The xKIC Global Outreach programme, established in 2018, acts as a bridge connecting the EIT’s innovation ecosystem with strategic global innovation hubs, positioning the EU and EIT as key players on the global stage. This initiative has developed and implemented an agile method for engaging in strategic locations, yielding tangible results and benefits for the European ecosystem. The Global Outreach program creates synergies with global innovation leaders, generating significant value for the EU economy by launching innovations onto the global market, supporting startups in raising investments, and facilitating cross-border consortium building.
The Global Outreach includes the following active Hubs in strategic locations:
Silicon Valley
Israel
UK
The cluster also operates a strategic arm—the Global Platform—which expands EIT's reach through programmes in locations of strategic significance, such as the US East Coast, Canada, and Japan, with more locations planned for 2025.
The Global Outreach Hubs and the Global Platform have developed expertise in various fields, including open innovation, and implement a variety of result-driven programs worldwide. These programs align with the technology development lifecycle, targeting different stages of the startup journey from ideation to global market launch. Programs include open innovation initiatives for corporates, go-to-market strategies for startups and scaleups, lab-to-market educational programs for researchers, consortium building around Horizon Europe calls, and more.
Each programme operates a revenue-generating business model, enhancing the cluster’s financial sustainability year by year. The cluster has reached up to 22% financial sustainability in the 2023-2025 Business Plan, with even higher expectations for the 2026-2028 period.
The Cross-KIC Global Outreach delivers substantial value to Europe, the EIT Community, and its outreach locations, boasting tangible success stories and measurable results. Highlights include over €84M raised by 75 supported startups, 26 Proof of Concepts (PoCs) developed with 24 corporates, 14 Horizon Europe submissions by consortia formed through Global Outreach events (including 2 successful bids awarded €3M combined), and the establishment of a Global Outreach communications platform that has enhanced global visibility with over 8k contacts in joint databases. Additionally, the cluster received the prestigious Ecosystem Star Award from Mind the Bridge in 2023, further elevating its credibility and reach.
Each Global Outreach location consistently delivers high-quality programmes, employing an ‘economy of scale’ approach, and achieving a satisfaction rate of over 90% for its activities. The application rate is 200% for each program slot, with high-quality applicants from across Europe. These outcomes underscore the significant collaborations forged in each outreach location and highlight the impact, value, and necessity of building strong ties between European stakeholders, the European ecosystem, and strategic global innovation hubs. The carefully crafted brand awareness and thought leadership have laid a solid foundation for each location’s continued success.
