We are pleased to announce an exclusive Matchmaking Session to be held on 4 June as a featured component of the EIC Summit.
This session gives researchers and research teams the opportunity to present their exploitation pathway from lab to market directly to Business Angels, investors, and innovation actors.
Participants will be able to build connections, receive tailored feedback on specific aspects of their market uptake journey, and explore concrete next steps towards investment readiness and commercialisation.
The primary objective of this session is to facilitate high-level introductions between deep tech projects, research teams, and the investors and innovation actors essential to their long-term success.
- 4 June 2026
- 14:30 to 16:30
- Momentum stage at the EIC Summit 2026 (Tour & Taxis, Brussels)
Participation in the Matchmaking Session is exclusive to attendees of the 2026 EIC Summit. To secure your spot, you must first register for the main summit: https://www.b2match.com/e/eic-summit-2026
BAs/Innovation actors to meet
Luigi Amati
Luigi started out as a researcher, developing computational mechanics software for a spin-off of Imperial College in London, before initiating his entrepreneurial journey. As an angel investor, he is a co-founder of Italian Angels for Growth, today one of the largest angel clubs in Europe and Honorary Chairman of Business Angels Europe. He has extensive knowledge and expertise, built from his experiences as a researcher, entrepreneur and investor, in navigating all stages of the knowledge-to-market journey and entrepreneurial lifecycle.
- Life Sciences
- Deep Tech (including dual technologies)
- Creative Industry
Reginald Vossen
Reginald Vossen is managing director of BAN Flanders, which since the merger of 4 BAN’s is the leading angel network in Belgium, with over 500 deals made. Reginald holds two Master’s Degrees in Economic Sciences (Commercial and Financial Sciences, Commercial and Consular Sciences – International Marketing). As Chief of Staff of the provincial economic executive of the Belgian province of Limburg, he was founding partner of the regional Limburg BAN in 1999. He became manager of this network at the end of 2000. He realised the merger of 4 BANs into BAN Flanders in 2004, covering activities in entire Belgium. Since its inception, BAN Flanders also founded 3 angel co-investment funds for a total of 42 mio EUR.
- Open to all
Lorenzo Valeriani
Lorenzo Valeriani is a senior expert supporting EIC Pathfinder and Transition research teams and deep tech spin-offs in turning research results into market opportunities. He brings 10 years of experience in research valorisation, exploitation strategy definition and implementation, business modelling, go-to-market planning, pitching, fundraising and investor readiness. He has supported over 100 deep tech ventures and research teams, contributing to more than €50M raised, with a strong focus on helping deep-tech teams move from lab to market.
- Health & Life Sciences
- Climate, Energy & Environment
- Industry, Manufacturing & Materials
Francesca Natali
Francesca has been a shareholder and Managing Partner at META Group since 1997. Since 2005, she has overseen investments in Italy, Poland and Slovenia, focusing on early-stage deep-tech companies. She has extensive experience in EU financial instruments and has collaborated with the European Commission, World Bank and EIB. As angel investor and board member, she supports innovative ventures and serves on DAEN’s board, Defense Angels European Network.
- Medtech
- Biotech
- Defense
Jan Debets
Jan is Head of Business Development & Partnerships at META Group, looking for deep tech researchers to secure competitive EU and VC funding. He previously managed an angel syndicate investing in university spin-offs, managed a pan-European business angel association, and has worked as an associate at a venture debt firm. He studied history at the universities of Leiden, Oxford and Sorbonne, and holds an MBA from HEC Paris.
- TRL 1 – 4 research projects
- Medtech
- Life Science / biotech
- Cleantech
- Hydrogen
Yanis Fares
Yanis Fares is an Investment Manager with 8+ years of experience in venture capital, startup financing, and portfolio management. Proven track record in sourcing, evaluating, and supporting high-growth startups across sectors including HealthTech, DeepTech, SaaS, ClimateTech, and Industry 4.0. Experienced in fundraising strategy, investor relations, governance, and board participation, with exposure to 300+ investment opportunities, 20+ SPVs, and a portfolio of 25+ startups. Passionate about connecting founders, investors, and innovation ecosystems to accelerate growth and create long-term value.
- HealthTech
- DeepTech
- SaaS
- ClimateTech
- Industry 4.0
Marco Franchin
Senior innovation advisor with 20+ years of experience in research valorisation, exploitation strategies, and EU-funded projects (Horizon 2020 / Horizon Europe). Proven track record in transforming research results into market-ready solutions and societal impact, supporting consortia, universities, and startups. Business expert and coach in entrepreneurship, research exploitation, and access to funding. Expert in EU policies and grants, with extensive experience in managing EU projects, both in submission and implementation phases.
Register
Registrations are now closed.