The INNOVATE-EU consortium recently came together in Vilnius, Lithuania, for two days of collaboration, reflection and planning. The meeting included the project’s final in-person Steering Committee meeting, providing an opportunity to reflect on the journey so far, lessons learned and the next steps.
On 16 September, INNOVATE-EU, together with sister projects EPIC-X and WE-RISE, co-organised the event “Behind Every Start-up Success Story-
How Ecosystems Shape Growth, Scale and Impact.”
INNOVATE-EU hosted a panel on EU policymaking and start-up support, highlighting the importance of using public capital strategically to attract private investment, simplifying innovation-oriented public procurement and enabling institutional investors to access diversified venture capital funds.
Another key moment was the Policy Recommendations World Café, where the INNOVATE-EU team moderated a discussion on moving from fragmented support towards connected ecosystems. Key priorities included stronger links between research and entrepreneurship, shared roadmaps for start-ups at national and European level, and more tailored support for founders.
A big thank you to all partners and participants, including IMAGO-MOL Cluster, for sharing their expertise and contributing to the discussions!
Next stop: Iași, on 21 October, for the MedTech Funding Lab, featuring two masterclasses on Fundraising Toolkit and Pitching Like a PRO!