Rise Europe connects 14 European countries to empower next generation of game-changing startups

Ecosystem builders from 14 European countries have come together to foster the growth and success of transformative startups with the launch of the ‘Rise Europe’ initiative, ensuring long-term prosperity for Europe. 

Recognising the need for joint efforts to address global challenges like the climate crisis and resource scarcity, Rise Europe aims to match the innovation capabilities of countries such as the USA and China by helping European startups scale and become sustainable global market leaders.

Last week, UnternehmerTUM, the centre for innovation and business creation at the Technical University of Munich, hosted the inaugural Rise Europe summit in the picturesque Bavarian Alps. 

The event brought together 20 ecosystem builders from leading universities and startup hubs who shared a common vision of fostering strong innovations “made in Europe.” 

The summit marked the formation of a powerful alliance of international players committed to supporting the European businesses of tomorrow.

Rise Europe: Three day summit

During the three days of the summit, the members of Rise Europe formulated the cornerstones of future cooperation: 

Firstly, the group will actively support each other to reach a top level in the focus areas of Education, Open Innovation, and Acceleration. 

Rise Europe agreed on publishing an annual list of Europe’s most meaningful startups and on accelerating those promising European teams with all their networks and support mechanisms for quicker scaling. 

In the coming months, members will help startups enter the markets of their respective countries by direct support and connection to high-quality market entry offerings. 

Additionally, Rise Europe plans to organise matchmaking events at the European level, bringing together start-ups, corporates, and investors. 

In a dedicated format, the initiative will also strive to foster female entrepreneurship by connecting female co-founders across countries. The next major summit is scheduled for April 2023 in Madrid.

Prof. Dr. Helmut Schöneberger, Founder and CEO of UnternehmerTUM, says, “With Rise Europe, Europe has a new impulse generator that will contribute to overcoming global challenges and shape a transnational understanding of the importance of sustainable entrepreneurship. 

“In everything we do, we want to put people and Europe’s values at the centre. I am very pleased to be able to work so closely together with our friends and dedicated colleagues as part of Rise Europe.”