The conference, which was staged for the ninth time in 2018 and has been a great success with over 2600 participants since 2009, invited researchers and entrepreneurs from North Rhine-Westphalia and regions in Europe to find new European research and innovation (R&I) partners for Horizon 2020 projects and/or to present their research results from EU-funded projects that are ready for commercialisation.
In 2018, the special partner regions were Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Israel, the Netherlands and Poland. However, the event was of course open to participants from all over the world!
There was also an exhibition entitled „Innovations for Europe based in North Rhine-Westphalia“.
The networking event was structured in parallel workshops focussing on six topics:
- Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)
- Nanotechnology, Materials and Manufacturing (NMM)
- Energy
- Sustainable Economy
- Life Sciences
- Transport
The event addressed especially universities and research institutes as well as small and medium-sized enterprises. Participants were invited to become involved in established and new technology networks between researchers, entrepreneurs and multipliers related to Horizon 2020. Giving a short presentation (ideas and/or results) or finding a partner by talking to decision-makers opened doors for new research and innovation projects in Europe with a focus on Horizon 2020.
Conference fee: € 120 (€ 95 one day) per person including VAT. Free participation for speakers in sessions 1 to 5.
Invoices will be despatched after the event. You can settle it in cash at our reception desk during the conference as well. We will issue a receipt.
Please note that the event organizer does NOT cover any travel expenses, costs for hotels etc.! We suggest, however, that you check whether such expenses count as eligible costs within your Horizon 2020 project.
The conference fee includes dinner on 15.03., lunch on 16.03., tea/coffee/cold drinks during the breaks, the „Düsseldorf by Night“ tour and the airport-venue shuttle (solely as provided by the organizers).
In order to follow up the event, we would appreciate some feedback from you, particularly about whether you have established any worthwhile contacts related to preparing proposals for Horizon 2020.
Contact persons
Dr. Bernd Janson
Telephone: 0049 208 30004-22
Email: bj(at)zenit.de
Heike Hoffzimmer
Telephone: 0049 208 30004-35
Email: hz(at)zenit.de
Melanie May
HGC GesundheitsConsult GmbH
The event‘s format is very interesting with lots of pitch presentations and great opportunities to discuss international innovation projects both with potential partners as well as competent consultants.
Prof. Dr. Michael Bongards
Faculty for Computer Science and Engineering Science Automation – Energy and Environment
I and my team use the platform to find new international contacts or deepen existing ones. It‘s an excellent starting point for technology partnerships and funding proposals, especially for Horizon 2020.