B-HUB FOR EUROPE set up a European hub for blockchain startups building on five technology and business accelerators in Italy (INNOVA), Germany (CONNECT GLOBAL), France (SYSTEMATIC) , Romania (SPHERIK), and Lithuania (STARTUP DIVISION) to leverage technological excellence and boost blockchain-based applications towards the public and private sectors. Two acceleration calls were launched in 2020 and 2021 to select innovative startups offering solutions with potential application in the public and private sectors and building on the blockchain technology. Support for business growth was provided through a tailored acceleration programme to 45 European startups benefiting of 190+ tailored acceleration services to fine-tune business models and growth strategies, address IPR challenges, facilitate links with potential clients, partners and investors, boost access to public funding schemes, and approach the European market through cross-border collaborations.
A broad capacity building action was put in place towards private (corporates and SMEs, non-profit organisations, sectoral associations) and public organisations (central and local governments, public agencies and academies) in the five target countries reaching more than 460 organisations and 600 participants to transfer knowledge on the blockchain technology application in different verticals, the most advanced solutions suitable for application to improve business production and distribution processes and innovate public services.
Matchmaking opportunities through matching labs were created for 51 startups with 90+ SMEs, corporates, public administrations, local governments and investors to establish business links and technology partnerships. The efforts put in place led to 2 B2B commercial agreements and 3 technology partnerships signed, one seed fundraising operation finalised, 3 PoCs developed, 5 pilots for technology validation, 20 startups supported to access national and European funding schemes. Links with investors were also created for more than 20 startups.
The B-HUB FOR EUROPE community is growing in the five ecosystems, involving blockchain startups, experts, enthusiasts and various stakeholders engaged in project activities and dissemination events. Through 112 events, including conferences, webinars, workshops, training sessions and summits, the B-HUB consortium reached 10,800+ participants. Furthermore, a bi-monthly digital newsletter was distributed to about 1,500 stakeholders in the five countries.
Through a scouting and mapping activity conducted by partners over the period 2020-2021, profiles of national ecosystems in the blockchain field were traced. A Blockchain Report was published in December 2021 illustrating the five ecosystems blockchain profiles.
The B-HUB FOR EUROPE team created cross-border and international links building synergies with 25 ongoing initiatives dealing with blockchain innovation and ecosystems mapping at European level. Contacts established provided for business leads for supported startups. Furthermore, links allowed for knowledge transfer, signposting of startups and innovations, joint organisation of events and public initiatives, data and figures exchange on blockchain ecosystems.
Finally, B-Hub has collected feedback and inputs from the engaged stakeholders and startups on the main needs, critical aspects and upcoming opportunities related to the standardisation and normative processes at national and EU levels. Material collected led to the publication in October 2021 of a startup survey reporting insights on the blockchain technology adoption landscape. Furthermore, final remarks, observations and recommendations were consolidated in a Report to contribute to the improvement of the ongoing regulatory process for a sustainable growth of the blockchain technology at EU level.
