Vinnova to join EIC investor partnership programme

Vinnova is Sweden's innovation agency, with a mission to strengthen Sweden's innovative capacity and contribute to sustainable growth. Vinnova will take part in the EIC Investor Partnership Programme on 31 May 2023 and 1 June 2023. Through this programme, Vinnova and the European Innovation Council (EIC), the European Commission's main agency in support of innovation, join forces to step up innovation in a wide range of sectors and fields.

The collaboration enables Vinnova to improve agility and efficiency in access to innovation, accelerate the development of cutting-edge projects and facilitate the identification of international talent.

Twenty-five innovative EIC-funded start-ups have been chosen to pitch in front of a selected group and engage in one-on-one business meetings. The event in Stockholm is hosted by Vinnova in collaboration with SISP - Swedish Incubators & Science Parks, a member association for Sweden's incubators and science parks with regional innovation hubs across Sweden. Start-ups from the following countries are invited to pitch: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, and Sweden. The pitching sessions are: Renewable energy, energy storage and green hydrogen; Agritech and food; Green mobility and sustainable cities; Sustainable materials and industrial biotech.

Darja Isaksson, director general of Vinnova, said: "The importance of research-intensive companies for the green and digital transformation cannot be underestimated. Change is needed and we see that these startups can make a difference and contribute to real solutions for societal challenges. International cooperation and a growing knowledge exchange are key in order to achieve wider impact. We are very happy to host this event and we hope to create synergies with several other deep tech related events happening in Stockholm in connection to the EIC Investor day: Sweden Sustain Tech Venture Day, EIT pledge for deep tech talents and, last but not least, the conference on Deep tech entrepreneurship for an innovative, resilient, and competitive internal market, organised by the Swedish Presidency of the Council of the European Union."

Jean David Malo, director of the EIC and the SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA), said: "This first collaboration between Vinnova and the EIC is proof that Europe has the talent, inspiration and capacity to grow innovative companies. These innovative companies have the potential to make a positive change in millions of people’s lives every day. We truly believe this Investor Day-event with Vinnova is a new great opportunity for all and an important landmark in our collaboration with the Swedish innovation ecosystem."

This article was first published on 29 May by Vinnova.