Eureka Global Innovation Summit 2024

On 13-14 June, Eureka's Global Innovation Summit (GIS) themed 'Bridging Green and Digital Transformation' took place at the Haliç Congress Centre in Istanbul, organised by the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye (TÜBİTAK). With 2,500 registrations and 35 degrees outside, it was literally and metaphorically hot and happening at GIS, gathering the full Eureka family, from Canada to Korea and Finland to South Africa.

This year’s event offered a diverse set of sessions, including thematic discussions, pitching sessions, country presentations and a dedicated Eureka Clusters session. Additionally, there were B2B meetings and the exhibition, showcasing stands from various countries, the Eureka funding instruments - including the Clusters - and Eureka projects, provided attendees with an excellent opportunity to learn about the different Eureka RD&I instruments and their impact.

Canada and Germany co-leading Eureka in 2024/2025

During the High Level Group meeting held on 12 June, it was officially announced that Canada and Germany will serve as co-Chairs of the Eureka Network for 2024–2025, following the Turkish Chairmanship. This marks the first time in Eureka's nearly 40-year history that two countries will jointly lead the network.

The Eureka Clusters at GIS 2024

As one of the Eureka funding instruments, the Clusters were well represented in this year’s event, providing attendees with insights into their operations and how organisations can benefit from participation in Eureka Cluster projects. Interest was very high, resulting in a constant flow of potential new project partners at the two shared Eureka Clusters booths of CELTIC-NEXT, Eurogia, ITEA, SMART and Xecs.

On 13 June, the Eureka Clusters jointly organised the fully booked session ‘Turkish companies and Eureka Clusters: A mutual synergy’. The session explained the Clusters in more detail and highlighted the mutual benefits and synergy between the Clusters and Turkish partners, through testimonials from various Turkish project partners and Cluster Board members.

In addition, the digital poster exhibition attracted a lot of attention to the 21 ITEA projects displayed there. Finally, we are grateful for the presence of the Public Authorities who also explained the opportunities of Clusters at their booths and during their country sessions.

Building connections and future collaborations

It was great to reconnect with ‘old friends’ and to make new valuable connections in Istanbul. GIS 2024 also offered the perfect opportunity to promote ITEA Call 2024 and the upcoming ITEA PO Days.

We warmly thank the Türikye Chairmanship team for organising this successful edition of GIS and their dedication over the past year! We look forward to collaborating with Canada and Germany in the forthcoming year.