminding them that Universidad Europea de Valencia will continue to accompany them throughout their personal and professional journeys as a lasting network of support, connection, and growth.
