On behalf of its EU project, CommBeBiz, the Minerva team travelled to Paris in July to participate in the 2017 EBN Congress, an annual meeting organised by the European Business Network, one of the CommBeBiz partners.

A network of around 150 quality-certified EU/BICs (business and innovation centres) and 100 other organisations that support the development and growth of innovative entrepreneurs, start-ups and SMEs, EBN is a community of professionals who help businesses grow in the most effective, efficient and sustainable way.

This year the EBN Congress meeting, from 5th – 7th July, focused on helping to create and expand open ecosystems for innovation through a variety of specialist speakers, plenary sessions and extended networking opportunities.  Participants, not just from across Europe, but also South Africa, China, Russian Federation, India, Canada, United States, Brazil and Taiwan were among those attending.

Promoting the work of CommBeBiz, a Europe-wide project providing a bridge from bioeconomy research to business, Rhonda Smith, Director of Minerva, chaired the Internationalisation plenary session as part of its support of EBN during the Congress.

A speed-dating event at the start of the Congress, designed to give delegates the opportunity to meet and discover potential working synergies with others, proved very successful and encouraged people to seek out relevant exhibitors at the event.

Minerva manned an exhibition stand throughout the Congress, promoting the work of CommBeBiz, publicising its forthcoming Academies in Prague and Budapest, and showing off everyday objects made from bio-based materials – trainers, sports shoes and coffee cups.  Delighted with the high level of interest shown, Minerva was on hand to discuss with bioeconomy researchers and businesses the ways in which the project can help the drive towards innovation. All were encouraged to join CommBeBiz to access the support and opportunities available.

A fun quiz, encouraging attendees to guess the origin of the recycled materials used to make a selection of pencils, proved popular and provided some surprises!

For more information about the EBN Congress, visit www.ebncongress.eu