EIC Scaling Club hosted a Webinar on 26 November 2024 about the opportunities proposed by the EIC International Trade Fairs Programme 3.0 (ITF). This initiative aims to support its beneficiaries in their commercialisation strategy in global markets – it opens business avenues through participation in renowned trade fairs in the EU, the Middle East, and the USA.  

This webinar discussed the scaling opportunities presented by ITF events, providing insights into the 2025 event schedule and a step-by-step guide on the application process. Here, we present the highlights and the key learnings from the online event.

EIC ITF Programme: Scale-ups’ gateway to global markets

The EIC Scaling Club offers invaluable resources and opportunities to its Club Members seeking to expand globally. The EIC supports companies across critical sectors such as Cleantech, Biotech, Health, and Industrial Technologies, helping them navigate both EU and international markets, including the USA and MENA regions. 

Through the EIC ITF and soft landing 3.0 program, Club Members gain access to tailored mentorship, strategic networking, and increased visibility at prestigious international trade fairs. These fairs, in addition to the soft-landing program, increase business opportunities within and beyond Europe and ultimately accelerate their ability to scale. 

Through the EIC ITF and soft-landing program, the EIC ensures that companies benefit from dedicated matchmaking services, helping  members connect with relevant business contacts and fostering high-value relationships that drive growth. 

The EIC companies also benefit from pre-departure coaching, where they receive guidance on refining their market strategies, preparing promotional materials, and enhancing their overall business readiness. Coaching sessions also help companies refine their pitch and value proposition, which is essential for attracting potential investors, corporates, clients, and partners.

EIC trade fairs – an exclusive matchmaking and visibility opportunity

ITF trade fairs offer EIC Scaling Club members invaluable opportunities to showcase their innovations and accelerate their business growth. Trade fairs within the program provide an exceptional platform for companies to: 

• Showcase their innovations at the EIC Pavilion, 
• Network and learn from industry experts, 
• Present their innovative solutions to potential investors and partners. 

Exclusive EIC networking events are organised regularly. This exposure allows members to connect with key stakeholders, explore market opportunities, and gain insights into industry trends. 

Post-event follow-up services further enhance the experience, providing contact lists, outreach assistance, and post-mission coaching, ensuring long-term value from participation. 

Tips for crafting a strong application

Did we convince you that the EIC ITF program is a powerful way to drive your business growth? Now, let’s look into the best practices for application to this program. 

To maximise success, members are encouraged to align their offerings with the mission's focus and ensure that their business objectives are clearly defined. 

Applications should demonstrate:

• A strong internationalisation plan, 
• A proven product-market fit, 
• The potential impact of participation. 

Companies that effectively showcase their commercialisation efforts, market research, and strategic alignment with EU goals stand the best chance of being selected for missions.

Don’t miss upcoming ITF events!

The upcoming ITF business opportunities, including major trade fairs like CES, MWC, GITEX, and MEDICA, present prime occasions for companies to build their international presence. Applications for registrations are open or will open soon, and EIC Scaling Club members will be duly informed to ensure they can apply in due time. Other interested companies can follow the information and open calls here. 

By engaging with the EIC Scaling Club and participating in the EIC ITF program, you can leverage these resources to accelerate your scale-up’s internationalisation, enhance your market positioning, and achieve sustainable growth on a global scale.

About the EIC Scaling Club

The EIC Scaling Club is a curated community where 120+ European deep tech scale-ups with the potential to build world-class businesses and solve major global challenges come together with investors, corporate innovators and other industry stakeholders to spur growth.

The top 120+ European deep tech companies will be carefully selected from a pool of high-growth scale-ups that have benefitted from EIC financial schemes, other European and national innovation programmes, and beyond.

The EIC Scaling Club is an EIC-funded initiative run in partnership by Tech Tour, Bpifrance (EuroQuity), Hello Tomorrow, Tech.eu (Webrazzi), EurA and IESE Business School.

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