The BEYOND Forum, held in Athens-Greece from 4-6 April, served as a platform to connect various stakeholders in the startup ecosystem, including entrepreneurs, investors and organizations like EIT Manufacturing. Dr Niki Kousi, Managing Director of EIT Manufacturing South East, highlighted EIT Manufacturing South East’s commitment to supporting the growth of manufacturing-focused startups in the South East region.

The event featured a dynamic panel discussion on “Fueling Innovation – Supporting Startups,” where Dr Kousi played a key role. The panel, held on 6 April 2025, brought together key stakeholders from across the European innovation ecosystem to discuss strategies and support mechanisms, tailored for startups. Dr Kousi’ s presence in the panel provided a valuable opportunity to share insights into EIT Manufacturing’s programs, initiatives and funding opportunities designed to accelerate the development of manufacturing startups.

The “Fueling Innovation – Supporting Startups” panel explored various facets of nurturing startups, including access to funding, mentorship and market opportunities. Dr Kousi’s insights covered topics such as:

• EIT Manufacturing’s funding instruments for startups
• Acceleration and incubation programs tailored for manufacturing innovation
• Networking and collaboration opportunities within the EIT Manufacturing ecosystem
• Access to manufacturing facilities and expertise

Participating in the BEYOND event offered EIT Manufacturing several key benefits:

• Increased Visibility as the platform to raise awareness about EIT Manufacturing’s activities and support programs
• Networking Opportunities: The event facilitated connections with potential partners and startups

In conclusion, Dr Niki Kousi’s participation in the “Fueling Innovation – Supporting Startups” panel at the BEYOND 2025 Forum was a strategic move for EIT Manufacturing. It not only showcased the commitment to supporting manufacturing startups but also provided a valuable platform for networking, knowledge sharing and strengthening their position within the European innovation ecosystem.