Amante, SusanaSilva, Ana IsabelPereira, Filipa2024-06-122024-06-122024-06Amante, S., Pereira, F., & Silva, A.I.2616-2733 (Online)1553-5495 (Print)http://hdl.handle.net/10400.19/8419Between 2021 and 2023, the Polytechnic Institute of Viseu (IPV), in Portugal, conducted two interdependent projects aimed at training teachers and fostering collaboration between industry and academia. These projects involved teams of students tackling challenges posed by local companies and non-profit organisations. One such challenge, ‘The Mission of Libraries’, explored the future role of libraries in society, partnering with the António Lobo Antunes library. Another challenge, ‘Born to Save’ collaborated with ARTIDERCA-Agência Criativa to enhance people’s lives, particularly through children and their engagement with first aid practices. This paper presents the methodologies, tools, platforms, and tasks employed in addressing these challenges. Through a case study methodology based on the trainees’ reflections on their facilitation process, the study subscribes to the core values identified by the training entity Demola Global. These values, namely communication, action, curiosity, diversity, imperfection, and responsibility contribute to co-creation and help build bridges between academia and the labour market. Such dynamics underpin active learning methodologies, impacting students, teachers, and communities. This research highlights the importance of pedagogical innovation training in preparing teachers to integrate challenge-based learning into their teaching practices and align with the expanded mission of Higher Education Institutions. The implications for policymakers lie in the need to support projects like the Demola Portugal Initiative, fostering collaboration between academia, industry and society to address innovative, real-world challenges.engCo-creationHigher EducationInnovationLearningDigital Toolsjournal article