INNOVATE-EU: Enhancing start-up support in the EU

INNOVATE-EU organizes an online EU-wide matchmaking for start-up support stakeholders on 11 June 2026. The aim is to connect stakeholders from diverse regional ecosystems to facilitate new cross-border partnerships, cooperations for shared support activities, and knowledge transfer. The matchmaking day will give participants the opportunity to present themselves to colleagues from other countries and regions, share their activities, and explore the potential for cross-regional collaboration to enhance their offers for start-ups.

The support provided for start-ups differs from region to region. However, we can observe common needs to close the innovation gap, including improved access to funding and investment, support for market entry and expansion, talent acquisition and retention, regulatory/legal navigation, stronger international connectivity and ecosystem integration. The INNOVATE-EU matchmaking initiative will give stakeholders a space to discuss their needs and find partners to address them.

Focus topic of this matchmaking day: Venture Clienting and Corporate–Startup Cooperation

This first INNOVATE-EU matchmaking day invites stakeholders to address two challenges that have been identified throughout the various project activities. There is limited access to early customers and pilot opportunities for start-ups, and a need to create stronger linkages between startups and established corporates. These barriers significantly hinder market validation, reduce traction, and delay access to investment. Evidence gathered across participating regions shows that early commercial engagement, particularly through structured collaboration models such as venture clienting, can play a decisive role in accelerating start-up scaling. Therefore, stakeholders are particularly encouraged to develop actions to enhance corporate – start-up cooperation across the EU.

We are looking forward to meeting you soon!