On 19-20 February 2020, companies supported under the European Innovation Council (EIC)  had the opportunity to accelerate their business collaborating with AB InBev, the world’s leading brewer and one of Europe’s biggest food and drinks companies. AB InBev opened its doors to 32 SMEs to pitch and present their business cases at the group’s Global Innovation and Technology Center (GITEC) in its home city of Leuven, Belgium.

EIC Corporate Days are tailor-made and highly effective acceleration services to facilitate collaboration between large corporates and EIC-funded SMEs. Nearly 100 senior leaders within AB InBev welcomed startups and scaleups that provide innovative technologies in circular economy, smart energy, urban mobility and digital solutions. The European innovators expanded their network and took the chance to leverage their business in 87 one-to-one meetings with AB InBev’s GITEC and Europe leadership team.

Jean-David Malo, Director of the EIC, opened the first Corporate Day of 2020:

 “Today we’re turning ideas into reality. Financial means are not enough in today’s market, we also offer other means for our startups to scale up. In this aspect contact with large businesses is crucial. It is a win-win situation: the startups can create cooperation and connections, while the business can identify new emerging technologies.”

At the event Cybelle Buyck, Vice President of Legal and Corporate Affairs for AB InBev in Europe, commented:

“We are thrilled that with the EIC we can bring these startups together, which in turn brings bright ideas and further collaboration. This isn’t just beneficial for us, but for many companies in Europe and the wider enterprise ecosystem. This way we can all continue to innovate, improve and be even more competitive in the future.”

Yousef Yousef, board member of the EIC:

“The main advantage of the EIC is the fact that we are providing ‘smart money’ for our start-ups. Coaching, corporate days and a large network to learn from. It is really an incredible programme.”

Bart Grieten, Vice President of Supply for AB InBev in Europe, highlighted the benefits of collaborating with external innovation providers like EIC funded SMEs:

“We are building a company to last for the next 100+ years and we know that sustainable, long-term growth needs collaboration. This is why we are proud to partner with European institutions like the EIC, which supports top-class innovators in scaling up ideas that will shape the industry of the future. Today has been an energizing day of learning, knowledge sharing and forging new connections and we’re excited about the way forward.” 

Nicolas Verschelden, Managing Partner Dream Tech Alliance:

“We are very humbled that our partners from the Dream Tech Alliance and other major players from the FMCG industry joined us today for the EIC Corporate Day. Together we envision to bring innovation to the next level and create a stronger and more competitive innovation landscape in Europe.”

Learn more about the companies: Alkion BioInnvations, Arborea Ltd, Barbara IoT, BLOCKTAC, bNovate Technologies, Braincreators, Cellix Limited, Clover Bioanalytical Soft, Computomics, Enging, FriendlyKnife, GR3N SAGL, Gregorio Martinez Fortun, Grumpy Cat Software, Holland Container Innovations, Hydromea, Inbiolev Sl, Ingenza Limted, IRIS, K/M Rustfri, Koolmill Systems, LenioBio, LLC Biosens Ukraine, Oculavis, OneWatt Solutions, Plastic repair System, Rubedo Sistemos, Seluxit APS, TWEVO, Wimao Ltd, Yodiwo, Zapiens Technologies.

Are you looking for opportunities to connect with some of the largest corporates in Europe? Keep a close eye on our events calendar and apply today for a chance to take your business to the next level.