Over 5,000 key decision makers in the fields of information and communication technologies, finance, banking, web and marketing will meet at ICT Spring in Luxembourg on 15-16 May 2018. Targeting company managers interested in knowing more about the advantages of doing business in and from Luxembourg, Luxinnovation will be present with a stand that will connect international start-ups and companies with investors and some of Luxembourg’s most innovative companies.
“When I introduce people to Luxembourg, very often they are amazed by what they see: a dynamic business community, a highly skilled workforce, one of the best digital infrastructures in the world and a perfect place to use as a testbed for new digital concepts,” says David Foy, Head of Sector Development – Digital Economy at Luxinnovation. “Our stand has been designed to capture that sense of surprise and amazement and to show visitors the advantages and opportunities offered here.”
Start-up pitches
An exciting element at the Luxinnovation stand will be the pitching platform for international start-ups looking for contacts and partnerships in Europe. “We have worked together with the network of Luxembourg Trade and Investment Offices to invite promising ICT start-ups from China, Israel, Japan, Korea and Russia,” says Mr Foy. “They will present their business ideas and collaboration interests during thematic pitching sessions organised throughout the two days of the event. And the layout of the pitching area will also include some surprises.” The platform will also be used for demos of interactive products using the latest innovative technologies.
Opening doors
In-between the pitches and demo sessions, Luxinnovation experts will present the services offered by the agency. “Together with the Ministry of the Economy and the Chamber of Commerce, we offer very comprehensive support to international companies interested in Luxembourg,” says Gaston Trauffler, Luxinnovation’s Director for Marketing, Communication & Strategy. “Our start-up team coaches young innovative companies from idea to business acceleration and helps entrepreneurs from abroad get established here and find partners and investors. Together with our cluster managers, who have in-depth knowledge in fields such as automobility, ICT and manufacturing, we also open the doors to the business community in the most relevant sectors.”
Luxinnovation also plays a key role for companies looking for funding for their R&D and innovation projects. “Our funding experts can advise any company located in Luxembourg on how to successfully apply for national R&D and innovation funding and identify the most suitable funding instruments,” says Dr Trauffler. “As the National Contact Point for the EU’s Horizon 2020 programme, we can also guide companies interested in benefiting from European funding opportunities.”
Innovation in action
Luxembourg’s economy has developed in a spectacular manner over the past few decades. In addition to being a major international finance centre, the country is home to leading companies in the automotive, media and communication sectors, among others, and is further expanding into fields such as high performance computing and big data analytics. The Luxinnovation stand will offer visitors an opportunity to walk through the history of the country and get a taste of the future. The adventurous will even be able to take a virtual reality hot air balloon trip.
Luxinnovation has also invited the University of Luxembourg to be present on the stand with a 3D scanner developed by Luxembourg company ARTEC 3D. The University uses the scanner for a research project on analysing body forms, and stand visitors are invited to be scanned as part of the project. “In just a few minutes, you can make a concrete contribution to research and innovation in Luxembourg – and get a 3D scan of yourself as a memory,” Mr Foy concludes.
To participate, please register here and visit us at booth I6