Last week, from December 9 - 13, 2024, 14 EIC-backed cleantech companies from 9 European countries headed to San Francisco and Silicon Valley for an immersion week, as part of the EIC Soft-landing programme. The week was filled with activities designed to provide these companies with opportunities to meet potential partners and investors. The agenda counted with mentorship sessions, pitching opportunities and networking events.
This immersion week in Silicon Valley featured a variety of US partners who contributed to the success of the programme. Notable participants included Jillian Manus, Managing Partner at Structure Capital and EIC US Venture Advisor, the EU office in San Francisco, and prestigious organisations such as Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability, Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center in San Francisco, INSEAD San Francisco Hub, Bay Area Council, INNOVIT and Orrick International Law Firm.
The programme offered the selected cleantech companies tailored experiences to immerse them in the US market, aiming to accelerate their expansion beyond the EU and increase business opportunities in the US. After three months of training and mentorship, these companies took part in a series of events to boost their entrepreneurship through expert presentations, VC and investor introductions, business meetings, and networking opportunities.
European Innovation Spotlight
One of the networking occasions was the European Innovation Spotlight. This business networking event celebrated "Innovation Made in Europe" by highlighting the partnership between Silicon Valley's innovation engine and the European Innovation Council (EIC).
The exclusive reception gathered more than 80 attendees and featured pitch presentations by founders, a networking reception, and a fireside chat on “Investing in Innovation” with high-level speakers such as Consul General Strozzi, Consul at Consulate General of Italy in San Francisco, and Agnieszka Stasiakowska, Head of EIC Business Acceleration Services at EISMEA and Gerard De Graaf, Head of EU Office in San Francisco.
Our 14 EIC founders took centre stage during demo presentations, where they had the opportunity to demonstrate their technologies in action before the networking reception.
Agenda highlights
Throughout this immersive week, the 14 EIC innovators had opportunities to network, learn from industry experts, and present their innovative solutions to potential investors and partners.
The week began with speeches and pitch presentations at INSEAD, with speakers from Microsoft, VC investors, and cleantech startups. Participants explored topics, such as scaling profitable cleantech companies and setting the stage for initiatives in the US market. The afternoon sessions were dedicated to pitch presentations and networking opportunities, providing a platform for participants to showcase their innovations and connect with potential partners.
A discovery tour of the Silicon Valley unicorn, Bloom Energy on Tuesday offered the innovators a firsthand look at the heart of technological innovation. This was followed by panels from Orrick’s VC and legal team, providing guidance on navigating the venture capital landscape and legal considerations for startups.
On Wednesday, a lunch with investors and corporate representatives allowed participants to work on their connections before the European Innovation Spotlight demo day and networking event.
A visit to Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability on Thursday had participants engaging with leaders from key innovation hubs within the Stanford ecosystem such as StartX and the Stanford Robotics Center.
The final day took place at Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center, where expert panels comprising investors, founders, and advisors shared their experiences and key insights on landing and expanding in the US market.
Ryan Guterman, CEO and Founder of FaradaIC Sensors, on this Silicon Valley immersion week on cleantech:
“One of the most valuable elements of this week, apart from the exposure to key players in the US investment and innovation ecosystem for cleantech, was the exchanges I had with the other founders: the chance to share our experiences, best practices, challenges and opportunities. In one week, we were able to build a European community of cleantech innovators.”
Nassima Ferahtia, EIC International Trade Fairs and Soft-landing Programmes Coordinator, reflected on this mission in San Francisco:
“We brought together the innovation engines of Europe and the United States to accelerate the growth of our EIC-backed companies. This will ultimately improve the traction of both of our ecosystems in navigating challenging conditions and leveraging new opportunities. As says the African proverb: we are stronger together.”
About the EIC Soft-landing Programme
The EIC Soft-landing programme provides exclusive business services to EIC-funded companies, such as matchmaking, pitching, mentorship support, tailored workshops that refine their USA market approach, and expert guidance that will pave their path to growth. Selected EIC-funded SMEs, startups and scaleups from EU Member States and Associated Countries have access to the Programme.
Should you have any question, please contact us through the EIC Community Helpdesk (please select the category “EIC Soft-landing December 2024” as the subject).
DISCLAIMER: This information is provided in the interest of knowledge sharing and should not be interpreted as the official view of the European Commission, or any other organisation.