In a globalised world, companies seek to get international exposure and attract foreign investment in order to expand their business prospects, but to grow globally also means facing challenging obstacles, including strong competition. To help European SMEs, startups and scaleups to achieve their global ambitions, the European Innovation Council Business Acceleration Services (EIC BAS) created the EIC International Trade Fairs Programme 3.0, following the previous and successful experience of the EIC Overseas Trade Fairs Programme 2.0.
By providing the EIC-backed companies with access to renowned trade fairs across the EU, the Middle East and the United States of America (USA), the EIC International Trade Fairs Programme 3.0 is supporting its awardees with their commercialisation strategy in both European and foreign markets.
Running throug 2024 and 2025, the programme offers the opportunity to attend and showcase at 12 international trade fairs across 4 sectors: BioTech and Pharma, Health and Medical Care, Clean Tech Environment and Energy, and New technologies and Industrial technologies.
The programme allows companies to promote their most innovative products and services in strategic markets, identify business opportunities, and make contacts with new partners and potential investors. It is open to startups, scaleups and SMEs from EU Member States and Associated Countries which have received EIC support, upon open call selection.
What does the programme offer?
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End-to-end support to EIC awardees in the process of internationalisation with expert coaching services
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Pre-departure market briefings to maximise their trade fair participation
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Tailored coaching services adapted to EIC awardees’ needs, including cultural and intellectual property training
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Networking support (including B2B matchmaking)
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Additional customised services during the trade fairs
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Robust follow-up mechanisms to build business partnerships following the trade fair
Want to discover how the EIC ITF Programme 3.0 is implemented?
Follow this week’s BIO International Convention (3 – 6 June 2024) in San Diego through the hashtag #EUatBIO2024 and discover the 15 EIC backed companies showcasing their innovations at the European Pavilion.
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.
Need help?
For additional information, please refer to our helpdesk by choosing “EIC International Trade Fairs Programme” 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.