From 3 to 6 June, 15 pioneering SMEs, startups, and scaleups supported by the EIC showcased their breakthrough biotechnology solutions at the BIO International Convention 2024 in San Diego, USA. As North America's premier biotech exhibition, BIO gathered key international industry stakeholders, providing the companies backed by the European Innovation Council (EIC) with essential insights and connections to open up multiple business possibilities.
European Pavilion Inauguration
This marks the third time of European Pavilion's presence at the BIO International Convention. Through thought-stimulating sessions, an interactive exhibit hall, plentiful networking opportunities, and personalised One-on-One business meetings, EIC awardees had direct engagement with world-wide leaders and innovators.
The European Pavilion was inaugurated by Robert Schröder (Head of Communication at the EIC), Laurent Muschel (Director-General at DG HERA, European Commission), Carmen Laplaza Santos (Head of Unit, Health Innovations and Ecosystems, DG RTD, European Commission), and Hilary Stiss (Senior Manager for International Affairs at the Biotechnology Innovation Organization), in the presence of EIC companies
While taking the spotlight at this year's tradeshow, the European Pavilion presented cutting-edge developments in digital health products and sustainable biotech solutions and offered an immersive experience focused on showcasing the quality of European innovations.
“It is very inspiring to see how the EIC International Trade Fairs Programme can work, to have these companies here, to see how our programme can contribute to you doing business. These companies are a great example of European innovation, and a little thing we can do to contribute to their success is something we can all be immensely grateful for”, declared Robert Schröder.
European Night Reception
On the second night, the European Innovation Council teamed up with Belgium, Estonia, Italy, Poland, and Switzerland to host the European Night Reception An exclusive reception with more than 300 participants for the EIC-backed companies, to connect with visionary entrepreneurs from the industry of health and biotechnology, US-based companies related to the sector and high-level representatives from European national delegations.
In this invite-only networking event, welcome speeches were addressed to the participants by Robert Schröder, Laurent Muschel, and Marek Magierowski (Ambassador of Poland to the United States). With a panel discussion moderated by Claire Skentelbery (Director-General of EuropaBIO) the event also counted with high-level speakers from Italy, Estonia, and Belgium, as well as with Carmen Laplaza Santos.
Agenda highlights
The reverse pitches were part of the trade fair highlights. A set of sessions in which selected large corporates and investors, including Bayer, GSK, Sanofi, Abbott or Zynext Ventures pitched their companies’ challenges to EIC awardees, addressing future technology trends and current priorities for investment.
The European Pavilion also hosted a session with Wilson Sonsini, where EIC-backed companies were introduced to the best practices for EU-based life sciences companies looking to enter the US. An opportunity for the EIC awardees to understand not only the fund raising process in the US, but also how to create partnerships and manage business operations abroad.
“It is the third time for us in BIO and the preparation this time has been outstanding, a lot better than in previous years. We had excellent help with arranging meetings and with preparing materials. We have been receiving reminders from the team to get everything done in time, which is very much needed when you are a small company and have a very packed agenda.” (Agnes Michanek, EIC beneficiary - Acousort)
Get a glance of this great week, where the group of 15 EIC awardees had the chance to reach new markets through our programme, on the post event video.
About the EIC International Trade Fairs Programme 3.0
The EIC International Trade Fairs Programme 3.0 supports the internationalisation of European SMEs, scaleups and startups, building on the success of its predecessor, the EIC Overseas Trade Fairs Programme (OTF) 2.0. If you’re interested in knowing more about the programme and our open calls, please visit our page in the EIC Community.
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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.