Analysis

Design Terminal launches programme to connect CEE’s innovation ecosystems

Central Europe’s leading innovation agency Design Terminal is launching a two-year programme to connect the innovation ecosystems of Western, Central and Eastern Europe as well as the Baltic region, together with Dutch website The Next Web.

The programme will help the deep-tech entrepreneurs of the Visegrád region (Czech Republic. Hungary, Poland, Slovakia) whose innovations are based on scientific research to make valuable business connections in Western European markets.

In addition to enterprise development training, the programme has the explicit goal of fostering business cooperation between start-ups, SMEs and large companies. In addition to strengthening the region’s international competitiveness, the programme can significantly strengthen the role of the Hungarian capital Budapest as the region’s innovation centre.

Called X-Europe, the programme will start in January and lasts for 26 months, with events in Budapest, Amsterdam and Riga. The organisers expect to mobilise around 1,500 start-ups, of which 150 are eligible to participate actively in the programme. In addition to training, mentoring sessions and networking, entrepreneurs will be helped to increase their media presence, make connections with investors, and three teams can join the Design Terminal Mentoring Programme each semester.

Photo: Design Terminal