The objective of the article was to analyze the impact of the pandemic on higher education, as well as identify the main challenges and opportunities posed by innovation to transform educational processes and practices. It was based on the review of some documents and reports prepared by international and academic institutions on the subject, and was complemented with some experiences and good practices of educational innovation in the university context. The COVID-19 pandemic represented a challenge and an opportunity for higher education, which had to adapt to an emergency situation, but has also been able to take advantage of the potential of innovation to transform educational processes and practices. Innovation involves not only the use of technologies, but also the development of new methodologies, strategies, competencies, content and evaluations that improve the learning and comprehensive development of students. Finally, it is concluded that the development of a culture of innovation that involves the entire university community in the process of change and continuous improvement, as well as the development of inter -institutional and international cooperation that favors the exchange of experiences, resources and good practices between the universities. The post -pandemic represents an opportunity to rethink and transform higher education, harnessing the potential of innovation to respond to student needs and expectations, as well as global challenges.