Europe’s leading innovation partner network, fast-tracking your connectivity and certifying your value

We believe that in a world seeking to solve our global challenges, innovative entrepreneurs are the force for sustainable, economic development and greater wellbeing in our local regions.

 

Becoming a certified EU|BIC or joining the community as an Associate Member means responding to our mission with the best possible actions to create vibrant, thriving startups and SMEs. In other words, EU|BICs take real steps to ensure that their services are best advantageous to their client companies and best advantageous to their regions.

 

There are now more than 106 Certified EU|BICs and over 43 Associate members and 20 satellites shaping our global community.

 

EBN (European Business and Innovation Centre Network) is the non-profit that facilitates this pan-European, global community of people using innovative business as a driver for regional (economic, sustainable, and social) development. EBN grants and manages the EU|BIC certification, and many other innovation solutions for excellent business support actors like the EU|BICs.

© European Union, 2022

EU | BIC community

165+
members
Operating in over 35 countries, covering the full spectrum of innovation sectors, and collaborating for continuous improvement and increased impact.
630+
business experts & partners
Committed to the development and growth of entrepreneurial innovators, providing high-quality services to startups, spin-offs and SMEs.
36,000+
startups
Receive support from our members. Benefiting from expertise and programmes critical to their growth.
1
official certificate
Uniquely granted by EBN to mission-aligned organisations as the only certification of quality for business support organisations originated by the European Commission.
Build New Relationships
Fast-track your connectivity. When your organisation certifies as an EU|BIC you join a powerful community of business leaders, support practitioners and innovation partners expanding your reach within your local and international innovation ecosystems.
Improve Your Results
Getting certified and taking the yearly assessment is a powerful mechanism to help your company set goals for improvement, deliver more value to your clients and your ecosystem, and track performance over time. Members gain access to training, peers, technical assistance and funding opportunities.
Engage Trusted Partners
More than ever, people want to do engage with people and organisations they trust. The EU|BIC Certification and its trusted community are among the smartest ways to attract best-of-class clients, investment partners and to participate in revenue-generating projects that help you deliver on your mission.
Amplify Your Voice
The EU|BIC label communicates that your organisation is a verified business innovation leader when it comes to delivering quality business support and empowering entrepreneurial innovators. The third-party validation helps your organisation to stand out, and stand by your mission.

Smart solutions for all your innovation needs

News & events

Innovation Centre of the Olomouc Region Secures Prestigious EU|BIC Certification, Strengthening Its Leadership in European Innovation and Sustainability
The Innovation Centre of the Olomouc Region (ICOK) has been honoured with the prestigious EU|BIC label. This recognition signifies ICOK’s full adherence to the EU|BIC Quality Mark Criteria, affirming its commitment to fostering innovation and driving regional economic development.
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Innovation Ecosystem Building Playbook: ESOs raising access to finance for their local ecosystem and Europe 
Access to finance is crucial for growing innovation ecosystems. EU|BICs bridge the gap between startups and investors, ensuring ventures get needed financial backing. Europe's regional diversity is a strength, with initiatives like Furthr VC in Ireland and MINERVA Business Angels in the UK driving growth. Discover more in the EU|BIC Innovation Ecosystem Building Playbook.
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EU|BIC Essentials Training Track 2024 | Shaping, Supporting, Scaling Digital Innovation Ecosystems
a cornerstone capacity building event designed to highlight the pivotal role EU|BICs play in driving digital innovation across regional ecosystems.   Through five carefully designed modules participants will delve into critical areas of digital innovation exploring strategic approaches and practical tools necessary to foster and sustain digital transformation within their ecosystems. Each session is design to equip participants with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate and lead in the rapidly evolving digital landscape for business and entrepreneurship support organisations.  
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ENCATC Congress 2024
EU|BIC Tecnopolis PST and ISUFI are organising the ENCATC Congress 2024 in Lecce from September 18-20. Focusing on sustainability in the cultural and creative sectors, the event will feature the "Shaping the Future" session on key topics like cultural heritage skills and sustainable tourism. Early Bird registration is open until July 15, 2024. Secure your spot to join experts in shaping the future of these sectors.
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Central Bohemian Innovation Centre (SIC) Enhancing Regional Innovation and Technology Commercialisation 
We are thrilled to welcome the Central Bohemian Innovation Centre (SIC) as the newest quality-certified EU|BIC.  
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EBN Position Paper - Innovation Capacity EU Regions
An Entrepreneurship Support Organisation (ESO) View on European Innovation Ecosystems
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Join Europe’s Leading Start-Up Hubs 2025 Ranking by Financial Times and Statista
The Financial Times and Statista are launching the Europe’s Leading Start-Up Hubs 2025 ranking to spotlight top support systems for new businesses in Europe; participate by sharing your success story and enjoy recognition, impact, and networking opportunities.
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Laura Lecci
CEO, EBN
The pan-European EU|BIC business innovation community and the Certified EU|BIC quality label were designed as pioneering models for economic growth, facilitated by the EBN Secretariat. Throughout the pandemic, we have witnessed how the model of supporting entrepreneurial innovation continues to be the accelerator for recovery and a solution-driver for global challenges.
Our members, who we serve via the EU|BIC community, partners and the EBN team remain committed to co-design our desired future supported by innovation: creating greater wellbeing to European citizens – and beyond.

Services

EU|BIC quality certification label
Industry
best-practices
Project
participation
Skills
building training
Dedicated
expert team

Our Missions Commitments

Regional
Economic
Development

Quality Business Support

Access to
Finance

Scaling
European
Innovation