With close to 700 participants from 57 countries, the Enterprise Europe Network Annual Conference, organised by the European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA) and the Directorate General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs (DG GROW), with the support of the North Denmark EU-Office, marked another milestone in strengthening Europe’s largest business support ecosystem. Over three days, participants joined high-level discussions, hands-on workshops, and interactive exchanges focused on helping SMEs innovate, expand internationally, and adapt to an evolving global landscape. Coming together in one place to exchange viewpoints and better understand the evolving priorities at EU level was a highlight for many participants. As Muriel De Grande, Head of Sector for Enterprise Europe Network and EEN Partnerships at EISMEA, noted: “For me, the most important aspects of our Annual Conference are meeting experts, sharing knowledge, spotlighting activities that respond to the challenges of SMEs, and maintaining a strong connection with the European Union, the European Commission and EISMEA.”
Key themes and takeaways
This year’s discussions revolved around four main strands, reflecting key EU policy priorities and the Network’s role in turning them into concrete support for SMEs across Europe:
Innovation & start-ups
Discussions on Funding the future and Safeguarding innovation showcased how the Network connects SMEs with EU funding, investment opportunities, and partnerships to help them scale and compete globally. As Spyros Kellidis from Enterprise Europe Network Greece shared: "One session that particularly impressed me was the one focusing on Innovation Finance Arena. It brought several European networks together to pitch their services to a real company, while the audience evaluated which solution was the best suited one. The format was dynamic, interactive and practical, giving a clear view of how EU networks like the EEN, the EIC and Eureka can support SMEs in very concrete ways."
Industrial transition
Workshops like Circular energy solutions for a Net-Zero Industry and EEN solutions for decarbonisation to a net-zero client journey focused on how SMEs can reduce emissions, embrace circular models, and innovate through the ongoing industrial transformation.
Single Market & beyond
Sessions including Trading smart in a shifting world and Helping our SME clients to Choose Europe: the new EEN investment agenda reaffirmed the importance of enabling SMEs to grow within the EU and expand globally, even amid geopolitical uncertainty.
Quality & impact
Sessions such as The vital connection: the EEN and the new Simplification agenda and SME-friendly funding: how Cascade Funding can enhance the work of the EEN explored how the Network can enhance service quality, streamline processes, and strengthen its measurable impact on SMEs across Europe. "This year’s Conference offered a valuable window into the future of our Network, which will be evolving into the EU for Business platform, and the direction we are collectively moving towards," highlighted Jesús Rojo from Enterprise Europe Network Spain, adding: "It was a chance to learn about upcoming funding frameworks and, most importantly, the growing focus on simplification. Making processes easier for SMEs and for ourselves is the next step forward, and it was inspiring to see that future taking shape here, live!"
Beyond the sessions
Participants also had plenty of opportunities to connect and collaborate throughout the conference. As Antonella Marras from Enterprise Europe Network Italy reflected, "In a world increasingly shaped by digital tools and AI, coming together face-to-face remains vital. Here, new members meet the experienced ones, exchanging knowledge, perspectives and fresh energy. This mix of wisdom and new ideas is what keeps the Network moving forward, and it can only grow stronger when we connect as people, not just through screens."
Dedicated areas for matchmaking and networking enabled one-to-one meetings both onsite and online, resulting in more than 740 scheduled individual meetings. The exhibition space also invited participants to discover a range of EU-level initiatives and programmes supporting SMEs, from innovation and digitalisation to access to finance and internationalisation. In the words of Spyros Kellidis from Enterprise Europe Network Greece: "What stood out most this year were the genuine networking opportunities, especially around the exhibition stands. Having the chance to meet Network colleagues, international partners and stakeholders from outside the EU made the event truly unique. I was able to connect with delegates from India, Vietnam and Colombia, and these conversations have already sparked concrete plans such as organising activities to help agrifood and agritech SMEs enter the Indian market, shaping an information platform with Vietnam, and exploring ‘meet-the-buyer’ formats with Colombia. Encounters like these simply don’t happen online and they open doors to new, global collaborations."
Voices from the Network
The three days in Aalborg offered space for reflection as well as learning, and participants highlighted the experiences that left the strongest impression on them.
For some, the conference offered a chance to explore perspectives that are often overlooked in day-to-day work. Katja Lindholm from Enterprise Europe Network Finland emphasised how valuable it was to focus on supporting women entrepreneurs across different national contexts, noting: "This conference has given us the space to exchange ideas, compare realities across countries, and return home with new knowledge to better support women entrepreneurs. By sharing experiences and learning how accessing funding differs across Europe, we can build stronger pathways for women to grow, connect and succeed."
Others welcomed the breadth of the programme and the variety of sessions. Michael Kerschbaumer from Enterprise Europe Network Austria reflected on this diversity, saying: "The programme was so rich and diverse that choosing just one session felt impossible. At one point, I would have gladly been in three rooms at once. That, to me, is the sign of a successful conference: so many valuable topics, so many relevant discussions, and something meaningful for everyone."
Several participants also spoke about what continues to make the Enterprise Europe Network unique. For Tim Schüürmann from Enterprise Europe Network Germany, it comes down to the power of community: "The real strength of the Network lies in its history, the trust it has built over the years, and the power of many working as one. No single organisation could deliver the same impact alone, but together, through our groups of experts, we can support SMEs, drive growth and help Europe move forward with confidence."
The Enterprise Europe Network Awards 2025
One of the most anticipated moments of the conference recognised client success powered by Network support. The 2025 Inspiring Client Journey Award went to Cilcare, a French biotech company acknowledged for their strategy that combined scientific excellence with targeted international partnerships. With guidance from Network partners at CCI Occitanie and the EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation, Cilcare built a long-term approach to expanding their activities in Japan that led to a €15 million upfront licensing agreement with Shionogi in 2024, with potential milestone payments up to €400 million. Network mentoring also supported multiple steps of the company’s EIC Accelerator journey. Watch the full winner’s story.
Two other finalists were also recognised for their strong international growth trajectories, supported by the Enterprise Europe Network:
- CAEmate, an Italian startup scaling digital-twin technology for infrastructure monitoring, secured both EU funding and private investment and received the European Commission’s Seal of Excellence to accelerate its growth.
- Hacker School, a non-profit organisation expanding coding education for young people across borders, meanwhile successfully established a local presence in Austria and formed new partnerships that are helping the organisation reach more young learners.
These inspiring stories reflect the creativity, ambition, and resilience of European SMEs, and the pivotal role of the Enterprise Europe Network in helping them grow and compete internationally.
Looking ahead
As the conference concluded, participants left Aalborg energised and inspired to apply what they had learned, from practical tools to new partnerships. Hosting the event was also a meaningful milestone for the Danish consortium. In the words of Aija Konisevska Azadi from Enterprise Europe Network Denmark, "Hosting this year's conference has been a rewarding experience, and we’re truly grateful for the positive feedback. Hearing that participants enjoyed the venue, the programme, the atmosphere and that everything was within walking distance, allowing more time together, made all the effort worthwhile. It’s encouraging to see the event so warmly received."
What also makes the Annual Conference special is that each edition offers a different setting and cultural lens. Next year will be no exception, with a new host bringing its own character, perspectives and energy to the event. Katja Lindholm from Enterprise Europe Network Finland highlighted how this tradition contributes to the spirit of the conference, noting: "One of the things I appreciate most is that the conference takes place in a different country every year. Each location brings its own culture, atmosphere and new perspectives. Whether seen in the venue, the food or even a cocktail reception at a zoo. It makes every edition a unique opportunity to learn, connect and experience Europe in all its richness."
Looking ahead, the insights and connections formed in Denmark will continue to shape the Network’s work into 2026, strengthening cooperation across regions, sectors and institutions.
We look forward to building on this shared progress together next year. See you in 2026 in Ireland!