VIRTIGATION has been invited to present its high-potential results at the upcoming Euro-Mediterranean Innovation Marketplace 2024, which will take place on the 3rd of October in Cairo.
The Euro-Mediterranean Innovation Marketplace
The Euro-Mediterranean Innovation Marketplace 2024 is an annual event organized by the European Commission in collaboration with the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM). This event aims to showcase the results of research and innovation (R&I) projects funded through various EU programmes (Horizon 2020, Horizon Europe, PRIMA) and beyond, as well as explore collaboration opportunities among various regional stakeholders. These stakeholders include innovators and researchers, policymakers, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, academics and experts, as well as mentors.
This event gives the opportunity to arrange pre-scheduled B2B meetings with the projects and innovators, potential investors and mentors. These meetings provide a platform for in-depth discussions about the showcased innovations and potential collaborations. Additionally, selected participants can have the chance to meet with potential investors who are looking to support promising projects and help bring them to market.
Climate change, health & renewable energy as focus
In this year’s Euro-Mediterranean Innovation Marketplace edition, three key sectors are in focus: climate change, health and renewable energy. This follows the priority areas set by the UfM Ministerial Conference on Research and Innovation on 27 June 2022. The UfM Ministerial Declaration outlined an implementation plan for each of the three sectors. This plan shed light on the approach and set of pillars/actions and instruments that are needed to implement necessary R&I actions in these sectors. The implementation plan rests on 4 pillars, namely:
- Mapping/portfolio analysis.
- Integration of needed actions into existing programmes.
- Stakeholder communication and coordination R&I Platform.
- Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning.
VIRTIGATION selected as very high potential project
The EC and the UfM benchmarked EU-funded projects for their relevance regarding this implementation plan through a dedicated report. In this context, the EC and UfM also assessed the scalability potential of EU funded R&I projects for the Mediterranean region. As a result, the EC and the UfM selected the VIRTIGATION project as a very high potential project in this regard. Specifically, the EC and the UfM considered that the high-potential results of VIRTIGATION would be beneficial in two ways. Firstly, they would support the achievement of the goals of the implementation plan. Seconldy, they would be also relevant for the Mediterranean market.
VIRTIGATION at the Euro-Mediterranean Innovation Marketplace 2024
On the 3rd of October 2024, VIRTIGATION coordinator KU Leuven and the VIRTIGATION communication lead RTDS Association will represent the project at this crucial event for the Mediterranean region. VIRTIGATION coordinator Prof. Hervé Vanderschuren from KU Leuven will take part in the project pitches session. In this session, Vanderschuren will provide an in-depth overview of VIRTIGATION and its high-potential, scalable results. Participants will also discuss challenges and opportunities related to technology transfer, commercialization, and scaling up innovations in the Mediterranean region. RTDS Association will host an exhibition booth at the Marketplace, which will showcase key VIRTIGATION materials.
Agenda and registration
Participation to the Euro-Mediterranean Innovation Marketplace 2024 is possible in person or online. Registration is open as of 10 July and is possible for free here. Check out the marketplace website for the full agenda here.
DATE: 3 October 2024
Location: Fairmont Nile City Hotel, Cairo, Egypt
