Networking Resources
Networking is a key enabler of research and innovation. It brings together experts from diverse fields, fostering collaborations that transform groundbreaking ideas into real-world solutions. For innovation within the ENVRI community, effective networking can be a catalyst for:
- Gaining fresh perspectives: Connecting professionals across disciplines to exchange insights and spark new ideas
- Promoting Collaboration: Building partnerships that share resources, expertise, and funding to advance research and accelerate innovation.
- Bridging Research and Application: Turn research into practical solutions that address industry and societal needs.
- Boosting Visibility: Enhance professional presence, establish credibility, and continue future innovations.
Strong networks create new opportunities, enabling impactful research and innovation. Explore the sections below to discover best practices, networking platforms, and key events that will help you expand your network, strengthen connections and drive innovation forward.
Networking Best Practices
Networking Platforms
Networking Events
Acknowledgements:
This section refers to publicly available resources developed through the following completed projects: RI-VIS and ENRIITC. Both projects received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreements No. 824063 and 871112, respectively.
More information about the RI-VIS project is available on the RI-VIS project website or on the CORDIS EU research results portal-RI-VIS.
Details about the ENRIITC project can be found on the CORDIS EU research results portal-ENRIITC.
Networking Best Practices
Understanding Networking in Research & Innovation
Networking in research and innovation refers to the process of building and maintaining professional relationships to foster collaboration, share knowledge, and create new opportunities. Unlike informal networking, structured networking often involves different kinds of events and partnership building platforms, designed to connect researchers, industry, and policymakers. Virtual and hybrid events have become popular for communication when there is limited ability to travel and meet in person.
Networking may find the form of:
- Partnership-building (or networking) Platform: this refers usually to a is a digital or structured framework designed to connect researchers, industry partners, policymakers, and innovation stakeholders to foster collaboration, exchange knowledge, and develop joint initiatives. These platforms can provide access to matchmaking tools, partner search databases, funding opportunities, and collaboration resources to streamline the process of forming research and innovation partnerships at regional, national, or international levels.
- One-to-one matchmaking meeting: short meetings between two parties of potential collaborators with the purpose to engage participants and give them opportunity to build relationships and to communicate their messages directly to a counterpart. Often facilitated by online platforms or brokerage events
- Brokerage Events: Specialized networking sessions, usually organized at conferences or as standalone events, where participants can schedule pre-arranged one-on-one meetings to explore potential collaborations.
- Partner Search Tools: Online databases that allow researchers and companies to find suitable project partners for Horizon Europe calls, technology transfer, or joint development.
- Webinar: online meeting or presentation held via the internet in real-time, usually of short duration, with two kinds of participants (speakers and audience), and limited interaction between them (usually written questions from the audience to the speakers).
- Workshop: meeting at which a group of people with a common interest engage in intensive discussion and co-creation or co-design on a particular subject or project. There is much more interaction between speakers and audience and the meeting is often coupled with networking face to face meetings. Workshops may have physical or digital, or hybrid formats.
- Virtual or physical exhibitions: an exhibition where participants are invited to market their offerings in a virtual platform.
Stakeholder Mapping & Targeted Outreach
Before initiating external collaborations, identify, categorize, and understand potential partners based on their roles, priorities, and decision-making processes.
- Identify relevant industry sectors, regulatory bodies, funding agencies, NGOs, and policy institutions that align with your research objectives.
- Utilize existing online networking platforms and partner search tools to identify potential project collaborators based on their research focus area and their involvement in past projects.
- Provide targeted referrals and social media networks. Be prepared to properly introduce your RI and overall ENVRI community capabilities. Refer to the ENVRI-HUB resources to introduce your research infrastructure’s capabilities, available catalogues of services and available resources and tools to support research and innovation. Share your RI website, ENVRI community website and professional social media links.
Effective Communication
Either you are networking with research partners, industry partners, governmental agents or policymakers, clear communication is key to build trust and foster collaboration.
- Be clear. Translate complex research and objectives into terms that resonate with non-specialists—focusing on solutions, societal benefits, environmental impact, and cost-effectiveness. Use concise language and if possible use visual aids and infographics.
- Adapt your communication style to match the expectations of different sectors and prepare clear value propositions: When engaging industry, emphasise on the innovation potential, market applications, and business benefits. For government partnerships, focus on policy alignment, regulatory compliance, and societal impact.
- It is always a two-way dialogue: actively listen to potential partners' needs, ask relevant questions, and seek feedback to create research collaborations that align with your potential partner goals.
- Do your storytelling: Present your research achievements and success stories, showcasing how past collaborations have led to impactful results. Clear Value Propositions: When engaging industry, emphasize innovation potential, market applications, and business benefits. For government partnerships, focus on policy alignment, regulatory compliance, and societal impact.
The RI-VIS project has created resources for guidance on communicating the role of European Research Infrastructures effectively. Explore the RI-VIS communication toolkit and learn more about creating a social media strategy, setting up a website , planning activities and measuring performance, or continue reading on the RI-VIS Toolkit.
Maximizing the Impact of Attending Networking Events
Attending brokerage events, B2B matchmaking sessions, and networking conferences is a valuable opportunity to connect with potential collaborators. However, without a strategy, it’s easy to leave an event feeling like you didn’t achieve what you set out to do.
Here’s how to get the most out of your time at networking events, whether meetings are pre-arranged or informal:
1. Do your research
Preparation is key to making the most of your time at an event. Having a game plan not only makes networking more efficient but also boosts your confidence.
- Check the attendance list: Identify key stakeholders, potential project partners, and industry representatives in advance. Many events provide lists of registered participants—use this to schedule priority meetings.
- Understand the event structure: Is it a free-flowing networking event, a pre-arranged matchmaking session, or a mix of both? Knowing the format will help you adapt your approach accordingly.
- Set clear objectives: Are you looking for industry collaboration, policy engagement, or research partnerships? Tailor your networking strategy to your specific goals.
Best Practice: Many networking platforms, partner search tools and EU-funded events provide opportunities for matchmaking sessions and pre-scheduled meetings. Register early and schedule meetings in advance to maximize your opportunities. Explore these opportunities on the dedicated sections of networking platforms and networking events.
- Update your professional profile
Before attending a networking event, ensure your online and offline profiles are up to date—this is often the first impression potential collaborators and industry partners will have of your resume, business card, website, LinkedIn, portfolio, and social media accounts should reflect your current expertise, achievements, and collaboration interests. If you have accounts in several social media platforms, you can use https://linktr.ee/ to give access to all your online pages.
- Refine your Pitch
You may only have a few minutes to make an impression, so having a well-prepared, concise introduction is essential.
- Refine your key message: Clearly explain who you are, what you do, and what you are looking for in a short, engaging way.
- Practice your pitch with someone who can provide feedback—do you sound clear, confident, and engaging? If you don’t have a practice partner, record yourself on your phone or camera and watch it back. It may feel odd at first, but it helps refine your tone, delivery, and clarity.
- Tailor your pitch depending on your audience—use research-driven language when talking to academics and highlight market impact when speaking to industry representatives.
4. Engage with People
- Even if someone doesn’t seem like an obvious collaborator, a simple conversation can lead to unexpected opportunities.
- Start casual conversations: Don’t hesitate to introduce yourself to the person next to you—sometimes the best connections come from unexpected places.
- Be genuinely curious: Ask people about their work, their challenges, and what they are looking for at the event—networking is a two-way street.
- Make connections beyond immediate needs: Even if the person you’re speaking to isn’t a direct fit for your project, they may know someone who is.
- Treat networking as an exploration rather than a transaction, meaningful conversations create lasting professional relationships.
- Listen with attention, each encounter is a learning opportunity
- Contact them after the event or ask for their contact in LinkedIn.
5. Act Quickly-Identify potential partners
While engaging with different people is valuable, prioritizing key conversations is just as important.
- Time management is critical at brokerage events. Make a list of 3-5 priority meetings, but stay open to serendipitous opportunities.
- Know when to move on: If a conversation isn’t leading toward a relevant collaboration, politely conclude it and continue networking. Have an exit strategy: A simple “It was great speaking with you—let’s stay in touch” followed by exchanging contact details ensures a smooth transition.
- Stay focused on your objectives: Balance networking with structured meetings and avoid getting side tracked for too long.
- Assess the potential. After a conversation, determine if there’s a real opportunity for collaboration—does their expertise align with your research needs?
- Before the event ends, let the potential partner know you’d like to continue the discussion in a more structured way.
- Exchange contact information: Make sure to exchange business cards, LinkedIn profiles, or emails to keep the communication open.
6. Enjoy the Event & Make the Most of It!
Networking events are not just about professional gains—they are also opportunities to learn, explore, and exchange ideas with fascinating people. The best connections often happen in relaxed, informal settings—so don’t underestimate the power of post-event networking activities.
- Relax and be yourself: People connect better with genuine, approachable individuals rather than overly formal interactions.
- Take advantage of event perks: Whether it’s a casual coffee break or a social dinner, use these informal moments to build relationships naturally.
- Stay open to new ideas: Not all networking leads to immediate collaboration, but every connection enriches your knowledge and professional circle.
7. Follow Up & Stay Connected
Attending a networking event is just the beginning—turning an initial conversation into a structured collaboration requires timely follow-up and clear next steps. Once you’ve engaged with a potential partner, streamline the transition from networking to partnership discussions by taking the following steps:
- Maintain a networking tracker to log who you met, what you discussed, any scheduled meetings and action points and on-going conversations.
- Send a follow-up email or LinkedIn message within a few days, referencing your conversation and proposing next steps such as scheduling a meeting.
- Stay engaged: Keep in touch periodically by sharing relevant news, articles, or project updates.
- Be proactive: If a potential collaboration was discussed, follow up with a proposal, additional information, or a request for a follow-up call.
- Once you have secured a follow-up meeting, start collaboration planning utilising collaboration tools:
- Before the follow-up meeting, fill in a draft Collaboration Canvas with initial ideas to provide a starting point for discussion. Find the Collaboration Canvas here.
- Use the Collaboration Checklist to evaluate feasibility and alignment early in the conversation. Find it here.
- After the follow-up meeting, outline the immediate actions both parties need to take to move forward.
- Formalize the Collaboration: If there’s mutual interest, consider drafting a simple Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) or NDA Agreement as a first step to clarify objectives and secure confidentiality.
Find more on the Collaboration Agreements guide here
- Stay Engaged: Keep communication open, share updates, and continue building the relationship beyond the initial discussions.
Industrial Engagement
Why it is important?
Collaboration with industry -either it is a supplier, user, co-creator or technology transfer partner) offers mutual benefits. It enables research infrastructures to access new funding sources, apply scientific knowledge to real-world challenges, and contribute to innovation and commercialization, whereas industry partners, benefit from cutting-edge research, advanced technologies, and specialized expertise to develop new products, improve processes, and meet regulatory demands.
How to connect with Industry?
Industry partnerships require a different networking approach compared to academic collaborations because objectives, motivations, communication styles, and expectations differ:
- Demonstrate relevance: clearly show how your research can solve real-world problems, regulatory challenges, or business needs.
- Use industry-friendly language: avoid overly technical descriptions—frame research findings as solutions to industry challenges.
- Engage in the right networking spaces: attend brokerage events, EU industry matchmaking sessions, and innovation forums where businesses actively seek research partnerships.
- Highlight Technology Readiness: Industry partners often prioritize projects at TRL 5-9, as they are closer to market deployment.
- Leverage Technology Transfer opportunities: Best position your research for licensing, commercialization, or joint product development.
How to organise a networking event for Industrial engagement?
Industry collaboration doesn’t happen by chance—it requires structured engagement strategies.
The ENRIITC project, The European Network of Research Infrastructures & Industry for Collaboration, has created a practical guide that describes a practical step-by-step set of recommendations for Industrial Liaison Officers (ILOs) or Industrial Contact Officers (ICOs) to organise brokerage events and networking events of different kinds with the purpose of fostering collaboration between industry and research infrastructures in different areas (e.g. industry as a supplier, user, co-creator or technology transfer partner)
Highlights of the guide include:
- a practical step-by-step guide before the event
- a practical step-by-step guide: during the event
- a practical step-by-step guide after the event
- examples of useful digital tools for the event
- examples of past networking events
Find more here: Practical Step-by-step guide for ILOs and ICOs to organise brokerage events
After the event and upon planning a potential collaboration, find support on collaboration planning, by using the Toolbox’s collaboration tools and collaboration agreements guide.
Networking platforms
Supporting partnership building and Innovation
Networking platforms play a crucial role in connecting researchers, industry partners, funding agencies, and policymakers across Europe and beyond. These platforms provide matchmaking opportunities, funding resources, and innovation support to help stakeholders form partnerships, develop joint projects, and commercialize research outcomes.
Whether you are looking to expand your research collaborations, engage with industry or navigate the innovation landscape, these networking platforms offer a range of tools and services to support your journey.
Find examples of these platforms commonly used in the EU Innovation ecosystem:
The EU research and innovation community platform
About
The Research & Innovation Community is a comprehensive online platform developed by the European Commission to facilitate collaboration and information exchange among stakeholders in the European research and innovation ecosystem. The platform is tailored for researchers and innovators across all sectors from EU and beyond who are actively involved in or interested in driving the European research and innovation agenda.
What It Offers:
- Events & Webinars: Stay informed about upcoming conferences, workshops, and digital events that promote networking and knowledge sharing.
- Funding & Partnership Opportunities: Discover calls for proposals, funding schemes, and collaborative initiatives to support research and innovation.
- Collaborative Tools: Engage in discussions and connect with experts across various sectors through dedicated interactive forums and resources.
For more details: Home | The research and innovation community platform
Booster
About
Booster is a free-of-charge initiative from the European Commission designed to help EU-funded research projects convert their findings into valuable, tangible outcomes. Booster services are available for beneficiaries to help them with their research results at all levels of technology readiness, in any scientific or technological field. Depending on the types of results, the coaching provided can help launch an innovation on the market, disseminate relevant findings to policy makers, or identify opportunities for further applied research.
Booster Services are available to: an EU-funded project, a group of EU-funded projects with certain commonalities that allow for joint dissemination and exploitation actions, an organisation within an EU-funded project, a group of organisations within an EU-funded project. Booster services are provided by: companies META group (lead) + EURICE, ICONS, PNO Consultants, PPMI, Trust-IT. The implementation timeframe is 2024 to 2028.
What it offers?
- Personalised Support: From initial consultation to ongoing mentoring, Booster Mentors are available to guide users through every step of the way.
- D&E Building Blocks: Benefit from core services in dissemination and go-to-market strategies.
- D&E Add-Ons: Choose from a range of complementary services, including networking, portfolio analysis, and public speaking coaching.
More about the Booster Services.
More details and how to apply here: Booster
The EU Innovation Radar Platform
About
The EU Innovation Radar is a European Commission initiative designed to identify high-potential innovations and innovators emerging from EU-funded research and innovation projects. Its primary goal is to make the outputs of EU innovation funding visible and accessible to every citizen, public official, professional, and business person. Innovation Radar is tailored for a broad audience including citizens, public officials, researchers, professionals, business persons, investors, and innovation managers interested in discovering and supporting EU-funded innovations.
What It Offers:
- Visibility of Innovations: Provides access to EU-funded project outputs, allowing users to explore ground-breaking innovations.
- Data-Driven Insights: Leverages information gathered by independent experts who review projects under programs such as Horizon Europe, Horizon 2020, LIFE Programme, FP7, and CIP. These experts evaluate the innovations and assess their market potential using the Innovation Radar methodology (available here)
- Ecosystem Support: Aims to foster a dynamic ecosystem of incubators, entrepreneurs, funding agencies, and investors, facilitating the rapid transition of innovations to the market.
- Support Mechanisms: Supported by Dealflow.eu to further support high-potential innovators and recognizes outstanding achievements through the Innovation Radar prize scheme.
More details here: Innovation Radar .
Enterprise Europe Network
About
Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) is a European Commission initiative designed to support businesses by providing tailored advisory services, networking opportunities, and innovation support. The platform helps companies overcome challenges, access EU funding, and drive international growth through connections with expert advisers, research institutions, and potential business partners.
The EEN is tailored for:
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) aiming to expand globally
- Large companies seeking innovative partnerships
- Research institutions and technology transfer offices
- Public organizations and innovation centers
- Stakeholders looking to capitalize on the opportunities provided by EU-funded research and innovation
What It Offers:
- Expert Advisory Services: Guidance on EU funding, business strategy, innovation management, and market access.
- Networking Opportunities: Connections with potential business partners, research organizations, and technology providers across Europe and beyond through active partnering and events databases.
- Innovation Support: Assistance with technology transfer, R&D collaboration, and leveraging research outcomes for competitive advantage.
- Practical Tools and Resources: Access to up-to-date market intelligence, regulatory advice, and tailored information to navigate international markets.
More details here: EEN.
Find EEN partnering opportunities
Find here the database for the EEN brokerage events :
EEN video: What is “Brokerage event”?
European Technology Platforms (ETPs)
About
European Technology Platforms (ETPs) are initiatives which are particularly aimed at industry and offer interesting opportunities for international networking. They bring together businesses, researchers, policymakers, and other stakeholders to define research and innovation priorities in specific technology sectors. ETPs aim to drive competitiveness, economic growth, and job creation in Europe, aligned with European policies and funding programs, such as Horizon Europe.
ETPs are grouped by themes, with several directly related to environmental research. Access the links below for more information:
European Steel Technology Platform (ESTEP) – Decarbonization of industry
Water Europe – Sustainable water management & technologies
The Forest-Based Sector Technology Platform (FTP) – Forest-based bioeconomy
Overview ETP — ERA-LEARN – Sustainable agriculture & plant science
Big Data Value Association (BDVA) – AI & data-driven innovation
European Technology Platform for High-Performance Computing (ETP4HPC) – Supercomputing for environmental data processing
What it offers:
- Strategic Research Roadmaps → RIs can access sector-specific R&D priorities that align with European policy goals (e.g., sustainability, digitalization, and circular economy).
- Collaboration & Networking → Opportunities to connect with industry, policymakers, and research institutions for joint research initiatives.
- Innovation & Technology Transfer → A platform to showcase cutting-edge research and innovations in environmental monitoring, climate change, and sustainable resource management.
- Policy Engagement → A voice in shaping EU R&D policies related to environmental research, green technologies, and digital transformation.
- EU Funding Alignment → Insights into upcoming funding calls and strategic input for Horizon Europe, LIFE Programme, and other European funding schemes.
Access here full list of the ETPs .
Euro-Mediterranean Hub for R&I
About
EuroMEdHub is a comprehensive, one-stop portal designed to foster the exchange of knowledge and data among research and innovation (R&I) stakeholders across the Mediterranean region. The platform centralizes key information—ranging from research results and best practices to policy papers and publications—and offers a portfolio of collaborative opportunities tailored to address challenges in the priority areas of climate change, renewable energies, and health.
The platform is designed for a wide range of users, including:
- Research institutions and academic bodies
- Policy makers and government agencies
- Industry players, including SMEs and large companies
- Funding agencies and innovation support organisations
- Collaborative networks and cluster organisations across the Mediterranean region
What It Offers:
- Centralized Information Hub: A resources repository of research findings, policy documents, and best practices that inform and inspire.
- Collaboration Portfolios: Curated funding opportunities, networking events, and access to databases of networks and cluster organisations.
- Priority Focus Areas: Dedicated content and roadmaps addressing critical challenges such as water scarcity, sustainable agriculture, biodiversity, renewable energy integration, and evolving health needs.
- Guidance Tools: Strategic roadmaps aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the 2030 Agenda, guiding stakeholders through effective R&I implementation.
More details about the EuroMEdHub
Partners search tools
The Funding & Tenders Opportunities Portal: It covers programmes implemented under direct management. The partner search tool helps you find partners for your project among the many participants of past EU projects. You will be able to select an organisation based on their profile or their previous participation. Access more details here: The Funding & Tenders Opportunities Portal.
GREENET Partner Search Tool (Horizon Cluster 5): an online database dedicated to connecting organizations interested in Horizon Europe projects within Cluster 5 (Climate, Energy, and Mobility). It facilitates virtual one-to-one meetings and consortium building. More details here: GREENET Partner Search Tool .
CARE4BIO Brokerage Platform (Horizon Cluster 6): specifically designed for Horizon Europe Cluster 6 (Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment), this tool supports bilateral matchmaking and organizes brokerage events to help form strong project consortia. More details here: CARE4BIO Brokerage ..
EURAXESS Partnering Portal: A platform where organizations can register and express interest in collaborating on Horizon Europe proposals, making it easier for others to find you. More details here: EURAXESS Partnering Portal:.
Networking Events
Opportunities for Connection and Collaboration
Industry & Entrepreneurship Events
ENVRI Domain Events
Industry & Entrepreneurship events
Events that facilitate the networking with industrial partners
EU Industry Days
Target Audience: industry, academia, policymakers
Type: annual, in-person
Website: EU Industry Days 2025
The EU Industry Days are Europe’s flagship annual event focussing on key industrial policy discussions, connecting industrial frontrunners, and boosting the knowledge base of European industry. It serves as an open forum to discuss industrial challenges and co-create solutions and policy responses in an inclusive dialogue with a wide range of partners from industry, EU countries, civil society organisations, universities, and citizens. The event features several parallel sessions, an exhibition to showcase EU innovation, and a a dedicated matchmaking area where participants will also be able to find partners and unlock new business and cooperation
Why Attend?
- Showcase how ENVRIs can support industry through data, expertise, and advanced research facilities Participate in discussions shaping the role of research infrastructures in industrial innovation and sustainable development.
- Engage with potential industry partners in energy, climate, digital transformation, and sustainability sectors to explore joint research and technology transfer opportunities.
- Gain insights into EU industrial strategies, funding programs and sustainability goals relevant to ENVRI’s mission.
- Understand emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities where ENVRI research can support industrial innovation.
EUSPA Industry Days
Target Audience: industry, academia, policymakers
Type: annual, hybrid
Website: Homepage | EUSPA Industry Days 2025
The European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) Industry Days is a key networking and collaboration event focusing on space-enabled innovation, market opportunities, and industrial partnerships.
Why Attend?
- Explore opportunities in Earth Observation & Environmental Monitoring: engage with Copernicus, Galileo, and EGNOS stakeholders to enhance satellite-based research and environmental data applications. ENVRI members can position their infrastructures as key partners in data-driven innovation, climate monitoring, and sustainable development using satellite technology and geospatial analytics.
- Connect with industry & policy experts: meet space technology providers, SMEs, start-ups, and decision-makers to discuss joint R&D opportunities.
- Learn about Horizon Europe funding calls, commercialization pathways, and space-based solutions for environmental challenges.
European Conference on Innovation and Entrepreneurship (ECIE)
Target Audience: industry, academia, policymakers
Type: annual, hybrid
Website: ECIE • Academic Conferences International
The European Conference on Innovation and Entrepreneurship (ECIE) is a prominent academic conference that has been held annually for 19 years. The conference serves as a vital forum for scholars, researchers, entrepreneurs, and practitioners to explore the latest trends, research findings, and practical applications in the fields of innovation and entrepreneurship. In 2025 conference, focus will be given on the critical role that businesses can play in creating social value and topics such as social entrepreneurship, nature-based solutions (NBS), and responsible business practices will be at the forefront of the discussion. These approaches not only aim to solve pressing issues like climate change and social inequality but also help redefine the very nature of business itself.
Why attend?
This event is a great opportunity for the EVRI community to connect with industrial stakeholders in thematic topics that have many to offer.
- ENVRIs can demonstrate the need to bridge the gap between research and application by highlighting real-world applications of environmental research, from climate solutions to circular economy initiatives.
- Can engage with Industry by present how they can contribute to sustainable business practices, open innovation, and technology transfer and by showcase how data, research services, and technological expertise can contribute to startups, corporate sustainability efforts, and funding consortia.
Sustainability LIVE London
Target Audience: industry, academia, sustainability professionals, policymakers
Type: annual, hybrid
Website: Sustainability Live 2025
Sustainability Live is a premier global event series that brings together sustainability leaders, innovators, and solution providers to accelerate progress towards environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals. With a focus on net-zero strategies, green technologies, ESG compliance, and corporate sustainability practices, the event offers high-level panels, live networking, and in-depth insight into sustainable business solutions. The event includes both in-person and virtual networking lounges for 1:1 and group meetings.
Why Attend?
- ENVRIs could showcase how they can support corporate sustainability strategies with climate and environmental data, scenario analysis, and research-driven solutions.
- Network with sustainability leaders from industry sectors like energy, manufacturing, transport, and finance, to explore joint actions and technology integration.
- Position ENVRI as a research partner in the ESG and green innovation space, especially in climate monitoring, carbon accounting, and environmental impact assessments.
- Identify trends and collaboration opportunities in digital sustainability, circular economy, and nature-based solutions aligned with ENVRI missions.
Start-up and other entrepreneurship events
Start-up and other entrepreneurship events are useful to ENVRIs because they provide opportunities to researchers to connect their work with real-world applications, industry leaders and potential funding sources. This way they can formulate industry collaborations, and commercialise their research.
Explore below recommendations of start-up and other entrepreneurship events:
- European Business and Innovation Centre Network Congress
Gathering of European incubators, accelerators, science parks, innovation centers, and innovation supporters of all kinds.
For more details, visit the website: European Business and Innovation Centre Network Congress.
- EU-Startups Summit
Startups & Investors event offering networking, inspiration and learning
For more details, visit the website: EU-Startups Summit.
- VivaTech
Startup & Tech Event offering business acceleration, networking, and inspiration.
For more details, visit the website: VivaTech .
- Mashup
Exclusive startup conference in Europe limited to invites only
For more details, visit the website: Mashup.
- Slush
Slush is a globally recognized startup and tech event held annually in Helsinki, Finland. It serves as a platform for startups, investors, and industry leaders to connect, network, and showcase innovations
For more details, visit the website Slush.
- 4YFN Barcelona
4YFN (Four Years From Now) is a leading force within the startup ecosystem, boosting new ventures through connections, exposure, and investment opportunities.
For more details, visit the website 4YFN Barcelona.
- Web Summit
Web Summit is one of the world's largest and most influential technology conferences, held annually in Lisbon, Portugal. It brings together startups, investors, industry leaders, and policymakers to discuss the latest trends in tech, business, and innovation.
For more details, visit the website Web Summit.
- Reflect Festival
Tech & entrepreneurship event for startups, investors and decision-makers connecting Europe, Africa and the Middle East.
For more details, visit the website Reflect Festival.
- Nordeep-deep tech business summit
Deep tech business meeting for startups
For more details, visit the website Nordeep-deep tech business summit.
ENVRI Domain Events
ENVRI Domain Events: Opportunities for Networking & Collaboration
This section provides an overview of key events where the ENVRI community can network, showcase research, and explore new collaboration opportunities. These events primarily connect research infrastructures with academic peers, but many also feature industry engagement, policymaker discussions, and innovation-focused sessions through matchmaking events, exhibitions, and side sessions.
Attending these events allows ENVRI members to:
Expand professional networks, by engaging with researchers, policymakers, industry leaders, and funding bodies to foster new collaborations.
Enhance industry engagement by making connections with businesses and technology providers to explore innovation and commercialization pathways.
Showcase ENVRI research & services capabilities, by presenting technological capabilities, environmental data services, and contributions to scientific advancements.
Identify funding & project opportunities for Horizon Europe calls, industry collaborations, and policy-driven research initiatives.
Stay Informed on scientific & policy developments by learning about emerging trends, funding priorities, and technological innovations in environmental research.
Below is a selection of key ENVRI-relevant events that provide valuable platforms for networking, knowledge exchange, and collaboration across academia, industry, and policy sectors.
International Conference on Research Infrastructures (ICRI)
ENVRI domain: all RIs, multidomain
Target Audience: research infrastructures
Type: biannual, in-person & on-line
Website: ICRI 2024
ICRI2024 brings together invited policymakers, research institution leaders, research infrastructure operators and users from around the world. Participants explore trends in research infrastructures, including the use of emerging digital technologies, opportunities for expanding global partnerships, and contributions to the mitigation and adaptation of climate change.
AGU Annual Meeting
ENVRI domain: multidomain
Target Audience: Research infrastructures, researchers, policymakers, industry professionals
Type: Annual, in-person & online
Website: AGU Annual Meeting
The AGU annual Meeting is one of the largest international conferences in the Earth and space sciences, convening thousands of scientists, educators, policymakers, and industry experts from around the globe. This event offers a platform for presenting research findings, exploring emerging scientific trends, and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration.
EGU General Assembly
ENVRI domain: multidomain
Target Audience: research infrastructures, researchers, policymakers, industry
Type: annual, in-person & on-line
Website: EGU25 - Home
The EGU General Assembly 2025 brings together geoscientists from all over the world to one meeting covering all disciplines of the Earth, planetary, and space sciences. The EGU aims to provide a forum where scientists, can present their work and discuss their ideas with experts in all fields of geoscience.
The event includes opal, poster and PICO presentations with many networking opportunities, a large exhibition of mixed sector both research institutions and industries with exhibitors catalogues provided in advance to plan your meetings. Side sessions can be arranged by participants with matchmaking sessions and trainings.
Annual Meeting of the European Meteorological Society (EMS Annual Meeting)
ENVRI domain: atmosphere
Target Audience: research infrastructures, researchers
Type: annual, in-person & on-line
Website: EMS2024 - Home
The EMS is the association of Meteorological Societies in Europe. The network consists of 38 Member Societies and 31 Associate Members. The EMS is a non-profit-making organisation. The EMS Annual Meetings attract more than 600 people each year from all sectors of the field.
OCEANS Visions
ENVRI domain: marine
Target Audience: research infrastructures, researchers
Type: biennial, in-person & on-line
Website: Ocean Visions Biennial Summit 2025 | Ocean Visions
The Summit will be an exceptional opportunity to advance the sharing of knowledge and solutions to critical challenges at the ocean-climate nexus. During this action-oriented event, global and local scientists, policymakers, innovators, funders, and others will converge to explore solutions and strengthen partnerships that can help restore our ocean and stabilize the climate.
OCEANS Annual conference
ENVRI domain: marine
Target Audience: Research infrastructures, ocean engineers, technologists, policymakers, researchers, industry professionals, government, and military
Type: annual, in-person
Website: OCEANS – Halifax Conference
OCEANS is an annual event for global marine technologists, engineers, students, government officials, lawyers, and advocates. At OCEANS 2024 Halifax, industry leaders gathered for four days to highlight relevant topics and trends while creating a community of learners and influencers who consistently advance research, practices, and policies for the marine field.
European Maritime Day
ENVRI domain: marine
Target Audience government, NGOs, industry, academia
Type: annual, in-person
Website: European Maritime Day - European Commission
The European Marine Day (EMD) offers an interactive platform to delve into discussions on diverse issues concerning the blue economy and marine environment. With engaging speakers, thematic sessions, stakeholder workshops, and pitch sessions organized by both stakeholders and the European Commission, EMD aims to propel conversations forward. This event is tailored for professionals from businesses, governments, public institutions, NGOs, academia, and EU citizens passionate about the sea.
ESA living planet symposium
ENVRI domain: multi-domain
Target Audience: government, NGOs, industry, academia
Type: triannual, in-person
Website: ESA living planet symposium
The event provides a forum to present and discuss the latest scientific findings and applications based on satellite data, and to review the contribution that data and technologies have made and could further make in addressing environmental and societal challenges. The symposium will showcase innovative products, services, missions and initiatives, with the overarching goal of demonstrating how science, society, policy-making, businesses and the economy can all benefit from observations made from space.
Global Climate Change Conference (GCCC)
ENVRI domain: multi-domain
Target Audience: researchers, academia, environmental scientists, policy experts, NGOs
Type: annual, in-person (location varies)
Website: Global Climate Change Conference
The Global Climate Change Conference is a key international academic event bringing together researchers, climate experts, environmental professionals, and policy stakeholders to share the latest findings, solutions, and strategies addressing climate change. Topics include climate science, adaptation and mitigation, sustainable development, energy transitions, and climate policy. The conference includes keynote speeches, technical sessions, and networking opportunities. ENVRIs members can attend and strengthen collaborations across multi-environment domains to support transdisciplinary climate research, while gain visibility for ENVRI contributions to climate change science and policy support, especially in relation to the EU Green Deal, SDGs, and international climate frameworks (IPCC, UNFCCC).
Stay informed and explore upcoming events that are announced regularly by the platforms below:
- The Research & Innovation Community Platform: A central hub for EU-funded research events, including conferences, matchmaking sessions, and policy discussions.
- Copernicus Events: A dedicated platform for Earth observation and environmental research events