On the 10&11th of December we witnessed the first EUvsVirus Launchathon, organized by a team of volunteers, with the support of the European Innovation Council. Part of the target group were the active startups that emerged from the EUvsVirus Hackathon and Matchathon (April - June 2020), but also potential partners and investors that might help these startups thrive.
The Launchathon aimed to continue with the same dynamic and creative energy of the Hackathon and Matchathon, focusing on quick, direct and impactful meetings and collaborations between entrepreneurs and potential investors. What started as concepts and ideas became real solutions that offer tangible and relevant products that are now saving lives and saving jobs.
The event was a success, as it gathered a number of 1125 meetings, held between 45 startups and 77 partners!
“I was delighted to have the opportunity to coach some of the EU vs Virus hackathon teams. I was impressed to see the innovativeness and variety of the projects. They covered an extensive range of areas and use cases, introducing new solutions and ways of working to combat the various adverse effects of the virus. The dedication and energy of the teams in developing and presenting their projects was admirable. The hackathon has been a major achievement, and a great contribution to the European innovation ecosystem. I was especially happy to see the spirit of collaboration and sharing of both ideas and contacts between the teams to help each other. By working together like this Europe will conquer the virus!”
Kaija Pöysti, M.Sc. (Tech.), Serial Entrepreneur, EIC Business Coach
The participant startups have life saving innovative solutions from or designed for various domains: health, education, business continuity, social & political cohesion and digital finance.
To offer a complete experience for the EUvsVirus Community, the organizers planned and set up valuable (open for public) panels on various topics, welcoming professionals to inspire others:
- Women entrepreneurship and crisis leadership
- Green Economy: From global to local
- Public-private partnerships, impact and startups - event in collaboration with Impact Innovation Alliance
- EUvsVirus Success Stories
- Business Innovation
The EUvsVirus Community, led by a team of 6 volunteers, aims to offer a good-practice example on how to tackle challenges, continuing to offer support to young entrepreneurs and become imperative players of a brighter future.
PR contact details:
Smaranda Balut - EUvsVirus Community
+40741054341
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.