By the European Business and Innovation Centre Network (EBN), with contributions by the European Commission Joint Research Centre, UNIDO and Startup Commons

EU|BIC Innovation Ecosystem Building Playbook

By the European Business and Innovation Centre Network (EBN), with contributions by the European Commission Joint Research Centre, UNIDO and Startup Commons

2025 EU|BIC Award finalist: Circular Makerspaces

Circular Makerspaces for Sustainable Business Support is a pioneering programme advancing circular economy principles for SMEs, start-ups, and creators across the Baltic Sea. The programme transforms makerspaces into circularity-driven hubs that support sustainable innovation and business development.

2025 EU|BIC Award finalist: LAZIO ABITARE GREEN

LAZIO ABITARE GREEN is a living lab focused on the Green Transition challenges in the Construction value & supply chains. It supports Operators and Communities with new methodologies, advisory services, and best practices for developing and testing sustainable market solutions. The lab promotes the transition towards sustainability by enhancing the quality of living through replicable experiences and projects.

2025 EU|BIC Award finalist: Clean Futures Innovation Accelerator

The Clean Futures Accelerator brings together the world-class research, facilities and expertise of Coventry University, the Black Country Innovative Manufacturing Organisation, and the Connected Places Catapult to support SMEs in the transport sector as they develop and scale sustainable technologies.

A Modernised Cohesion Policy: 2025 Mid-Term Review

EBN is pleased to share with its members the mid-term review of the EU Cohesion Policy, which addresses the new challenges facing European regions and reassesses the EU’s strategic autonomy, resilience, and future preparedness.

2025 EU|BIC Award finalist: ID2GREEN

ID2Green helps SMEs and start-ups in Walloon Brabant, Belgium, to adopt eco-responsible practices and turn sustainability into a genuine driver of growth. Since 2021, it has created a vibrant ecosystem, pooling resources, offering themed events, collective workshops, and personalised coaching.

Empowering SMEs Through IP: EBN’s Strategic Partnership with EUIPO

EBN is proud to strengthen its collaboration with the EUIPO, supporting EU|BICs and entrepreneurs across Europe in unlocking the value of intellectual property. As a key contributor to the Ideas Powered for Business SME Fund, EBN promotes strategic IP use to boost SME innovation, competitiveness, and growth.

2025 EU|BIC Award finalist: Greece-Türkiye Hackathon 2024-2025

The Greece-Türkiye Hackathon 2024-2025 is an innovative initiative designed to foster cross-border collaboration, embodying a mantra of Together for a Sustainable Future.

Organised by Bilişim Vadisi and Th.E.A, this hackathon brings together innovators aged 18-35 from Greece and Turkey. Focusing on smart cities, the hackathon addresses common challenges such as sustainable urban mobility, waste management, disaster prevention, and energy-efficient infrastructures. This initiative received valuable support from local and national authorities and chambers of commerce to ensure a broad impact.

Meet the nominees of the EU|BIC Excellence Award 2025: Green Transition 

With 14 impressive applications submitted, narrowing it down to just 5 nominees was no easy task. Each programme brought forward bold ideas and powerful initiatives – a clear sign of the vibrant innovation ecosystem driving Europe’s green transition. Today, we’re proud to unveil the top 5 innovation and entrepreneurship support programmes leading the charge in a green transition!