AEIP enables that step forward at the Innovation Fair
The Africa-Europe Innovation Platform (AEIP) took part in the Innovation Fair held at Maison de la Poste, Brussels, Belgium, on 23 October 2025. Under the theme “Enabling that step forward”, the event celebrated the vibrancy of cooperation between European, African and Mediterranean innovation ecosystems. It also supported the scaling up and de-risking of promising innovative solutions. The Fair built on the AU–EU Innovation Agenda (2023–2033), the New Pact for the Mediterranean, and the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) R&I Roadmaps.
Supporting Start-Ups and SMEs through Innovation Pitches
A key role for AEIP was the management of the Expressions of Interest (EOI) for Part 1 Pitchers, open to start-ups, SMEs and spin-offs working in the priority areas of the AU–EU Innovation Agenda and the UfM. More than 500 applications were received over the summer, highlighting the diversity of innovation acitivities across Africa, Europe and the Mediterranean region.
A dedicated Task Force composed of AEIP members (VC4A, EBN and Technopolis Africa), the European Commission Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, AUDA–NEPAD, EISMEA, the UfM, and the Global Service Facility reviewed and classified the submissions according to five priority areas:
- Green Transition (including Food and Nutrition Security, Sustainable Agriculture, Climate Change and Sustainable Energy)
- Public Health
- Innovation and Technology, and
- Capacities for Science.
Following this selection, 18 innovators presented two-minute pitches on their solutions to an audience of 500 participants on site and over 200 online. Some presenters joined remotely to share their ideas as well.
All selected pitchers are invited to take part in de-risking activities for SMEs hosted by VC4A, an AEIP partner. This includes access to VC4A’s Startup Academy, Mentor Marketplace, Investment Readiness Training and Curated Dealrooms. In addition, the winner of each priority area will be invited to pitch at upcoming SEADE events with investors.
Presenting the AEIP
Francie Sadeski, AEIP Project Coordinator, also presented the digital platform of the AEIP in the third pitching session, R&I Projects with Market- or Society-Ready Solutions, within the priority area of Innovation and Technology.
The AEIP maintained a dedicated stand throughout the event, showcasing the digital platform, facilitating user registrations and responding to questions about upcoming activities.
Through its active participation, the AEIP continues to strengthen the Africa–Europe–Mediterranean innovation ecosystem, advancing partnerships for a sustainable, inclusive and innovative future.
Join the AEIP to learn more and get involved.