Europe is home to thousands of innovative startups with the potential to transform industries and tackle global challenges. Yet, turning promising ideas into successful businesses requires much more than a good technology. It requires the right ecosystem.
That is why Open Horizons is pleased to support and participate in “Behind Every Start-up Success Story: How Ecosystems Shape Growth, Scale and Impact”, an official side event of Startup Fair 2026, organised by our sister projects INNOVATE-EU, WE-RISE and EPIC-X.
The event will take place on 16 September 2026 at Tech Park, Vilnius, Lithuania.
A conversation about Europe’s innovation ecosystem
Together, our projects share a common ambition: helping innovative startups access the funding, partnerships, expertise, and market opportunities they need to grow, validate their solutions, and reach the market.
That’s why this event will bring together founders, investors, policymakers, innovation agencies, accelerators, incubators, universities, clusters, and business support organisations to discuss one central question: what does Europe need to create more startup success stories?
Drawing on the experience of European initiatives supporting hundreds of startups across different sectors and regions, participants will exchange perspectives on how innovation ecosystems can become more connected, inclusive, and impactful.
Discussions will explore:
- How innovation ecosystems can better support startup growth and scaling
- What founders really need from investors, corporates, and support organisations
- Which support measures deliver the greatest impact
- How collaboration can strengthen Europe’s innovation competitiveness
- Lessons learned from successful European startup support initiatives
Continue the conversation
Participants are also invited to attend Startup Fair 2026 on 17 September, where innovative startups supported by WE-RISE, EPIC-X, and other European initiatives will showcase their solutions during dedicated pitching sessions.
Whether you are building a startup, investing in innovation, designing public policies, supporting entrepreneurs, or strengthening regional ecosystems, this event offers a unique opportunity to connect with the organisations shaping the future of European innovation.
👉 Register today and join us in Vilnius: https://eveeno.com/start-up_ecosystem_event
We look forward to meeting you and continuing the conversation on how stronger ecosystems can create stronger startups—and ultimately, a stronger Europe.