SPREAD2INNO aims to support startups in less developed innovation regions in Europe. At the core of the project is the implementation of a three-phase acceleration programme, tailored to the needs of participating startups. During the three phases, startups from Italy, Bulgaria, and Greece were able to participate in workshops, trainings, and pitching sessions to elevate their innovative ideas to the next level.

SPREAD2INNO focuses on closing the geographical innovation gap that exists due to the unequal connectedness and development of different regions in the European Union. Via the SPREAD2INNO activities, the less developed innovation ecosystems have a chance to adopt practices that will make them more attractive to international companies as well as to tap into the potential of local eco-systems.

At the core of its activities was the SPREAD2INNO Startup Acceleration Programme. Implemented in three phases, the programme aimed to support startups from Italy, Bulgaria, and Greece in boosting their innovative ideas, achieving wider market reach and receiving guidance in areas where they needed it most.

Local Startup Events

At six events in Bulgaria, Italy, and Greece, 120 local startups were invited to participate in thrilling pitching sessions and compete for the unique opportunity to attend further SPREAD2INNO training programmes and seminars. Insightful panel discussions and workshop sessions gave budding entrepreneurs the chance to engage with topics such as scaling a business, building collaborative relationships, and tailoring pitches to investors. The events also doubled as a networking opportunity for all attendees and helped to facilitate valuable relationships.

Innovation Academies

The Innovation Academies in Italy and Bulgaria were organised by SPREAD2INNO for the winners of the pitching competitions at the local startup events and included a wide variety of inspiring talks and insightful workshops, as well as outstanding networking opportunities. The highlight of the Innovation Academies were riveting pitching sessions, in which the participating startups were able to present their business and compete for one of six spots in the third phase of the SPREAD2INNO Acceleration Programme.

Intensive Training Programme

The six finalists from the SPREAD2INNO Innovation Academies took part in a 7-day intensive training programme. During this training week, participants could meet experts from the partners’ networks and had the opportunity to improve their business and market scalability. The selected start-ups and SMEs received a tailor-made business and coaching plan provided by the SPREAD2INNO partners, in order to enhance their competencies on the international marketplace, as well as their investors’ attractiveness. On this occasion, experts from both less intensive and more intensive regions delivered trainings and seminars, thus ensuring knowledge-sharing of the best practices learnt during the project. Matchmaking sessions allowed startups, innovators, and SMEs to take their projects forward.

Through the implementation of these three phases, the SPREAD2INNO partners were able to provide guidance and support for a wide range of startups. Combining the extensive expertise of the consortium, the participating startups benefited from workshops and insights into many different areas, thus contributing to a holistic advancement of their businesses.

Links

X: https://twitter.com/SPREAD2INNO_EU

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/spread2inno-project

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SPREAD2INNO-Project

Project website: https://www.spread2inno.eu/

Keywords

Startups, innovation, SMEs, business, innovation ecosystem, pitching, training, workshops