How can international partnerships for research and innovation projects be built effectively? Where can organisations find partners for joint initiatives under the Horizon Europe programme? These are precisely the needs addressed by the Horizon Europe Matchmaking Event, organised on 20 October during the Central European Technology Forum CETEF’26 in Poznań by the network of Industry Contact Points.
The event provides a platform for direct interaction between representatives of science, industry, public administration and innovation support organisations. Its objective is to facilitate cooperation, knowledge exchange and the creation of partnerships that can form the foundation of future European projects.
Since 2022, the Industry Contact Points have actively supported Polish organisations in strengthening their capacity to participate in Horizon Europe. Working closely with companies, research institutes and universities, they help identify funding opportunities, develop project competencies and establish relationships with partners across Europe.
One of the most important elements of this support is creating networking opportunities during major business, technological and scientific events. The Horizon Europe Matchmaking Event at CETEF’26 is a perfect example of this mission in action. It is a place where ideas meet expertise, and where conversations can evolve into international consortia addressing some of Europe’s most pressing challenges.
The Horizon Europe Matchmaking Event will take place on 20 October, the second day of CETEF’26, from 15:30 to 17:30.
The event is designed for representatives of:
companies and SMEs, startups, research institutes, universities, industry organisations, business support organisations, public administration institutions, who are interested in expanding international cooperation. Participants will have the opportunity to build connections in areas including:
- health,
- sustainable economy,
- Industry 4.0,
- innovative mobility technologies,
- clean energy,
- digitalisation,
- technology transfer.
Meetings will be held in a one-to-one format, allowing participants to present their expertise, identify common interests and discuss potential project collaborations.
The event will take place in Poznań as part of one of the region’s largest gatherings dedicated to emerging technologies, bringing together experts and practitioners to discuss technological challenges facing Poland and Europe.
Participation in the Horizon Europe Matchmaking Event is available exclusively to registered attendees of CETEF’26.
Industry Contact Points Where New Projects Begin
The presence of the Industry Contact Points at major technology and innovation events is no coincidence. These gatherings often serve as the birthplace of initiatives that later develop into European research and innovation projects.
The role of the Industry Contact Points is to support this process by connecting stakeholders, providing information on funding opportunities and creating conditions for long-term collaboration between project partners.
Joint Responses to Future Challenges
As the coordinator of the Industry Contact Points operating within six institutes of the Łukasiewicz Research Network, Łukasiewicz – ITECH has long been involved in initiatives supporting innovation in areas of strategic importance for Poland and the European Union.
These include:
- security and defence technologies,
- energy transition,
- digital transformation,
- advanced manufacturing,
- emerging technologies that strengthen economic competitiveness.
These areas are also closely aligned with the priorities of the Horizon Europe programme and ongoing discussions on the future framework for European research and innovation funding beyond 2027.
Need Support? Get in Touch with Our BPK Experts
Businesses, start-ups and organisations interested in Horizon Europe funding can access free support from BPK experts. We can help interpret call requirements, develop strong proposals, identify international partners and build effective project consortia.
Get in touch and keep an eye on our calendar for upcoming events and training sessions. >>>. This is an excellent opportunity to gain practical insights, discuss your project idea with experts and improve your chances of securing funding through European innovation programmes.
Łukasiewicz – ITECH Institute of Innovation and Technology coordinates the Industry Contact Points network. The project is co-funded under the initiative of the Minister of Science and Higher Education, Industry Contact Points for the Horizon Europe Framework Programme for Research and Innovation.