A sum-up of the 2024 edition of the EIC Summit

The EIC Summit 2024, organised this year as part of the Research and Innovation Week, stood out thanks to the participation of over 1600 participants and more than 95 speakers involved in workshops and plenary sessions, and an EIC-funded project exhibition showcasing how EU research and innovation funding impacts society.  

Since its first edition, the EIC Summit has established itself as a key event on the European innovation and deep-tech calendar, with some noteworthy highlights. 

A new wave of 22 EIC Ambassadors were announced by Commissioner Ivanova. EIC Ambassadors are individuals that have contributed significantly to the development of the EIC. They join the 26 continuing EIC Ambassadors and will present and promote the EIC throughout their networks.  

EIC Programme Managers presented their views and expertise in several workshop sessions, and two Programme Managers, Samira Nik and Franc Mouwen, displayed their knowledge and visions in Tech Talks about Quantum and Construction Transitions. 

Furthermore, 14 EIC supported projects demonstrated their innovations in the Summit exhibition. This included the EIC action to support Ukrainian start-ups ‘Seeds of Bravery’, Women Tech EU, and was complemented by the presence of other EU bodies presenting their support services to participants. 

The R&I week was also a key moment for the EIC Prizes. On 18 March, the winners of the 2023-2024 edition of the European Prize for Women Innovators were announced by Commissioner Ivanova, for the first time in cooperation with the European Institute of Innovation and Technology, displaying inspiring achievements from women innovators.  

On 20 March, the winners of the European Innovation Procurement Awards (EUIPA) were announced during the Innovation Procurement Conference by the Belgian Presidency of the European Council, which was organised back-to-back with the EIC Summit and as part of the R&I week. 

Moreover, of course networking is a major element of a conference, and the EIC Summit provided ample opportunities with over 1200 registered bilateral networking meetings. 

Did you miss it? If you were unable to participate on-site, or if you wish to review a specific moment of the event, the official photos and recordings of the EIC Summit are now available to access. The photos and recordings for the whole R&I week are also up.