Innovation for the outdoors,
rooted in Brussels
The European Outdoor Innovation Lab (EOIL) project is aiming to create a non-profit organisation dedicated to testing and scaling innovative approaches to reconnecting people with nature — across all ages, all backgrounds, and all of Europe.
Our Mission
To test, develop, and scale innovative approaches to nature therapy, adventure learning, and outdoor education -- making meaningful outdoor experiences accessible to everyone in Europe, building the evidence base for nature's transformative power, and using what we earn and learn to influence policy at a European level.
Our Vision
A Europe where every person — regardless of age, background, or ability — has regular, meaningful connection with the natural world. Where outdoor innovation thrives, and nature is recognised as essential infrastructure for human and planetary health.
The nature deficit is real
We live in an age of unprecedented digital connection — yet our relationship with the natural world has never been more fragile. The amount of time that an average European child is spending outdoors is reducing. Adults report increasing disconnection from nature. Mental health challenges are at record levels.
Research consistently shows that time in nature reduces stress, improves cognitive function, builds physical resilience, and fosters environmental awareness. Yet the outdoor sector remains fragmented, under-researched, and difficult to access for many.
EOIL exists to bridge this gap. By operating as a tour operator, an innovation fund, and a policy advocacy body, we're building a new ecosystem for outdoor innovation in Europe -- and will be making the case at the highest levels that nature connection is essential for human and planetary health. — delivering curated outdoor experiences through a network of partner centres — and a startup incubator — nurturing new business ideas for getting people outdoors — we're building a new ecosystem for outdoor innovation in Europe.
Positioned at the heart of Europe, Brussels gives us direct access to EU institutions and policymakers -- enabling us to turn our research and field experience into tangible policy change across our eight partner countries, international networks, and a central hub for coordinating activities across the continent.
Turning evidence into European policy
Being based in Brussels is no coincidence. It places us at the heart of European decision-making -- within reach of the institutions that shape education, health, environment, and social policy across the continent.
A share of the revenue we generate through our tour operations will be dedicated to policy engagement: commissioning and sharing research, building coalitions with NGOs and academic institutions, and advocating for legislation that embeds nature connection into public health, education, and urban planning policy at an EU level.
Evidence-Led Advocacy
We commission and share research that makes the case for nature connection -- giving policymakers the data they need to act.
Coalition Building
We build alliances with NGOs, academic institutions, and outdoor organisations to amplify our voice in Brussels and beyond.
Legislative Engagement
We engage directly with EU institutions to push for nature connection to be embedded in education, health, and environmental policy.
Self-Funding Model
Our tour operations generate the revenue that funds this advocacy -- meaning our policy work is independent and mission-driven.
What guides everything we do
People & Planet First
Everything we do serves the dual purpose of improving human wellbeing and fostering environmental stewardship.
Evidence-Based Innovation
We test, measure, and refine. Our approaches are grounded in research and validated through rigorous academic partnerships.
Collaborative by Design
We believe in the power of networks. Our model connects outdoor centres, schools, researchers, and entrepreneurs across borders.
Policy & Advocacy
We use the evidence we generate and the revenue we earn to influence outdoor and nature policy at a European level — pushing for systemic change.
We're just getting started
EOIL is currently in its startup phase, actively building the network that will power outdoor innovation across Europe. We're recruiting outdoor centres, schools, and academic institutions to join us as founding partners.
This is a rare opportunity to shape a pan-European initiative from the ground up — to define how outdoor innovation is researched, tested, and delivered for generations to come.
