The European Chemical Regions Network (ECRN) was originally started as an INTERREG IIIc project in 2004 with 13 member regions from 7 different European countries. The idea was to bring chemical regions from all over Europe together in order to better tackle the special challenges for these regions by exchanging information, exploring solutions for common problems and by speaking with a single voice.Today the network has grown from a temporary project to a recognized European chemical stakeholder and a network full of chemical expertise. ECRN is a registered association under German law and the network currently covers 16 member regions, whose cooperation is supported by a Brussels-based secretariat.

About the Finnova Foundation FINNOVA is a European not-for-profit foundation whose main purpose is to seek international funding related to new technology transfer, modernisation, training and innovation. It also seeks to promote international and interregional cooperation through networks and events, its main fields of work being innovation and the financing of innovative projects with resources; FINNOVA's objectives are to promote public-private cooperation through innovation to address social challenges such as employment, training, entrepreneurship, the UN SDGs, the circular economy, etc. In its commitment to innovation, Finnova has been organising the StartupEuropeAwards since 2016, an initiative of the European Commission's DG Connect. Finnova, headquartered in Belgium and Spain, has its own delegations in Chile and Panama. In Spain, it is present in the Comunidad Valenciana, País Vasco, Andalucía, Madrid , and Islas Canarias. Head office: Avenue des Arts, 56, 1000 Brussles (Belgium). Comunidad Valenciana:  Plaza del Ayuntamiento, Nº 5, planta 5, puerta 15. E-46002 Valencia (Spain). Sevilla: Torneo Parque Empresarial. Calle Biología, 12. Edificio Vilamar II. 2ª planta, módulo 11-D. E-41015. Sevilla (Spain).   About Startup Europe Awards Startup Europe Awards is a methodology of DG CONNECT of the European Commission, implemented by Finnova Foundation since 2016. The SEUAs are an open innovation tool to identify disruptive startups that promotes public-private collaboration and raises awareness of the importance of self-entrepreneurship as a driver of employment. In addition to generating alliances that help to meet the SDGs of the United Nations and the actions of the European Green Pact, thus contributing to the circular economy, the fight against climate change and sustainable tourism. About StartupEuropeAccelerathon Startup Europe Accelerathon () aims to identify innovative ideas eligible for funding from the European Union, such as LIFE, Green Deal, Horizon 2020 or NextGenerationEU. StartupEuropeAccelerathon follows the indications of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, contributing from each challenge to the proposed SDGs; in the framework of the StartupEuropeAwards methodology of DG CONNECT of the European Commission, which was born from DG Research and Development in 2020 with the pan-European campaign Hackthevirus. It has been successfully carried out with governments such as that of the Valencian Community with the challenge of industrial polluting waters or the Andalusian Regional Government with the challenge of the fight against climate change, forest management and innovation in the prevention, fight against fires and regeneration of burnt areas.

Developed in the framework of the Dialogue on Mediterranean Transit Migration (MTM), MC2CM is anchored in a network of 20 Euro-Mediterranean cities. It is funded by the EU and co-financed by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation and is implemented by the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG) and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat). MC2CM contributes to improved migration governance at local level in cities in Europe and in the Southern Mediterranean, with a specific focus on integration and inclusion, and migrants’ access to rights and services, enhancing their positive contribution to both host and home societies.  Activities are clustered under three axes: Dialogue, facilitating cooperation between migration governance stakeholders at different levels; Knowledge, contributing to improved information and knowledge on urban migration; and Action, supporting the implementation of policy recommendations and development of pilot initiatives. At the same time, MC2CM promotes a balanced discourse on migration in a cross-cutting manner, notably encouraging intercultural dialogue.

Acavent is a worldwide organizer of scientific conferences, workshops, and exhibitions. Our international company headquarters is based in Vilnius, Lithuania and we already have 10 years of experience in the events industry. Acavent is specialized in creating an academic environment for those who seek new ideas, new achievements, highly skilled academic people, and colleagues all over the world. As a Professional Conference Organizer, Acavent creates, organizes and plans conferences and events in various fields of science. Acavent also offers a thorough list of services required in organizing and holding in-person and online conferences for organizations, companies, and academic institutions. At Acavent, we gather professors, scholars, students, scientists, profit and non-profit organizations, research centers, fast-growing startups, and policymakers, to share ideas, knowledge and skills, to network and foster collaborative interdisciplinary research.

Energy Cities is the European association of local authorities in energy transition.Energy Cities empowers cities and citizens to shape and transition to futureproof cities. We showcase concrete alternatives deployed by cities, we advocate to change politic and economic governance at all levels and we foster a wide cultural change leading to a futureproofed society. Energy Cities’ community is composed by local leaders of thousands of cities in 30 European countries.

Brussels National Contact Point (NCP Brussels) is a regional initiative whose aim is to help companies, universities, research centres, and other stakeholders of the Brussels Capital Region to access EU funding for Research and Innovation.hub.brussels has been nominated by the Brussels Capital Region to deliver the services of National Contact Point. Today, it hosts the NCP Brussels team.NCP Brussels is an active member of several thematic NCP networks gathering major EU National Contact Points on Horizon Europe. We can facilitate access of Brussels-based stakeholders to the services provided by these networks.NCP Brussels is trained and informed by the European Commission on upcoming topics and events, legal and financial matters. Under Horizon Europe, we cover all parts of the programme except the European Research Council (ERC) and Marie-Slodowska Curie Actions (MSCA) under the 1st pillar.We work in collaboration with Enterprise Europe Brussels and Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs. Do not hesitate to watch our video in the media section to discover our services and understand better our collaboration.  Enterprise Europe Network - Brussels -  aide les entreprises européennes à innover et à s’internationaliser.Le réseau est présent dans plus de 60 pays à travers le monde. Il regroupe 3000 experts de plus de 600 organisations membres.Vous voulez innover ? Vous voulez vous développer à l’international ?Les experts d’Enterprise Europe Network Brussels fournissent:– du conseil et des services pour se développer à l’international et faire face aux défis du marché unique– aide à trouver des partenaires– et donne du support pour l’innovationLes sociétés bruxelloises peuvent contacter les experts d’Enterprise Europe Network Brussels chez hub.brussels et à la Chambre de Commerce de Bruxelles. 

The Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) represents the interests of Europe's local and regional governments and their associations in more than 40 countries. It promotes citizenship and exchange between elected representatives.

EUROPEUM is a think-tank that undertakes programme, project,  publishing and training activities related to the European integration ;   EVENTS We organize regular seminars and debates focused on the current European topics, which are open to the academic community as well as the general public. Furthermore, we organize a number of conferences, workshops and roundtables on specific selected European issues. PROJECTS We participate in the organization of various long-term projects focused on increasing awareness about the European Union and strengthening of the international cooperation. Among our main projects are the Prague European Summit, an educational competition Europa Secura, a national identity conference CEE Identity and the European Summer School. ARTICLES Our team of research fellows publishes regular articles responding to some of the most pressing issues related to European integration and more. In the articles section you can thus find the most up-to-date blogs, analyses, reports and policy briefs by our experts.

Interreg Europe helps regional and local governments across Europe to develop and deliver better policy. By creating an environment and opportunities for sharing solutions, we aim to ensure that government investment, innovation and implementation efforts all lead to integrated and sustainable impact for people and place. We know that better performance leads to better results. By building on its forerunner, INTERREG IVC (2007-2013), Interreg Europe aims to get maximum return from the EUR 359 million financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) for 2014-2020.  To achieve this goal, Interreg Europe offers opportunities for regional and local public authorities across Europe to share ideas and experience on public policy in practice, therefore improving strategies for their citizens and communities.

The Alliance for Internet of Things Innovation (AIOTI) was initiated by the European Commission in 2015, with the aim to strengthen the dialogue and interaction among Internet of Things (IoT) players in Europe, and to contribute to the creation of a dynamic European IoT ecosystem to speed up the take up of IoT.Other objectives of the Alliance include: fostering experimentation, replication, and deployment of IoT and supporting convergence and interoperability of IoT standards; gathering evidence on market obstacles for IoT deployment; and mapping and bridging global, EU, and member states' IoT innovation activities.

For a startup to enter a new market, the best advice is always to reach out to the right people - but how?- Lighthouse proposes a different waySoft landing combined with acceleration for startup batches from specific sectors - who are ready to scale internationally (Round A+) - 4 ecosystems, specific verticalsLighthouse offers Deep Dive Weeks in Berlin, Lisbon, Dublin and the Baltics - each dedicated to a sector: fintech, e-gov, blockchain, healthcare, traveltech, analytics, etc- Opportunity focusedQualified matchmaking with corporates and investors actively looking for tech or partners. It’s faster than an accelerator and with no bullshit classrooms. Scaling Manager are assigned to help identify and schedule key meetings, follow up and overall provide startups with a tailored experience.- Run by company builders, accelerators and investorsOur business is startups and will ensure your company brings home a win.- The programme is free thanks to the European Commission - Startup Europe initiative: Successful participants will be considered for higher value activities: such as Europass (access to top conferences and invite-only opportunities), Scouting Missions to New York, Silicon Valley and Israel - as well as winning the Lighthouse Top 10 Awards in front of our most distinguished investors!For more details and open calls, check our webpage:

Our research addresses the greatest challenges facing us in the future: people need health, energy, well-functioning political and social systems and an intact environment. These are complex questions, and we are seeking the answers in the interaction between many different disciplines. In so doing, our research work embraces three major themes: regions fit for living in, diversity as a life-enhancing feature, a healthy society.​

EIT Climate-KIC is Europe’s leading climate innovation agency and community. We use a systems approach to shape innovation to support cities, regions, countries and industries meet their climate ambitions, acting in the ‘messy middle’ between commitments and reality. Together with our partners across the globe, we implement. We open pathways to shift mindsets and behaviours, and enable decision makers and investors to act. We orchestrate large-scale demonstrations that show what is possible when cycles of innovation and learning are deliberately designed to trigger exponential decarbonisation and build resilient communities.

Bax & Company is a sustainable innovation consultancy, working on international solutions to global challenges in fields like climate adaptation, mobility, smart cities and energy efficiency.

The Association of European Border Regions (AEBR) is a Europe-wide organisation representing border and cross-border (CB) regions with the aim to highlight their particular problems, opportunities, tasks and projects, and make them understandable and visible. It represents their overall interests towards national and international authorities and institutions. Initiates, supports and coordinates their co-operation throughout Europe, promotes the exchange of experiences and information to formulate and coordinate common interests from the various problems and opportunities of border regions, and offer solutions. It also promotes cross-border cooperation (CBC) structures, projects and programmes. It assists in the identification, preparation and implementation of CBC events and other activities. AEBR has its official headquarters in Gronau (Westphalia), in the facilities of Euregio (DE/NL). A projects' office is operational in Berlin, at the facilities of WeWork near  Hackescher Markt. An AEBR antenna is operational at .the Office of Extremadura in Brussels, and there are AEBR Info Centres in Belgrade (Serbia) and Kharkiv (Ukraine).

Interreg Sudoe Programme is part of the European territorial cooperation objective known as Interreg, which is financed by one of the European structural funds: the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). The current programming period covers from 2014 to 2020. Its two previous programme generations were Sudoe 2000-2006 and Sudoe 2007-2013. The Interreg Sudoe Programme supports regional development in Southwestern Europe, financing transnational projectsthrough the ERDF. The Programme promotes transnational cooperation to solve common problems in the covered territory, such as low investment in research and development, weak competitiveness of the small and medium-sized enterprises and exposure to climate change and environmental risks. 

The Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology (FECYT) promotes the relation between science and society and works to advance the growth of Spanish scientific culture by facilitating the transfer of knowledge through dissemination, education, training, information and advice. Through the collaboration with entities from the Spanish and European Science and Innovation System we contribute to the internationalization of the Spanish science, the generation and analysis of data, as well as the management of scientific information and open science.

EREK - your reference point on business competitiveness through resource efficiencyThe European Resource Efficiency Knowledge Centre (EREK for short) is here to help European companies, especially SMEs, save energy, material and water costs. We provide tools, information and business opportunities that show you new and better ways to be resource efficient and benefit from circular economy business models which turn waste into an asset.EREK also supports national, regional and local organisations across Europe that work with SMEs to improve their environmental performance, helping them to become more resource efficient.SMEs can get the following benefits thanks to EREK’s tools and services: Access to knowledge on best available technologies and business models Better control of energy, water and material costs Compliance checks for upcoming regulations Become less dependent on suppliers Demonstrate return on investment when adopting resource efficient measures Information on funding sources and technology providers Help building a green image which enables the targeting of new customer segmentsEREK offers the following to SME intermediaries: Tools and instruments for businesses to assess their saving potentials Access to top international knowledge, technical expertise and practices on resource efficiency Capacity-building workshops and networking events Online training opportunities to learn from resource efficiency experts Overview of relevant support programmes available on European, national and regional levels Updates on professional events within the communityConcrete activities include: European Resource Efficiency Self-Assessment Tool for SMEs -Catalogue of Resource Efficiency Improvement Measures European Resource Efficiency Information Database Online EREK platform Structured knowledge on resource efficiency best practices -News, trends, and information on support programmes Database and managed European network of the national and regional organisation providing support to SMEs in resource efficiency measures Capacity-building and training workshops Knowledge resources, expertise and sharingWho are we?EREK is an initiative of the European Commission and it is implemented by a consortium of organisations including Technopolis Group, VDI Zentrum Ressourceneffizienz (DE), WRAP (UK), Motiva (FI), Enviros (CZ), WAAT and Arctik (BE).

Századvég Group has been an important player in the Hungarian consulting market for many years, with its macroeconomic analyzes, forecasts of its economic activity and sectoral analyzes. You can rely on experts with extensive knowledge and experience in our macroeconomic, energy, digital and healthcare divisions, and in the planning and drawing up funds from the European Union. The employees, with external experts took part in several sectoral strategy and development policy making and planning in the field of digital economy, healthcare, SME development, energy, financial instruments and development policy coordination.

UIPI is a pan-European not-for-profit association comprising of 29 organisations from 28 countries. Jointly, they represent more than 5 million private property owners and some 20 to 25 million dwellings. Founded in 1923, the UIPI aims to protect and promote the interests, needs and concerns of private landlords and owner-occupiers at national, European and international levels.