The Innovation Fair 2025 brought together innovators, entrepreneurs, researchers, and policymakers from across Europe, Africa, and the Mediterranean to showcase new ideas and strengthen international cooperation in research and innovation
The Innovation Fair 2025 was organised by the European Commission, in partnership with the African Union (AU) and the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM), the Fair marked the first joint event connecting these three regions under one innovation umbrella. With the theme “Enabling that step forward,” the event celebrated creativity, collaboration and the power of innovation to drive sustainable growth.
Held at Maison de la Poste in Brussels and streamed online, the Fair welcomed over 500 participants in person and 200 online, representing more than 40 countries.
The Innovation Fair 2025 followed successful editions in Nairobi (2022), Cape Town (2023) and Cairo (2024), each of which has deepened collaboration among Europe, Africa and the Mediterranean in tackling global challenges such as climate change, public health, digital transformation and inclusive entrepreneurship.
The 2025 edition stood out for its diverse participation. Innovators, start-ups, business support organisations (BSOs) and research institutions showcased ideas across five key areas: Public Health, Food and Nutrition Security, Climate Change and Renewable Energy, Innovation and Technology, and Capacities for Science.
Showcasing innovation and collaboration
The Innovation Fair 2025 featured 43 pitches from start-ups, SMEs, research teams and BSOs representing 15 countries. Participants demonstrated solutions ranging from renewable energy systems and sustainable agri-food technologies to digital health tools and entrepreneurship support programmes.
The event also hosted 40 permanent stands highlighting EU and AU research and innovation programmes, including Horizon Europe, PRIMA, Global Health EDCTP3, and the Innovative Health Initiative.
National showcases such as Team Belgium, Team Egypt, Team Morocco, Team South Africa, and Kenya Corner showcased local innovation ecosystems to international audiences.
From ideas to impact
Morning sessions at the Innovation Fair 2025 included three pitching rounds: an Open Innovation Challenge for start-ups and SMEs, a showcase by Business Support Organisations, and a presentation of collaborative research projects ready for market uptake. In the afternoon, the venue transformed into an interactive matchmaking fair, with over 50 booths and live demonstrations. Participants used a matchmaking app to schedule one-on-one meetings, paving the way for funding and partnerships.
A main takeaway from the Innovation Fair 2025 was the announcement that 18 entrepreneurs will receive tailored support under the Horizon Europe “Africa-Europe Innovation Platform (AEIP)”, helping them scale up and connect with investors through Euroquity–Bpifrance. In addition, six innovators had the opportunity to pitch to investors through the SEADE R&I Project, strengthening digital cooperation between Europe and Africa.
The Innovation Fair 2025 showed the growing momentum of intercontinental cooperation in science, technology and innovation. With strong youth participation and over 700 attendees from across the three regions, the event shows the shared vision of transforming innovative ideas into tangible socio-economic impact.
