Between 15-16 March, Brussels hosted around 100 European companies funded by the SME Instrument Phase 2, for the Welcome Days. The main objective of the meeting was to bring together companies selected for funding under the Horizon 2020 program of the European Union, for Research and Innovation.

Represented by its CEO, Helder Araújo, and its Head of Business Development, Pedro Costa, EQS was present at the event that, in a sharing and networking environment, sought to promote the meeting, present responses to challenges shared by the winning companies, and to present the team that supports the H2020 project. Pedro Costa emphasizes the importance of these events in the sense that companies “are aware of all the potential that the H2020 project can offer, in addition to financing.” Access to a community of innovative companies, the possibility of discussing future synergies, access to the EASME (European Agency Small Medium Entreprises) communication department, support for attendance at fairs, and access to high level coaching are other aspects boosted by this Welcome Day, as highlighted by the Head of Business Development.

In addition to the networking sessions, the meeting also included presentations, workshops and mentoring sessions focused on various topics, from effective management of funding to the preparation of periodic reports, the importance of communication, and the tools to achieve better results. “The opportunity to network with European companies that have developed innovation projects, the quality of the SME instrument program coaches database and the opportunity to get to know the EASME team are undeniably enriching experiences,” explained Pedro Costa at the end of the gathering.