Programme day 2 (Thursday, 4 June)
Open to all innovators and stakeholders, our flagship event brings together visionary sessions, bold and game-changing ideas, unparalleled networking opportunities, and the excitement of the European Prize for Women Innovators awards ceremony. Join us to be inspired, make connections, and celebrate the pioneers shaping the future of innovation.
Fireside chat with Key EIC announcements
Speakers:
- Ekaterina Zaharieva, European Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation
Moderation:
- Matt Smith, Master of Ceremony
Speakers:
- European Startup and Scaleup Hubs consortium
- Francesca Natali, Innovation Advisor, Meta Group
- Serena Borbotti-Frison, Director-General, The Global Startup Association
Moderation:
- Eliza Kruczkowska, Managing director of the Polish Foundation for Entrepreneurship Support & EIC Board member
Award ceremony with onstage discussion
Speakers:
- Ekaterina Zaharieva, European Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation
- WIP 2026 Finalists
Speakers:
- Maria Leptin, President of the ERC Scientific Council
Rafael Laguna, Founding director of the German Federal Agency for Disruptive Innovation (SPRIND)
Speakers:
- Christian Ehler, Member of the European Parliament
- Anita Krohn, CEO DSD AS Group and EIC Board Member
Speakers:
- Aura Salla, Member of the European Parliament
- Clark Parsons, CEO of the European Startup Network
- Lisa Smith, Co-Founder & Co-CEO, Prewave
Speaker:
- Michiel Scheffer, EIC Board President