The Challenger project aims to foster innovation through VET applied research (AR) to build stronger innovation capacity and impact at the EU and regional level to address global challenges and opportunities and contribute to creating value for people, the economy and the environment through new or improved solutions.Project objectives: Design and establish an innovative, sustainable and efficient structure to promote innovation through the use of AR in VET. Strengthen and improve the integration of innovative VET teaching methods to foster an innovative and entrepreneurial mindset. Map, design and set up Innovation&Entrepreneurship Resources, guided by tutors and mentors with role models.Key actions and results: Identify best practice cases of AR in VET, existing systemic barriers and solutions for integration of the new structure of AR into VET system and VET curriculla at EQF 4,5 and 6. Based on the findings we will develop: the framework and all required systemic and operational background elements of the structure, called Next-Generation community makerspace; the innovation journey for the users; the framework for the teacher/mentor role model to foster innovation culture and their professional development. We will design self-guided courses for learners and role models included in the new structure and the resources that will support them. We will pilot the parts of the new structure and the role model professional development, in the frame of establishing six open community spaces as research gates in partners regions. The makerspaces will shape and prepare the targets to be able to design, develop and deploy innovative solutions for our regional communities to achieve meaningful impact and benefit for all.The main target groups and stakeholders are learners, VET teachers and tutors, industry experts, entrepreneurs, researchers, policymakers, regional authorities, other interested creative people. The focus among targets will be put on gender balance.