A concrete opportunity for hi-tech innovative companies in Centrope is arising from the Eurecan European Venture Contest (EEVC) Semi Final hosted by ITD Hungary and NKTH in Budapest on October 28. 10 winners will get a free ticket to present themselves at the European Venture Summit in Düsseldorf on Nov 30 – Dec 1. They will also become a part of the EEVC Top 100, out of 25 most promising companies will be selected by a jury for the final in Barcelona (90,000 euros cash prize) in December.
The contest is organised by Europe Unlimited, our long-term partner located in Brussels, that has been working in this field for more than 10 years. Some readers may remember Steven Carlson and me assisting local companies from Hungary and Czech Republic to present their ventures at similar events a few years ago. This is where the efforts around the European Venture Forums turned into.
The EEVC aim is to identify, promote and reward the most innovative early stage companies in Europe with breakthrough innovation in ICT, Cleantech and Healthcare technology or services with international ambition and potential. 25 finalists will be selected within six semi-finals – to be held in Dusseldorf, Pamplona, Budapest, Turin, Luxembourg and Lisbon – and get a chance to network with investors, industry leaders and potential partners.
Last year 700 entrepreneurs were registered and 259 companies from 24 countries presented their businesses. So far the only two companies from Centrope qualified into the finals were RF-iT Solutions (Austria) in 2006 and Direct Pay (Czechia) in 2008. The Budapest location is a chance to bring there more. The deadline for online applications is October 16 (updated on Oct 12) and I guess it worths at least a try. All presenting companies have free access.
Disclosure: You may remember my post about the EVC Prague semi-final last year where I participated as a reviewer. This time Steve Carlson is going to be one of the reviewers in Budapest.
The deadline for applications has been moved to October 16.
This year’s final in Düsseldorf will host two Czech startups, us (@askaroundcz) and @ontheroadto. Keep fingers crossed :)
I've been Googling for the results of the Düsseldorf round, but haven't been able to find any information. Please keep us appraised of your progress, Honza.
Don't be confused here. The final was held in Barcelona. Dusseldorf was just another venture focused event where the best companies from semifinals were invited for free. As far as I know no Czech start-up made it to the final, nevertheless those two had a success anyway.
I've been Googling for the results of the Düsseldorf round, but haven't been able to find any information. Please keep us appraised of your progress, Honza.