"The goal is to build a two-way connection between EIT ICT Labs hotspots in Europe and the Bay Area. Both regions, Europe and Silicon Valley, have very vibrant and dynamic eco-systems of ICT innovators and entrepreneurs and a close collaboration will surely be of benefit for both parties, explains Willem Jonker CEO EIT ICT Labs.
"ICT ecosystems are often compared against Silicon Valley, or the San Francisco Bay Area, and for a good reason. It continues to be the premier hotspot with highly innovative ICT companies, fast-moving and strong entrepreneurial culture, world-class universities, and a very rich set of financing tools and investors looking for "the next big venture", says Klaus Beetz, Business Director EIT ICT Labs.
EIT ICT Labs is about connecting eco-systems. i.e. facilitating open innovation collaborations that go beyond individual partnerships. Some of the EIT ICT Labs partners have already connections in Silicon Valley and next to this various EU countries are present in the Bay Area via consulates or national organizations. EIT ICT Labs will build on these existing presence and relationships and aims at developing them into a bridge between EU and the US ecosystems.