How ecosystems drive start-up success: Meetup at Startup Fair 2026

The European Clusters Alliance (ECA) is pleased to recommend “Behind Every Start-up Success Story: How Ecosystems Shape Growth, Scale and Impact”, taking place on 16 September 2026 at Tech Park, Vilnius (Lithuania). Organised by the European projects INNOVATE-EU, WE-RISE and EPIC-X, the event is an official side event of Startup Fair 2026 and offers an excellent opportunity for cluster organisations to exchange knowledge and strengthen Europe’s innovation ecosystems.

About the event

Clusters are key actors in helping start-ups turn innovative ideas into successful businesses. By connecting entrepreneurs with industry, investors, research organisations, universities and public authorities, they create the collaborative environments that enable innovation, growth and internationalisation.

This event brings together cluster organisations, policymakers, investors, accelerators, incubators, universities, research organisations and start-up founders to discuss how Europe can build stronger innovation ecosystems that better support start-ups throughout their growth journey. Participants will have the opportunity to learn from successful European initiatives, share experiences and identify new opportunities for collaboration across borders.

What participants can expect

The programme includes keynote speeches, panel discussions and interactive sessions covering topics such as:

  • Strengthening innovation ecosystems to support start-up growth and scaling.
  • The role of investors, policymakers and support organisations in helping start-ups succeed.
  • Best practices and lessons learned from European start-up support initiatives.
  • Building stronger collaboration between clusters and other innovation ecosystem actors.
  • New opportunities for European partnerships and joint initiatives.

For cluster organisations, the event provides a valuable opportunity to:

  • Exchange experiences with leading ecosystem organisations from across Europe.
  • Discover effective approaches to supporting start-up creation, growth and internationalisation.
  • Expand networks with investors, accelerators, incubators, universities and public authorities.
  • Explore future European collaboration opportunities.
  • Contribute to discussions on strengthening Europe’s innovation and competitiveness.

Continue networking at Startup Fair 2026

Participants are also encouraged to attend Startup Fair 2026 on 17 September, where innovative start-ups supported by WE-RISE, EPIC-X and other European initiatives will present their solutions during dedicated pitching sessions. It is an excellent opportunity to discover emerging technologies, meet entrepreneurs and expand international networks.

Register now

Participation is free of charge, but registration is required.

👉 Register here: https://innovateeu.eu/events.html