CONNECT & EXPERIENCE: Empowering European Ecosystem Leaders through Innovation

Are you an aspiring leader in the innovation ecosystem? Do you want to connect with like-minded individuals and gain transformative knowledge? Look no further than Connect & Experience (C&E).

A prestigious training program designed specifically for European ecosystem leaders. This unparalleled opportunity offers a journey of growth, collaboration, and access to an exclusive community of peers who share your vision.

What Is Connect & Experience?

Connect & Experience (C&E) is an immersive training program aimed at fostering the development of the innovation ecosystem in Europe. By bringing together leaders from various ecosystems, C&E provides a platform for peer learning, collaboration, and the enhancement of start-up growth and open innovation. The program combines in-person training in Israel, a follow-up conference in Europe, and full access to the C&E Innovation Community Network.

Why Apply?

C&E stands out as a leading ecosystem-building program, attracting high-calibre participants and expert facilitators. By joining C&E, you will gain valuable tools and knowledge to become a prominent leader in your field. You will learn best practices in ecosystem management, community building, leveraging technology, and more. Additionally, C&E offers exclusive insights into the start-up journey, equipping you with effective tools tailored specifically for the 2023 cohort. Moreover, the program provides the opportunity to establish sustainable partnerships in one of the most innovative countries in the world.

Timeline:

• 30 May 2023: Application opens
• 30 July 2023 (23:59, CET): Application closes
• 10 August 2023: Selection announcement
• 21 September 2023 10:00 CET: Onboarding webinar (for accepted participants)
• 7-12 October 2023: Visit to Israel
• March 2024: Follow-up conference - The European "Playground"

Who Should Apply?

C&E is seeking European experienced senior professionals at the management level who are affiliated with organizations that promote European start-up growth. Individuals involved in innovation or business creation, with a minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience from all sectors, are encouraged to apply. Examples of suitable candidates include heads of accelerators, innovation agencies, labs, incubators, or other business creation activities in academia or industry. However, please note that the program is not suitable for individual start-ups or consultants.

Finance:

The full cost of the program is USD 7,000. However, EIT Hub Israel can offer partial funding of the program and potential reimbursement for travel and accommodation based on different participant categories:

• Participant Category: KIC Partners (EIT Health, EIT Climate-KIC, EIT Manufacturing, EIT Digital): Programme is fully funded, travel and accommodation reimbursement is up to USD 1,500 per participant per module.
• Participant Category: KIC Staff (EIT Health, EIT Climate-KIC, EIT Manufacturing, EIT Digital):  Programme is fully funded, travel and accommodation are financed by the KIC's resources.
• Participant Category: Partner/Staff from other KICs (EIT InnoEnergy, EIT RawMaterials, EIT Food, EIT Urban Mobility, EIT Culture & Creativity): Programme 75% funded, Price: USD 2,000, travel and accommodation financed by participant's resources.
• Participant Category: Ecosystem Manager (Non-EIT): Programme 50% funded, Price: USD 3,500, travel and accommodation financed by participant's resources.

Draft Agenda for the Connect & Experience Bootcamp in Israel

Please note that the following agenda is subject to change.

• DAY 0:
  Welcome to Israel
  Tour of Jerusalem and the Dead Sea
• DAY 1:
  Arrival at the Connect & Experience retreat
  Professional and mental growth sessions
  Community building activities
• DAY 2:
  Interactive workshops on ecosystem management
  Networking sessions with peers and experts
• DAY 3:
  Deep dive into tech tools and network leveraging
  Case studies and success stories from the Innovation ecosystem
• DAY 4:
  Excursions to local innovation hubs
  Immersive experiences in Israel's vibrant start-up ecosystem
• DAY 5:
  Final sessions on sustaining partnerships and ongoing support
  Closing ceremony and farewell

Connect & Experience offers a unique opportunity for European ecosystem leaders to ignite their potential and connect with a vibrant community of like-minded individuals. By participating in this immersive training program, you will gain invaluable knowledge, develop essential skills, and build long-lasting partnerships. Don't miss your chance to embark on a transformative journey and become a leader in the innovation ecosystem. Apply now to join Connect & Experience, and unlock a world of possibilities.

Apply Here