Augustine Bangura’s Post

Friends, this Tuesday I will be speaking at the European Innovation Council Summit organized by the European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA). If you are planning on attending stop by the panel on lab-to-market and the pathfinder programme and say hello. It will be a great panel. Here is a link to my bio published by the EIC https://lnkd.in/ejkaXSsp Here’s the program for the summit. https://lnkd.in/e_u2-2UE I plan on sharing about - our experience moving technology (deep tech, science tech, etc) to impact systematically - MIT iTeams, and how it became the reference venture building program (17 years and counting since I turned it into an innovation factory ), - thoughts on innovation factories - and how to make technologies accessible to empower what’s often described in the EU as technology sovereignty. If we cross paths at the conference ask me about S1 Industries PBC too. Antonis Fysekidis Inês Guedes Minerva Elias Franquesa Shiva Dustdar Jose Maria Fernandez Vicente J. Montes Gan Almudena Trigo Lorenzo Judit Sendra, PhD Robert Negre

#impact analysis and #indicators 📈 ⏱ End of a year and beginning of the next one is also the time to collect data and results and studying them, at personal and professional level. Of course same goes for our support and funding programs at Innosuisse. Specifically, in the case of the #swissinnovationbooster we developed since the launch of the program an impact analysis model. The starting point - the #missionstatement of the program - is clear: --- The Innovation Booster instrument is creating an environment to foster science-based and sustainable radical innovation and provide a competitive advantage to Swiss companies and organisations. --- From there, and with the help of the managing teams and the experts, we defined and we continuously measure outputs, medium and long term outcomes, and the final impact the program has to achieve. Because of its specificities - the focus on #openinnovation, on the creation of more #radical innovation ideas - a number of indicators come directly from the users and customers of the initiatives: #feedbacks on events, self-declarations from the ideas supported. These direct feedbacks hugely help us understand how the translation of the program into practice is working and if needed modify and adjust rules and guidelines to improve the program framework conditions. In general, we have a mix of qualitative and quantitative indicators to then also evaluate the effectiveness of each single initiative. The provisional numbers for 2023 are very good and the congratulations go to the teams managing the running initiatives. For instance, via the events organised (until end of September), the Booster reached out to around 7000 innovators. 🤝 These ecosystems, thanks to the Booster help, incorporating design thinking methods and idea generation sessions, generated around 700 ideas of possible new solutions to their problems (around 280 of them were then directly tested with the support of the Boosters). 💡 More than 85% of the participants to the activities organised recommend the program to their peers; almost 50% of the events presenters, speakers, moderators were women. ⚖ Some of these numbers will be included in the Innosuisse annual Discover magazine together with outcomes and impacts of our other support and funding programs.   And from January first, we have 8 new innovation boosters starting their work: Innovation Booster Artificial Intelligence Innovation Booster Carbon Removal Innovation Booster New Mobility Lab Innovation Booster #fashion and #lifestyle Innovation Booster #future #urban #society Innovation Booster #future #food #farming They will be part of the program cohort and I look forward to seeing their results in sectors that are strategically relevant for Switzerland! The next call to select additional innovation boosters is tentatively planned for 2025. For more details: https://lnkd.in/dhgcFXFK

Unlocking Innovation: The Power of Being a UKSPA - The United Kingdom Science Park Association Member 🌍 In today’s rapidly evolving landscape, being part of the UK Science Park Association (UKSPA) is not just a privilege—it’s a necessity for those committed to driving technological and scientific progress. The UKSPA represents a diverse, dynamic network of science parks, research campuses, city-based innovation districts, technology incubators, and innovation centres across the UK and beyond. Each member operates in unique sectors, with different funding and investment profiles, but together we deliver enormous value to the companies that occupy our spaces or participate in our programmes. UKSPA membership brings immense benefits: best practice sharing, networking, communication, research, promotion, and advocacy—all working in harmony to sustain and develop a vital economic sector that is critical to the UK’s future. Amidst political aspirations to position the UK as a global innovation leader, UKSPA acts as a champion for the sector, providing a crucial support network for CEOs and C-suite executives who often face the pressures of leadership in isolation. Collaboration and advocacy are at the heart of UKSPA's mission, helping to foster the connections and support systems that make innovation thrive. I've found the association to be a massive support and a safe haven to share ideas, seek advice and share lessons learned. The opportunity to collaborate with local and region neighbours pays massive dividends. In Devon, its been a privilage to work with Dr Sally Basker, Frank Roberts and Richard Scutt, as our south Devon Technology Corridor blossoms and the exciting companies innovate, grow and attract talent and investment. Whether you're a manager, developer, investor, or entrepreneur, the UKSPA network offers an unparalleled platform to connect, learn, and grow. Together, we’re helping shape the future of the UK’s knowledge economy! Join us as we continue to drive forward with purpose, passion, and progress. John Leake - Sci-Tech Daresbury, James Chaffer, Dr Sally Basker, Grant Bourhill, Roz Bird, Jo Stevens, Aaron Hunter, Helen Hadfield, Ian Underdown, Frank Roberts, Richard Scutt, Jane Hutchins, Philip Macdonald, Robin Chave, Glenn Crocker, Prashant Shah, Plymouth Science Park Ltd, Exeter Science Park, Scymaris, Bay Photonics, Theta Technologies Limited (NDT), WaveOptics (Snap Inc), RA Information Systems, Ridge and Partners LLP, Mace, Modern Networks Ltd, RSK Group

European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA) #WorkProgramme #2025 Promoting #DisruptiveTechnologies and high-impact innovations is a central focus for advancing the EU's competitiveness in the global market. With a significant budget exceeding €1.4 billion, initiatives are directed at supporting #startups, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and advanced #ResearchProjects. Key programs include mechanisms to support early-stage research, validate technologies, and scale up innovative businesses. Additionally, new calls such as those targeting strategic technologies like artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and semiconductors underline the commitment to fostering innovation in areas critical for future growth and sustainability. 10 Key Takeaways 1. 2025 Budget: Over €1.4 billion allocated to high-risk, high-impact research and innovation initiatives. 2. EIC Pathfinder: Supports advanced research from proof of concept to lab validation, with a €142 million budget. 3. EIC Transition: Aims to bring technologies from the lab to the market, offering up to €2.5 million per project. 4. EIC Accelerator: Provides grants and investments to help startups and SMEs bring innovations to market. 5. STEP Scale-Up Call: Exclusive support for strategic technologies such as AI, biotechnology, and clean technologies, with investments up to €30 million. 6. Business Acceleration Services (BAS): Offers mentoring, access to investors, corporate networks, and scalability support. 7. EIC Prizes: Recognizes women innovators and European capitals of innovation, promoting diversity. 8. Focus on Gender and Diversity: Encourages women leadership and gender balance in projects. 9. Intellectual Property Strategies: Promotes effective protection and exploitation of research outcomes. 10. Collaboration with EIT: Strengthens synergies with innovation communities to amplify impact. #EuropeanInnovation #EIC2025 #AdvancedResearch #DisruptiveTechnology #EuropeanStartups #CriticalTechnologies #GreenTransformation #DiversityInInnovation #IntellectualProperty #BusinessAcceleration

Artificial Intelligence and #sustainability highlighted in the 7th edition of VDS 👊 In addition, the event will focus on health, women in technology, the future of work, and the next generation of the #audiovisual sector. This international tech event, organized by Startup Valencia, will take place on October 23rd and 24th at 📍 the City of Arts and Sciences in #Valencia. 🎢 To delve into these subjects, #VDS2024 will bring together world-renowned experts, as well as leaders from startups, scaleups, investors, and top corporations, making Valencia the global epicenter of #innovation. 🎤 As Juan Luis Hortelano, President of Startup Valencia, states, "The 7th edition of VDS will highlight the positive impact of the current #technological revolution with artificial intelligence taking center stage. Additionally, it will emphasize the importance of investing in the leaders who are building the near future." Discover everything we have in store for this edition on our blog 👀 https://lnkd.in/dkvgKVe4

We are delighted to release the Kenya Innovation Week (KIW) 2023 - Commonwealth Edition Report. The report encapsulates the essence of KIW 2023, spotlighting its pivotal moments and key takeaways. From groundbreaking insights to actionable resolutions, the Kenya National Innovation Agency has picked up and will implement throughout 2024. At #KIW2024, we will review the implementation and set targets for 2025. 📈 We're thrilled that the report includes an implementation plan aligned with Kenya's 10-Year Innovation Masterplan. This strategic roadmap will be a compass, tracking progress across the master plan's five pillars. Additionally, the report will help you discover invaluable insights from KIW Summits, empowering partners to track actionable items throughout the year. Featuring remarks and presidential pronouncements from esteemed leaders including Dr. William Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya, and Rt. Hon Patricia Scotland KC, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, the report offers a holistic view of KIW 2023's impact. Discover how much the pitching startups raised, deals signed, launches made, and many other interesting statistics. 💡 Explore captivating sessions like Young Scientists Kenya closeout ceremony, Wavumbuzi Entrepreneurship Challenge Africa awards, The Commonwealth Ministerial Roundtable, and the World Intellectual Property Organization – WIPO roundtable on the Global Innovation Index, among others. You will also get to know more about the 30 winners of the Presidential Innovation Challenge and Award - Youth Edition and appreciate the diversity in the winners of the Commonwealth Secretary-General’s Innovation for Sustainable Development Awards. Since KIW is big on numbers, you will come across a page demonstrating the global representation at #KIW2023. Long story short, go to https://lnkd.in/gAS4VxSE and get a copy of the #KIW2023 report. #KIW2024 will take place on 25th - 29th November 2024. Save the Date. Salute to the Kenyan Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, The Sports, Arts and Social Development Fund (SASDF), Huawei, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Young Scientists Kenya ,The Edge Convention Centre Nairobi, Kenya Climate Innovation Center (KCIC), National Research Fund Kenya, GFA Consulting Group GmbH, Kenya Film Classification Board, British Council , FCDO Services, E4Impact Foundation, World Intellectual Property Organization – WIPO, World Food Programme Innovation Kenya, Nuvoni Centre for Innovation Research, Britam UK-Kenya Tech Hub, Villgro Africa Wavumbuzi Entrepreneurship Challenge Africa, Fingo - Finnish Development NGOs, STEM Impact Center Kenya, Thunderbird Regional Center of Excellence - Africa, I Choose Life- Africa, Heifer International Kenya, Anza Village, Kilimanjaro Blind Trust Africa, Results for Development, E&K Consulting Firm for the partnership.

🤝Regional workshops in Podgorica region, Montenegro 🇲🇪 During the workshop that took place on 19th of July, on the development of the Innovation Hub in Podgorica, there was a discussion about how the hub should function, what the needs are, target groups, thematic areas, and how services should respond to these needs. With the presence of many future stakeholders of the Innovation Hub, the role of each of the actors was taken into consideration, and what each side of the quadruple helix can contribute to the process of transforming the economy in the region surrounding the capital. A consensus was reached on various target groups and services for each of these groups. Identified areas such as circular economy, digitalization, and energy were recognized as crucial for future work, while the number of areas remains open until consultations with the economy and meetings within the Employers' Union. During the visit to the Accelerator, ADP-Zid spoke with Dr. Soumodip Sarkar, Executive President of the Alentejo Science and Technology Park (PACT) from Portugal. During his presence, he introduced the attendees to the development of their services, the relationships between the scientific community, universities, and the economy, and provided advice on establishing and operating the Innovation Hub. Throughout these discussions, attendees learned about developing partnerships with companies, the operation of the AI incubator, the program for promoting unicorn companies, the benefits of developing social services for digital nomads, and the functioning of the board structured according to the quadruple helix model, which includes representatives from universities, the local community, the city, and some companies. In addition to representatives from the Accelerator Zid and Dr. Soumodip Sarkar from PACT, opinions and additional insights from bilateral meetings were provided by Dr. Milica Muhadinović from the Faculty of Economics, Prof. Radovan Stojanović (Mant), Vuk Vučeraković (Prona), Vukašin Rakočević (Upbeat Hub), representatives of Mobileland, Ivan Joličić, Petar Nikić, and Mladen Radulović (Chamber of Commerce of Montenegro).

West Yorkshire Innovation Service New 2024: innovation grants We have launched two new innovation grant schemes for 2024. Ignite and Amplify will help accelerate collaborations between SMEs and innovation specialists. Ignite The Ignite scheme is open to West Yorkshire SMEs in any sector who are looking for innovation support from us for the first time. It can help you to bring in third-party innovative expertise to take your idea from concept to prototype and beyond. Ignite vouchers are worth up to £5,000, and will provide 50% of the funding for innovation projects. These projects typically last for up to four months, and no longer than 6 months. Amplify The Amplify scheme supports collaborations between SMEs and innovation specialists on projects in key areas like healthtech and net zero. If you have a proven concept that you’re looking to commercialise, it can help to accelerate your development process. Amplify grants are worth up to £10,000, and will provide 40% of the funding for innovation projects. These projects typically last for up to 9 months, and no longer than 12 months. https://lnkd.in/eFUJZR95 #Kirklees #Business West Yorkshire Business and Skills Business Kirklees If your business is based in Kirklees and you would like to discuss the Innovation grants in more details please DM me or email rachael.thurlbeck@kirklees.gov.uk

West Yorkshire Innovation Service New 2024: innovation grants We have launched two new innovation grant schemes for 2024. Ignite and Amplify will help accelerate collaborations between SMEs and innovation specialists. Ignite The Ignite scheme is open to West Yorkshire SMEs in any sector who are looking for innovation support from us for the first time. It can help you to bring in third-party innovative expertise to take your idea from concept to prototype and beyond. Ignite vouchers are worth up to £5,000, and will provide 50% of the funding for innovation projects. These projects typically last for up to four months, and no longer than 6 months. Amplify The Amplify scheme supports collaborations between SMEs and innovation specialists on projects in key areas like healthtech and net zero. If you have a proven concept that you’re looking to commercialise, it can help to accelerate your development process. Amplify grants are worth up to £10,000, and will provide 40% of the funding for innovation projects. These projects typically last for up to 9 months, and no longer than 12 months. https://lnkd.in/eXkayvZf #Kirklees #Business If your business is based in Kirklees and you would like to discuss the Innovation grants in more details please DM me or email rachael.thurlbeck@kirklees.gov.uk

West Yorkshire Innovation Service New 2024: innovation grants We have launched two new innovation grant schemes for 2024. Ignite and Amplify will help accelerate collaborations between SMEs and innovation specialists. Ignite The Ignite scheme is open to West Yorkshire SMEs in any sector who are looking for innovation support from us for the first time. It can help you to bring in third-party innovative expertise to take your idea from concept to prototype and beyond. Ignite vouchers are worth up to £5,000, and will provide 50% of the funding for innovation projects. These projects typically last for up to four months, and no longer than 6 months. Amplify The Amplify scheme supports collaborations between SMEs and innovation specialists on projects in key areas like healthtech and net zero. If you have a proven concept that you’re looking to commercialise, it can help to accelerate your development process. Amplify grants are worth up to £10,000, and will provide 40% of the funding for innovation projects. These projects typically last for up to 9 months, and no longer than 12 months. https://lnkd.in/eFUJZR95 #Kirklees #Business If your business is based in Kirklees and you would like to discuss the Innovation grants in more details please DM me or email rachael.thurlbeck@kirklees.gov.uk