The Future of Innovation in CEE: A Live Policy Dialogue with EU Leaders
Green Transition Forum 5.0 & #BreakingGrounds are delighted to invite you to take part in a dynamic dialogue between European policymakers and CEE innovation leaders.
As Europe navigates a digital transition, startups and scaleups must not only adapt but also lead the wave.
Key topics on the table include:
* Policy & Regulation: What opportunities would the new EU strategy ‘Choose Europe to Start and Scale’ create for businesses?
* Funding and Investment: How can we bridge early-stage funding gaps in emerging EU innovation ecosystems?
* Talent, Education & Upskilling: How can we close the tech, digital, and entrepreneurial skills gap across Europe?
This forum creates a direct and informal space for exchange between institutional stakeholders and the CEE innovation ecosystem — with a focus on turning ideas into actionable policy outcomes.
Date: June 20, 2025
Time: 9 AM EET
Location: SEC (Cherni Vrah Blvd 100, Paradise Center, Floor 3)
Agenda
09:00-10:30 Innovation as the Cornerstone of EU and CEE Competitiveness
/High-Level Panel/
Speakers:
* Ekaterina Zaharieva, European Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation
* Tomislav Donchev, Deputy PM, Minister of Innovation and Growth, Bulgaria.
* Maria Fátima Lucas, Co-founder and CEO, ZYMVOL.
* Anastasios Dzikas, President, International Exhibition of Thessaloniki (TBD)
* David Reeser, Founder and CEO, OpiAId
* Sasha Bezuhanova, Founder, MOVE.BG
* Svetoslav Tsenov, Senior Executive and Global Transformation Lead, Astellas Pharma
* Moderator: Maria Marinova, Director & Board Member, BVCA
10:45 - 12:00 Bridging Policy and Practice: What Europe’s Innovators Need
/Ask Me Anything Session/
Institutional Leaders (on stage):
* Ekaterina Zaharieva, European Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation
* Vincent van Steensel, Mandate Management Director, EIF
* Svetoslava Georgieva, Chair, EIC Fund Board
Innovation Stakeholders (in the audience):
* startup founders from Bulgaria and the region scaling internationally
* investors active across Europe
* NGO & ecosystem builders
You can ask the EU leaders your questions here!
Join the conversation — connect with EU innovation policy architects, share your insights, and help shape the future of innovation in Europe.