The 2nd Exchange of Experience Event (EoE), of the Interreg Europe project DeepTechValleys took place in Vilnius, Lithuania on November 26-27. The two-day event, brought together key stakeholders from across Europe, to explore deep-tech innovation.
Hosted by the Lithuanian Innovation Centre, the two-day event focused on strategies, policies, and initiatives designed to support deep-tech start-ups, with a particular emphasis on fostering collaboration within the different partner regions. Partners also explored ways to foster collaboration with the European Innovation Council (EIC). The first day began with a group meeting and a presentation on Lithuania’s involvement in Horizon Europe, followed by discussions on the future prospects of the program.
In addition, project partners and stakeholders shared insights on mechanisms that support deep-tech start-ups at the regional, national, and EU levels. These included initiatives like the EIC as well as other local frameworks. Later that day, a workshop provided a platform for participants to collaborate on developing strategies to promote deep-tech entrepreneurship and increase the successful participation of start-ups in EIC programs.
On the second day, study visits were realized, and the focus shifted to Lithuania’s leading sectors, such as space, biotech, and lasers. Presentations from organizations like LithuaniaBio, the Space Cluster Association, and the Toolas Lasers sector Cluster showcased the country’s growing innovation ecosystem.
The meeting concluded with a cultural experience, offering participants a unique glimpse into Lithuania’s artistic heritage. This event marked a significant step in enhancing collaboration across Europe in the deep-tech sector, with a focus on building valuable partnerships that will drive future innovations.