On 23 October 2025, the European Commission and the Union for Mediterranean will host the Innovation Fair – Enabling That Step Forward, an international event designed to showcase and connect innovative actors from Europe, Africa, and the Mediterranean.
Pre-registration is currently open!
The Innovation Fair will be a significant stakeholder event in the context of the implementation of two major multilateral regional policy initiatives on Research and Innovation (R&I): the 10-year joint AU-EU Innovation Agenda (2023-2033) and the upcoming New Pact for the Mediterranean, along with the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) R&I Roadmaps.
The Innovation Fair aims to strengthen collaboration between innovation ecosystems across continents by linking innovators with public and private funders, policymakers, and research and innovation stakeholders. Through a combination of matchmaking sessions, networking opportunities, and dedicated presentations, participants will be able to identify partners, explore investment opportunities, and enhance the visibility of their innovative products and services.
For the Euro-Mediterranean Hub for R&I and its members, the Innovation Fair represents a valuable opportunity to engage with emerging innovation trends, discover new partnership prospects, and strengthen ties with African and European ecosystems. By participating, Hub members can both showcase their expertise and expand their networks, contributing to the broader objective of fostering a more connected and competitive Euro-Mediterranean innovation landscape.
The Fair will offer a unique platform for R&I stakeholders to present solutions to R&I investors with high potential for market uptake and societal impact. For startups and SMEs, the programme will feature an “Open Innovation Challenge”, offering targeted business support and incubation prizes. Expressions of interest to participate in the Challenge can be submitted through the following link. You can submit your application here
The event is structured in a hybrid format, enabling both physical participation in Brussels and online engagement. This approach ensures broad accessibility, fostering exchanges across regions and time zones while supporting inclusiveness in participation.
Further information, including programme updates and participation details, is available on the official event page: Innovation Fair – Enabling That Step Forward