Catégorie : Neuvelles

New educational gamification platform about European funding launched by Finnova and Play&go

Post author By administrador
Post date juillet 12, 2020

A new e-learning platform for the participants of the Accelerathon programme.

Considered one of the most innovative tools for training related to EU programmes.

Brussels, 8 July 2020 – Finnova Foundation and Play&go, a Valencian startup dedicated to the design and development of gamified guides, promotional campaigns and geolocalised games, have developed an educational gamification platform to provide through an interactive training system the necessary knowledge regarding the access to European funding programmes. Gamification is a learning technique that transfers the mechanics of games to the educational and professional field in order to achieve better results.

« Understanding how European funding programmes work is key to increasing the possibilities of accessing European funds for innovation » explains Juan Viesca, Director of European Funds at Finnova Foundation. « In our commitment to innovation, we have developed a new gamification tool. We are convinced that it will allow entrepreneurs who want to present a project, but do not have the necessary knowledge, to receive more thorough training, which will gradually strengthen their skills and allow them to become familiar with the often complex mechanisms of the European Commission. », he added.

« Our society is changing faster than ever. It is essential that organisations care about training and adopt digital tools that allow them to be encouraged and retain knowledge in an innovative way adapted to new times and with the latest technologies », explains Jordi Díaz, CEO of Play&go experience. « This collaboration with Finnova, within the framework of the recently signed MARCO agreement, is key to our internationalization strategy; it allows the implementation of a first big project in collaboration with our partner Prisma », he claimed.

Developed in close collaboration with Finnova Foundation’s European funding experts, this tool has a full course on the LIFE programme of the European Commission that shows participants how to write a draft proposal successfully. As the training progresses, they go through the various interactive modules that include minigames, quizzes and an interactive map of Europe. Its design fosters the involvement of participants, who challenge each other and manage to strengthen their knowledge.

This virtual learning platform is already being used to as a support for the training of participants in the Accelerathon programme organised by Finnova Foundation. The Accelerathon is an open innovation competition whose objective is to develop multidisciplinary solutions to challenges such as wastewater treatment, rice straw or waste-to-energy. Jordi Díaz explained during his participation in the Accelerathon Waste2Energy how the platform work (watch it here).

What is Play&go?

Play&go is a company run by Jordi Díaz that is dedicated to the design and development of gamified guides, promotional campaigns and geolocalised games. It offers a different experience to the user; it promotes the mobility of players; and it connects the physical and the digital world. Aggregate user behaviour data is obtained from the game to be later transformed into knowledge thanks to artificial intelligence-based algorithms and business intelligence tools. This way it helps to improve the product and to assist in the decision-making process.

Play&go began its acceleration process with the support of Finnova and received the Seal of Excellence from the European Commission in 2018, a high-quality label awarded to projects submitted to the SME Instrument in Phase 1 (concept and feasibility assessment) of Horizon 2020. This is a recognition that only receives between the 3 % and the 6 % of the candidates who apply. In addition, Play&go received the VI Ateneo European Accelerator Award in the Valencian Community category in 2019. It is a prize from the Innovation and Business Club of the Ateneo Mercantil in collaboration with Finnova Foundation awarded within the framework of the Startup Europe Awards (SEUA).

What is Finnova?

Finnova is the European foundation for innovation funding. Its main goal is to promote the cooperation between public and private sectors through the best low-cost, technological solutions, in order to address social challenges such as employment, entrepreneurship, the SDG of the United Nations, circular economy, waste recovery, sustainable tourism, and the fight against climate change.

Finnova Foundation promotes green employment, economic recovery, and training and employment for the youth.

Home

What is Startup Europe?

Startup Europe is an initiative of the European Commission that connects high-tech startups to scaleups, investors, accelerator, corporative networks, universities and the media.

What is Startup Europe Accelerator?

It is a European accelerator created by Finnova Foundation in 2011. It accelerates accelerators, incubators, and vertical, regional and national entrepreneurship programmes. Its main purpose is to grant startups and scaleups access to EU opportunities for training, mentoring, internationalisation, break into the market through European projects, getting funding, networking, legal advice and international marketing.

Play&go is one of the enterprises accelerated by Finnova Foundation’s Startup Europe Accelerator.

What is Startup Europe Awards (SEUA)?

It is an initiative from the European Commission’s DG CONNECT implemented by Finnova that counts with the institutional support from the European Parliament, the European Committee of the Regions and the European Economic and Social Committee since 2016.

SEUA is an open innovation tool for the identification of disruptive startups, the promotion of public-private cooperation, and also for raising awareness about the importance of entrepreneurship as a generator of employment. Apart from generating alliances for the consecution of the SDGs of the United Nations and the actions goals of the European Green Deal regarding circular economy, the fight against climate change and sustainable tourism.

Useful links

Jordi Díaz talks about the platform: https://youtu.be/NeRsUcA0M_Y

Contact details:

Jordi Díaz Maiquez

CEO of Play&go experience

jordi.diaz@playgoxp.com – (+34) 626325661

Press contact:

Lola Bordás

CMO at Finnova Foundation

cmo@finnova.eu – (+34) 619110266

Neuvelles

FINNOVA FOUNDATION & DIPLOMATIC WORLD INSTITUTE JOIN EFFORTS ON THE CREATION OF AN AWARENESS PLATFORM FOR THE NEXT EU ECONOMIC DIPLOMACY GENERATION

Post author By administrador
Post date juillet 9, 2020

(Brussels, 10th July 2020) – FINNOVA FOUNDATION Its name is intended to evoke the drive of innovative initiatives (Innova) through the appropriate European financial instruments.

In this sense, Finnova offers a structured and integrated dialogue in strategic information systems, training, dissemination of results at global and local level and the exchange of information and communication between entities as diverse as international financial institutions, technological institutes, universities, private sector companies and public administrations with the aim of publicizing the different ways of financing by the European Union in the areas of environment, water, health, public works, energy efficiency, sustainable tourism, ICT and entrepreneurship.

Both parties decided to join their efforts by signing a Partnership agreement with the aim to create a better awareness of all Finnova’s Foundation initiatives within the Worldwide Diplomatic Community and beyond.

Juan Manuel Revuelta, CEO Foundation of Finnova said “It is an honor for Finnova and especially myself to be here today partnering with the Diplomatic World Institute. By doing so, we will reinforce the strategies of economic diplomacy that Finnova and I have been working on for more than 20 years in the framework of circular economy, creation of green jobs, sustainable development, and private public partnership. Together we intend on supporting the talented and promising world of European startups through a series of tools such as e-learning platforms, roundtables, and networks, all of which will allow young Europeans to learn from experts and better understand the concepts of innovation, sustainability, and entrepreneurship, as well as the role that the EU institutions play in funding at the local, regional, and international level. Additionally, I would like to take advantage of this opportunity to extend an invitation to all embassies to encourage their nationals under 30 years old to participate in a 3-month training program in Brussels that includes a course in Management of European Funds. Finnova has already had the pleasure to host students through cooperation with the Embassies of Chile and Panama.

Barbara Dietrich, owner and CEO of Diplomatic World & Jean Aznar, Public Relations of Diplomatic World said “Finnova’s Foundation expertises in guiding and structuring innovative start-ups with the support of European Financial instruments is very important to create prosperity, welfare and peace for all next and future generations to come within any country worldwide.”

FINNOVA FOUNDATION is the European Foundation that works for the constant bet of the business innovation and the excellence of the applied knowledge through the development of the talent and its international and interregional connection. To this end, it promotes multiple networks and high-level events with the purpose of seeking resources and European funding related to technological transfer, modernization and competitive development of public and private entities at all levels at international, regional and local. Its head office is located in the heart of Brussels (Belgium) a short distance from the Institutions of the European Union.

FINNOVA FOUNDATION

www.finnovaregio.org

www.accelerathon.eu

www.startupeuropeawards.eu

www.startupeuropeawardsmexico.org

Juan Manuel Revuelta, juanmarevuelta@finnova.eu + 32 475 97 42 77

For more info about the training program: direccion@finnova.eu

Neuvelles

Graphene Solutions, Winner of Waste2Energy Startup Europe Accelerathon

Post author By administrador
Post date juillet 6, 2020

Finnova experts will help the winner write a project plan to submit it to the LIFE programme call, which will give the team the opportunity to be eligible for a grant of up to €2 million

The project “Methanol production from ELVs (end-of-life vehicles) waste in scrap-yards” conceived by Graphene Solutions, a company led by Eugenio Martí, has been declared winner of the Waste2Energy Startup Europe Accelerathon. The competition was organized by Finnova and boosted by the Municipality of Vilamarxant (Valencia), in connection with the Centre d’Emprenedoria i Innovació del Túria (CEI Túria).

“Thank you very much for launching this call, in which I believe many synergies will be created”, Eugenio Martí, member of the winning team, declared. Eugenio has been working hard on his challenge during the last week. His aim is to recycle ELVs waste (currently non-recyclable waste) into methanol to generate green energy and reduce pollution. “The innovative solutions suggested to use energy from waste are essential for the promotion of circular economy, since sustainable, environmentally responsible products are searched more and more every day”, Susana Solís, the Eurodeputy and member of the EU regional development commission, has claimed.

This Thursday, July 2, the final of the Waste2Energy Startup Europe Accelerathon was held online. A jury and the six finalist teams took part in it, accompanied by more than 2,000 people who were live on Facebook. Throughout the live streaming ceremony held on a webinar and on Facebook Live, each team presented its project during an elevator pitch and undertook a double assessment. On one hand, a jury formed by 16 experts from Panama, Brussels and Spain analysed the proposals of each team; their assessment signified the 80 % of the overall scoring. On the other hand, the votes of the audience, which were more than 1,000, corresponded to the remaining 20 %.

Below, you will find the participants in the opening event:

· Xavier Jorge Cerdá, Councillor for Innovation (Municipality of Vilamarxant).

· Chris Hoornaert, Ambassador of the European Union in Panama.

· Susana Solís, Eurodeputy and member of the Committee on Regional Development at the European Parliament.

· Alfonso Young Hassan, Chargé d’Affaires in the embassy of Panama in Brussels.

· Esteban Pelayo, Director of the European Association of Development Agencies (EURADA).

· Francisco José Gutiérrez, Councillor for Economic Growth and Employment (Municipality of Coria del Río).

After the jury’s verdict, the winning team obtained a European accelerator ticket awarded by the Startup Europe Accelerator. This ticket allows them to present the project, in July 14, to the Life programme of the DG ENVIRONMENT of the European Commission. In addition, the winners will be able to network in Brussels during the European Week of Regions and Cities, which will be held from October 12 to 15, 2020. Finally, the winning team will also take part in the Startup Europe Awards 2020 edition.

GT2- Methanol production from ELVs (end-of-life vehicles) waste in scrap-yards

During the last week, the participants of the programme have worked in different multidisciplinary proposals concerning the Waste2Energy challenge. The goal was to recycle waste into energy. The teams have been mentored by the Finnova Foundation experts on European funds.

The Team 2: Methanol production from ELVs (end-of-life vehicles) waste in scrap-yards, explained that the problematic wastes are the foam and fabric of carpets, mats and seating furniture. Some of the packaging of fabrics is made of plastic, which makes it difficult to remove the plastic from them, since they are attached to it. It is also essential to consider the plastics used to make the fabrics; their composition is remarkably diverse depending on the manufacturer. Then, while the exterior plastics tend to be standardized, such as bumpers, the interior ones are not subject to any regulation. It is for this reason that the winners propose a plasma photocatalytic hydrogasification treatment. This technology has already been presented to a LIFE programme subsidized by the UE. The project consisted in building a pilot plant that produces a chemical compound to be mixed with the fuel called ECOMETHYLAL (2016-2020).

THE AWARD: TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR A LIFE PROGRAMME OF UP TO €2 MILLION

Thanks to these innovative projects boosted by Finnova Foundation together with the Municipality of Vilamarxant, in connection with the CEI Túria and held back by the DG CONNECT of the European Commission through the Startup Europe Awards, the winning project will be qualified for a grant of up to €2 million. The grant would make it possible to develop the innovative project during a period of 3-5 years. The aim is to start the transition towards a greener, low-carbon, circular economy in harmony with the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda of the United Nations.

From this Friday, July 3, to next Tuesday, July 14, the Finnova Foundation experts on European funds will mentor the winning team to write the project plan aiming to submit it to the LIFE programme 2020call for proposals, specifically to the Environment sub-programme. “Our goal is to enhance entrepreneurship, green employment, education of young people and to help absorb better European funds. This methodology has been proved to be a total success”, Finnova’s CEO Juan Manuel Revuelta has declared.

The programme counts on the institutional backup of the DG CONNECT of the European Commission and it is aimed at civil servants and political leaders of municipalities, companies and public corporations, employers’ associations, institutes of technology, universities, innovative enterprises holding patents, or corporations proposing environmental challenges which can be fought off from the financial and technological boost offered by the LIFE programme. Aiming to support the visibility and objectives of the 2030 Agenda, the Finnova Foundation initiative follows the directions of the SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, declared the SDG of the month of July, and also the following ones:

· SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

· SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

· SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

· SDG 13: Climate Action

· SDG 17: Partnerships

Neuvelles

The startup Bioferric: winner of the Accelerathon IVACE Water Startup Europe Awards

Post author By administrador
Post date juillet 1, 2020

– The Team 2: EXIT – EXtraction mIcroplasTic has been declared the winner of the Water Accelerathon

– The startup Bioferric will be eligible for a grant of up to €2 million per project allocated by the LIFE programme

– Finnova experts will help the winner write a project plan to submit it to the LIFE call for proposals

Brussels, July 1, 2020 – The Team 2: EXIT – EXtraction mIcroplasTic team has become the winner of the first edition of the Water Startup Europe Accelerathon for the wastewater challenge. This open innovation competition has been boosted by IVACE, in collaboration with Seimed, Redit, Aidimme and the ADR forum. Furthermore, the competition has been implemented by Finnova. “Our technology is based on the use of magnetic particles. The goal is to separate the microplastics and reuse these particles in a new cycle of use” declared Álvaro Mas, CEO of Biofferic and member of the winning team, which will now have the opportunity to present the project to the LIFE programme of the DG ENVIRONMENT of the European Commission and be qualified for a grant of up to €2 million.

On Monday, June 29, the final ceremony of the Accelerathon IVACE Water Startup Europe Awards was held online. The jury, the three finalist teams (EXIT- EXtraction mIcroplasTic, WaterFly and Sustainable wastewater treatment project for municipalities) and a total of 300 spectators took part in it.

Throughout the live streaming ceremony held online and on Facebook Live, each team presented its project during an elevator pitch and undertook a double assessment. On one hand, a jury formed by 15 experts from Mexico, Panama, Spain and Portugal analysed the proposals of each team; their assessment signified the 80 % of the overall scoring. On the other hand, the votes of the audience, more than 3.500 votes, corresponded to the remaining 20 %.

EXIT – EXtraction mIcroplasTic PRESENTS THE MOST INNOVATIVE AND DISRUPTIVE PROJECT

During the last week, the participants of the programme have worked in different multidisciplinary proposals concerning the treatment of wastewater as a source of resources and the recycling of water, energy and raw materials. The teams have been mentored by the Finnova Foundation experts on European funds.

The programme started on May 28, involving a total of 12 teams. After the two semi-finals, only three teams reached the final. Today, Bioferric has been declared winner of the Accelerathon IVACE Water Startup Europe Awards.

“This project aims at demonstrating the viability of magnetic particles for the elimination and reuse of microplastics (MP) present in urban and industrial wastewater. The objective is to avoid its discharge into the environment and to contribute through its subsequent valorisation to the circular economy model promoted by the European Union (COM (2018) 28 final). The proposed technology has already been validated at laboratory scale. It has achieved a removal efficiency greater than 99 % by using real wastewater”, Bioferric declared.

THE AWARD: TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR A LIFE PROGRAMME OF UP TO €2 MILLION

The winning team of the Accelerathon IVACE Water Startup Europe Awards organized by Finnova Foundation will obtain a European accelerator ticket to receive the funding of the LIFE programme 2020 call of the DG ENVIRONMENT of the European Commission, which grants around €2 million per project. Moreover, the winners will take part in the Startup Europe Awards European final as finalists of the category Water.

From June 30 to July 14, the Finnova Foundation experts on European funds will mentor the winning team to write the project plan and be able to submit it to the Environment sub-programme of the LIFE programme call for proposals.

The programme counts on the institutional backup of the DG CONNECT of the European Commission and it is aimed at civil servants and political leaders of municipalities, companies and public corporations, employers’ associations, technological institutes, universities, innovative enterprises holding patents, or corporations proposing environmental challenges which can be fought off from the financial and technological boost offered by the LIFE programme. Additionally, the programme follows the directions of the following SDGs of the United Nations, aiming to support their visibility and objectives:

SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
SDG 13: Climate Action
SDG 17: Partnerships

Calls Neuvelles

INVITATION TO THE ACCELERATHON IVACE INFORMATION SESSION

Post author By administrador
Post date mai 27, 2020

It is a pleasure to invite you to the webinar launching of the ACCELERATHON program promoted by the IVACE. You can reserve your place at the following LINK

The Valencian Institute of Business Competitiveness (IVACE) invites civil society, entrepreneurs, technology institutes, companies and universities to participate in the webinar launching of the Aguas-IVACE Accelerathon, an open innovation programme organised by the Startup Europe Accelerator of the Finnova Foundation, in collaboration with SEIMED, Aidimme and Redit with the institutional support of the European Commission DG CONNECT in the framework of the WATER STARTUP EUROPE AWARDS.

In addition, the webinar will have the privilege of having the presentations of several experts from Finnova; Julia Company, general director of IVACE; Massimiliano Dragoni, Senior Officer DG Connect; José Luis Muñoz, general director of EIT Climate; Carolina Lechado, independent professional; Gonzálo Belenguer, general director of Redit; Mark Beker, CEO Wex Global; David Schoth VP Europe; Rafael Mezquita, Minister of the Ministry of Panama and Iris Barrios, head of Startup Europe Accelerator Panama.

OBJETIVE AND CHALLENGE
The objective is to address the challenge number 6 of the United Nations SDG to innovate in the treatment of wastewater from industrial processes to recover raw materials, reuse water and minimize environmental impact.

The challenge posed aims to identify innovative solutions by the one hand, and companies, town halls or entities that define their environmental challenges on water to create different multidisciplinary teams on wastewaters by giving solutions to the water Accelerathon challenge to design realistic projects on advanced treatment, water, energy and raw materials recovery.

Now you can register for the informative webinar.

WATER ACCELERATHON

Who?
This is an innovation competition in which entrepreneurs, universities, technological institutes, business associations, town halls, industrial parks, SMEs, and public and private entities from all over the world, committed to water challenges, can participate.

A team competition with training in the UE LIFE PROGRAMME
The competition of the different teams will be carried out with e-learning tools and with the LIFE methodology a joint work will be made to obtain optimal solutions that provide innovation in the Valencian Community.

Duration and Rewards
The Water Challenges Accelerathon IVACE programme will last two months and as reward you will be eligible for an European acceleration ticket to access EU funds, go international or access to funding of up to 2 million euros form the European LIFE Environment and Resources Programme with the presentation of the project to the call on July 14th.

Spain is a leader in the LIFE programme in which a total of 495 projects have been approved. This activity has meant a contribution of more than 550 million euros for our country. The Valencian Community has contributed with a total of 78 projects, which has meant 60 million euros in return.

More information
Those interested in knowing the project and how to participate in it can already register for the webinar on May 28th at 18:00 (CET). The deadline is open until the same day and registrations can be made through the following LINK

Accelerathon Registration
If you have it clear, and you want to compete in the Accelerathon by participating, training and contributing all your value in the process to get the reward, you can, from now on, register in the Accelerathon IVACE program in this LINK.

Calls Neuvelles

IVACE launches the “Accelerathon Water Challenges” to select the best wastewater specialized start-up initiative

Post author By administrador
Post date mai 25, 2020

The Accelerathon will be presented in the Webinar next Thursday, May 28th

Winners will be eligible for a European acceleration ticket to access EU funds, go international or access investment of up to 2 million euros per project

05/25/2020 Brussels. The Valencian Institute of Business Competitiveness (IVACE), in collaboration with the Metalworking, Furniture, Wood, Packing and Similar Technologic Institute (AIDIMME) and the Network of Technologic Institutes of the Valencian Community (REDIT), has launched the “Accelerathon Water Challenges” initiative; an open innovation competition on wastewater challenges: treatments, water reuse, energy and war materials with the institutional support of the European Commission’s Startup Europe.

The competition is open to Start-ups, universities, technological institutes, business associations, town halls, industrial parks, SMEs and entrepreneurs. Among all the challenges and solutions presented, the best proposal will be selected and then accelerated for presentation to the next LIFE Programme call.

Minister of Sustainable Economy, Productive Sectors, Trade and Work, Rafa Climent has remarked “the acknowledged role Ivace has in Europe and its activity in line with the objectives of sustainable development of the UN”

The initiative, which is coordinated by IVACE at national level on water, also takes advantage of the wealth of resources and knowledge of the European Interreg Europe TRIS Project in which IVACE and AIDIMME are taking part. The aim of this project is to share best practices on industrial symbiosis between European regions and to support public authorities and organisms in the efficient use of resources and the competitiveness of their SMEs through the improvement of regional policies.

In this regard, Climent has shown that “Accelerathon Water Challenges” responds to the 6th United Nations Sustainable Development Goal which points to the need to have clean water, residue-free and that can reuse and recovered”.

On the other hand, Fernando Saludes, president of REDIT and AIDIMME has said that “these initiatives are really interesting as they allow us, on the basis of certain definedchallenges, to propose creative solutions and provide different approaches that will enable us to make progress in improving a process as important as water treatment ».

Webinar presentation on Thursday, May 28th

In order to explain all the details, IVACE has organized a Webinar presentation next Thursday, May 28th at 18:00 (CET).

Webinar registration: https://finnova.typeform.com/to/xvsJPI

The competition aims to identify innovative solutions and environmental sub-challenges on water defined by companies, town halls and entities.

From there, several multidisciplinary teams will be formed to design projects on advanced treatments, water, energy and raw materials recovery from wastewater, giving possible solutions to the global challenge launched at the Accelerathon.

Winners will be eligible for a “European Accelerathon ticket” that will allow then to access networking initiatives, reach international markets, contact potential investors or successfully apply for European Union grants for pilot demonstrations projects of up to 2 million euros in the Valencian Community.

It is organized by IVACE and Startup Europe Accelerator of the Finnova Foundation, in collaboration with SEIMED, REDIT and AIDIMME with the institutional support of the European Commission within the framework of the Water Startup Europe Awards.

Calls Neuvelles

The European Commission organises “EU LIFE Information and Networking Day” for those interested in the LIFE programme

Post author By administrador
Post date avril 30, 2020

– The virtual conference will take place next Tuesday May 30th, 2020 streaming

– The deadline for submissions is July 14th, 2020

– The budget for the work programme 2018-2020 amounts to 2,592 million euros

Brussels, April 29th ,2020. The European Commission organises the virtual conference “EU LIFE Information and Networking day, an informative meeting on the LIFE 2020 Call aimed at all those who wish to present projects related to environment and resource efficiency, nature conservation in the areas of biodiversity and habitats and climate change adaptation. The meeting will take place next Tuesday May 30th at 10 a.m. in streaming through the following link: http://eu-life-2020.b2match.io

Following the interventions of Angelo Salsi, Head of LIFE and Eco-Innovation Unit; Maja Mikosinska, Head of Sector “Nature and Biodiversity”; Fabio Leone, Head of Sector “Environment and Resource Efficiency” and Anne Vermaelen, Head of Sector Finance Unit, EASME, it will proceed to answers the questions of the participants regarding both LIFE 2020 Call and the implementation process. Participants can send their questions regarding both LIFE 2020 Call and the implementation process through the platform Sli.do using the #EULIFE2020 code. Following that conference will start the networking meetings. Participants can register on these meetings until next Friday, May 15th at 5:00 p.m. through the event website: http://eu-life-2020.b2match.io

The LIFE 2020 Environment Subprogramme is a European Union financial instrument exclusively dedicated to the environment. Its main objective for the period 2014-2020 is to contribute to sustainable development and to the achievement of the objectives and targets of the Europe 2020 strategy and the relevant EU environment and climate strategies and plans.

Priority Area of Environment and Resource Efficiency

This subprogramme focuses on projects specially related to sustainability, environmental care or environment recovery, without specifying a sector. The work programme 2018-2020 has a total funding of 2,592 million euros. Projects receive up to 55% non-refunding co-funding. The average duration of the projects is between 3-5 years.

“LIFE is the only specific EU financial instrument for projects related to environment, sustainability and the fight against climate change,” afirms Juan Manuel Revuelta, CEO at Finnova Foundation.

Beneficiaries

Consortium between public and provide bodies at local level: provincial councils, town halls, universities, public and private companies (including SMEs) and associations. Startups and entrepreneurs can also apply for this grant. MORE DETAILS: http://life.finnovaregio.org/

Finnova Foundation

Finnova’s staff has experience in more than 30 projects for 20 years, and an example of this is Ecobus, an initiative that collects and recycle cooking oil from restaurants to make into biofuel and subsequent use in diesel engines. This project took place the Valencian Community with a total budget of more than 1.675.000€.

Finnova Foundation is committed to environmental entrepreneurship and innovation as well as to finding solutions to the COVID-19 health crisis by helping researchers seek European funding for their projects, just as motivating and offering workspaces and networking where they can collaborate with a wide network of professionals. For this purpose, we have three projects linked to entrepreneurship such as Startup Europe Awards, Startup Europe Accelerator and Accelerathon. More details about the projects can be found on the Finnova website: web.finnovaregio.org

Contact in Brussels:

– Juan Manuel Revuelta, CEO of Finnova Foundation juanma@finnova.eu – (+32) 475 97 42 77

Contact in Spain:

– Lola Bordas, CMO of Finnova Foundation cmo@finnova.eu – (+34) 619 110 266

Calls Neuvelles

ESCALAR: new European financing tool for SCALEUPS

Post author By administrador
Post date avril 28, 2020

The Escalar programme of the European Commission will double the investment already given to the most promising European Scaleups/Start-ups.

· A financing tool to support the growth of innovative companies that develop their activity in Europe.

· The 25% of European funds are guaranteed.

The main challenge of many companies nowadays that try to scale up in Europe, is not having enough money to grow. This problem could disappear with the call ESCALAR of the European Commission. Its main objective is that companies can continue growing and creating jobs in Europe. This programme will double the funds already given to European Scaleups/Start-ups with a financing budget of 100,000€ minimum, as well as specialised management. 50% of investment is backed by the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI) of the European Investment Bank (EIB) with a guarantee of 25% DG-GROWTH through ESCALAR. Therefore, ESCALAR will enable the risk capital funding to increase a lot their investment capacity by financing the quasi-debt with EIB funding, guaranteed by the EFSI.

From Finnova Foundation, we invite all companies that are interested in scaling up (“ESCALAR” in Spanish) their business to continue growing and creating jobs. For more information, this afternoon the WEBINAR ESCALAR will take place: “EUROPEAN FUNDING FOR SCALEUPS” in the MIPIM webinar about Proptech House with professor Rudy Aernoudt, Chief economist of the European Commission, and Dirk Paelinck, co-founder of Proptech House. The call is today afternoon, 28th April at 4pm. To sign up: HTTP://bit.ly/3eAqPGJ

Finnova Foundation, Proptech House partners and boosters of Proptech Startup Europe Awards

CONTACT:

For any other enquiry: info@finnova.eu

In Brussels: 0032 475 97 4277

– Press officer:

Lola Bordás cmo@finnova.eu, Phone: +34 619 11 02

Calls Neuvelles

OKRA, the artificial intelligence company that can save lives

Post author By administrador
Post date avril 14, 2020

OKRA Technologies was named the best Female-Led startup in 2019

The company aims to transform healthcare by developing solutions that help bring the right treatment to the right patient quickly

15/04/2020 Brussels. Technology has become one of the best allies for scientists to continue research and for health care providers to save lives. Loubna Bouarfa, is the founder and CEO of OKRA Technologies , the startup of artificial intelligence that empowers life science professionals with AI driven insights anywhere and at any time. The company, located in Cambridge (UK) and in Leiden (Netherlands), is leading the implementation of AI in life sciences at the European level.

Dr. Loubna Bouarfa has fought tirelessly to move her project forward and has won several awards, including the Best Female-Led in 2019 at the special edition of the European Startup Awards. The Finnova Foundation helped her a lot, and thanks to this award the company has achieved visibility across Europe.

We spoke with Loubna Bouarfa to find out what OKRA Technologies is all about. A company that, without a doubt, can contribute its grain of sand to help healthcare professionals in the fight against coronavirus.

Q- What prize have you won, on which date and through by what means or institution?

A-My company OKRA.ai was named Best Female-led Startup in 2019, at the StartUp Europe Awards Special Edition.

Q-What has Finnova helped you with or is helping you with?

A– StartUp Europe Awards is a fantastic initiative of both the European Commission and Finnova Foundation. This award has given us visibility across Europe, which is absolutely essential to boost small innovative companies like us and help us scale globally.

“The Eurovision for Startups” has built a powerful ecosystem, and has connected us with relevant stakeholders across Europe.

Q- How did you meet Finnova?

A- I met Finnova Foundation thanks to this initiative. I am very impressed by how Finnova is promoting a culture of innovation across the EU and beyond.

Q-Are awards for entrepreneurs or startups important?

A-Absolutely. As an entrepreneur, to me an award is an absolute honour, as it means a clear recognition of the value that my company is bringing to the world.

Q- What is your project about and how do you differ from the rest?

A- At OKRA, our mission is to support and transform healthcare, developing AI solutions that help bring the right treatment to the right patient at speed. We are here to unleash the potential of AI and use it to save and improve human lives.

We collaborate with the life science industry to create AI systems that accelerate thegrowth and create real value for healthcare, with the aim of having a direct impact on every step of the pipeline – from drug to patient.

The big breakthrough for OKRA’s technology lies not only in our capability to integrate huge amounts of data and extract relevant insights to drive actions, but also in the delivery of this information in a very user-centric way. Our AI systems are not black boxes: they are powered by explainability. This means that our predictions and suggestions are coupled with explanations, so that users understand the situation and are empowered to make the right decisions consistently.

What makes us different is that we develop trustworthy AI. I am a member of the European High Level Expert Group (HLEG) on AI, so at OKRA we implement the European AI strategy and guidelines, making sure that AI is lawful, ethical and robust.

Q- Do you think it’s hard to invest in a startup?

A-Investing in startups may be generally considered to be risky, but I believe that it is really necessary. Investing in a startup means putting money into a revolutionary idea that has the potential to change reality. For me, innovation is where money should be spent.

If a great idea turns out to be unprofitable, you can confidently say that at least you madean effort to challenge the status quo . But if a great idea comes to life, the consequences are unimaginable.

Q- How has your company evolved since you won the acceleration ticket?

A– Over the last year, OKRA has experienced great growth. Our team has doubled in size and we have a team of brilliant professionals who go the extra mile every single day to develop the best AI solutions for life sciences.

At OKRA, we develop AI products that are easily scalable. We believe that strong foundations and agile methodologies are the key to success in the technology industry.

This acceleration ticket has brought us really far.

Q- Do you consider that Startups are the future on a global level?

A– Definitely. Startups are the future because they can literally change the world. We need revolutionary ideas on a global scale, so that we can solve current problems and thrive with innovation.

Q- Do you think there should be more Startup Europe Awards? And what would you say to those entrepreneurs who are thinking of approaching European projects?

A- Of course there should be more Startup Europe Awards! There are many exceptional people in Europe and worldwide, and their game-changing projects need to be valued and recognised.

I would encourage all entrepreneurs to actively approach European projects, because they offer fantastic support and help boost companies to the next level.

In this video Loubna Bouarfa, Founder & CEO of OKRA Technologies, explains her journey in AI, the company mission and the amazing OKRA team. </p><p>

Calls Neuvelles

DO YOU WANT TO CHALLENGE YOUR SECTOR TO FIGHT COVID-19 BEFORE THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION IN A PAN-EU HACHATHON?

Post author By administrador
Post date avril 10, 2020

Send your proposals to participate in the Hachathon before Saturday 11 April at 10:00
Finnova, official partner of the European Commission, calls to participate in the Pan European Hackathon #EUvsVirus from 24 to 26 April.

10/04/2020 Brussels. The Finnova Foundation invites civil society, entrepreneurs, companies and universities from all over Europe to participate in ‘EU vs Virus’, the Pan-European Hackathon organised by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Innovation, in close collaboration with the EU Member States, on 24, 25 and 26 April.

The objective is to develop possible multidisciplinary solutions to fight against COVID-19 and other viruses such as SARS, Ecoli, Dengue or Malaria in order to offer practical, affordable initiatives.

The Finnova Foundation and its Startups Europe Awards program are official partners of the European Union and those interested in making suggestions or proposing challenges related to the coronavirus or others can send them to us at the following form: http://covid19.finnova.eu before Saturday 11 April.

From the registered challenges, between 150 and 200 will be selected at international level and then they will be worked on in the Hackathon #EUvsVIRUS.

Receive information and personalized mentoring on EU tools through the startup Accelerator

What is Pan-Eu Hackathon EuvsVirus?

It is a Hackathon with international and multidisciplinary teams whose primary objective is to respond with innovation to the crisis of the COVID-19 epidemic. In this first phase, a European call is made for the proposal of challenges to be discussed in the Hackathon. This event is an opportunity to align efforts with the European Commission and subsequently access European funds with different financial tools such as the LIFE or Horizon 2020 programme.

In this call the European Commission expects challenges defined by sectors affected by the coronavirus, which affects most sectors, economic activities and therefore it is necessary to identify them to find multidisciplinary solutions to provide practical initiatives, affordable and low cost.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE?

Specific challenges can be proposed through the following link

Challenges will be received until Saturday, April 11th at 10:00 am Brussels time.

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?

This Hackathon is open to innovators, companies, startups, universities from all over Europe, and partners at municipal, provincial, regional or national level.

WHAT IS THE OBJECTIVE?

The aim of Finnova and the Startup Europe Accelerator is to inform the winners about the challenges of EU financial opportunities and the different programmes to subsidise and implement new solutions, new jobs, remove legal barriers and help attract private investment and internationalisation.

Video #EUvsVirus: videocovid19.accelerathon.com

STARTUP EUROPE COVID-19 & STARTUP EUROPE ACCELERATOR

The winners will be eligible as finalists for the COVID-19 Startup Europe Awards, a new category aimed at finding solutions to combat the coronavirus or other viruses such as malaria or legionella. This 2020 edition is aimed at innovative ideas from startups, universities and companies in all categories and that are focused on fighting the virus. The Finnova Foundation, through the Startup Europe Awards Accelerator, will mentor the winners in the categories of health, water, agri-food and environment with regard to European grants, calls, European legislation, networking and internationalization. The winners will participate in calls for proposals from the European Union, opting for up to 2.5 million euros in grants and 15 million euros in capital investment from the EU.

Open Covid-19 Startup Europe Awards Partner Search

To be able to carry out Startup Europe COVID-19 we call for the support of European, regional and national partners so that they can implement the awards in their field of action.

What is Startup Europe Awards?

It is an initiative of the European Commission, DG Connect implemented by the Finnova Foundation, supported by the European Parliament, members of the Committee of the Regions and the Economic and Social Committee.

What is Startup Europe Accelerator?

It is a second level European Accelerator specialized in supporting regional and national entrepreneurship incubation programmes so that their best startups can access the resources offered by the European Union to internationalize their project and access the market through European projects, mentoring, networking, lobbying, legal advice and international communication.

CONTACT US:

-For any other question: info@finnova.eu

Juan Manuel Revuelta, General Director of the Finnova Foundation: 0032 475 97 4277

-Press officer:

Lola Bordás cmo@finnova.eu, Contact telephone: +34 619 11 02 66