Darina Botsova is a Programme Coordination Manager at the European Innovation Council (EIC), where she is part of the team playing a key role in supporting breakthrough technologies and fostering deep-tech innovation. With extensive experience in EU research and innovation policy, she contributes to the strategic development and implementation of the EIC Pathfinder programme that drives early-stage, high-risk research with market-shaping potential.
With over 15 years of experience in the European Commission and its agencies, Darina has worked at the intersection of innovation, industrial policy, and SME support. She has been actively involved in supporting SMEs and start-ups in accessing funding, scaling up, and integrating innovative solutions, contributing to Europe’s economic growth and technological leadership. She has also worked extensively on EU energy and climate initiatives, gaining expertise in clean technologies and industrial transformation.
Darina holds academic qualifications in environmental management, business administration, and international economic relations, equipping her with a multidisciplinary perspective on innovation policy and strategic programme management. Her deep understanding of both policy and implementation enables her to bridge the gap between cutting-edge research and market impact, ensuring that disruptive technologies contribute to Europe’s global competitiveness.