EIC Multi-Procurer Day: Eaton and BioNTech test startup pipelines for AI, digitalisation and advanced materials
- ›On 11 July 2023 the European Innovation Council, together with Eaton and BioNTech, ran an online Multi-Procurer Day connecting 13 EIC-backed innovators with corporate buyers.
- ›Eaton was looking for firms in polymer composites, additive manufacturing and printed electronics while BioNTech sought AI and machine learning tools for biotechnology R&D including digital pathology.
- ›Both procurers said the EIC network gives them access to companies they would not normally reach and that several participating firms showed technology maturity suited to partnerships.
- ›Organisers emphasise this activity as part of the EIC Business Acceleration Services and broader Innovation Procurement Programme that aims to help startups access procurement markets, but follow-up and procurement complexity remain hurdles.
EIC Multi-Procurer Day with Eaton and BioNTech: what happened and why it matters
On 11 July 2023 the European Innovation Council ran an online Multi-Procurer Day in partnership with two large European firms, Eaton and BioNTech. Thirteen companies supported by the EIC had the opportunity to pitch to the procurers and to participate in one-to-one matchmaking sessions. The stated focus was finding disruptive and market-ready solutions across topics such as digitalisation, artificial intelligence, machine learning and mobile electrification.
Participants and format
The event was presented as a matchmaking exercise rather than a formal procurement process. Thirteen EIC beneficiaries pitched solutions described as having market maturity. After the pitching session, organisers and journalists interviewed two corporate participants to get their perspective. Those interviewed were Javed Mapkar, Senior Technology Manager for Advanced Materials and Processes at Eaton, and Pushparaj Susairaj, Director for IT Procurement at BioNTech.
Why these procurers joined the EIC event
What mindset and capabilities the procurers sought
Both procurers emphasised practical readiness and domain expertise rather than abstract novelty. They described a preference for teams that can commercialise innovations and that have demonstrated traction or maturity sufficient to justify further partnership or procurement discussions.
How the procurers assessed the event and the pitching companies
Both Eaton and BioNTech judged the online event useful. Eaton said the pitches were strong and that the one-to-one meetings were particularly valuable. BioNTech said the companies were targeted and prepared, addressing points the firm cared about. Both corporates reported that several startups demonstrated sufficient technology maturity to merit follow-up, while noting that actual engagement depends on internal business interest and procurement cycles.
What the EIC offers to bridging demand and supply
The organisers framed the event as part of the EIC Business Acceleration Services and the broader EIC Innovation Procurement Programme. These programmes aim to help EIC-backed innovators enter procurement markets and to help public and private buyers source disruptive solutions. The EIC runs several targeted services intended to professionalise and speed up interactions between buyers and deep tech suppliers.
| Procurer | Primary technology interests | Key procurement need |
| Eaton | Polymer composites, advanced materials, additive manufacturing, printed electronics, AI/ML to accelerate materials and manufacturing | Find SMEs with commercialised innovations and engineering maturity for potential partnerships and integration |
| BioNTech | AI and machine learning applied to biotechnology R&D, notably digital pathology | Locate software and data science partners that speed R&D pipelines for mRNA, cancer and infectious disease programs |
Context and challenges worth noting
The event reflects a broader trend in Europe where public and private buyers attempt to accelerate adoption of deep tech by engaging startups earlier and by funding pilots. The EIC has been building procurement-focused mechanisms to reduce frictions. However, converting matchmaking into procurement contracts remains difficult. Procurement processes are lengthy and regulated, integration and validation cycles can be costly, and corporate adoption requires alignment with internal roadmaps and budgets. The procurers themselves acknowledged that engagement after the event depends on business interest and internal prioritisation.
Outcomes, next steps and caveats
Both Eaton and BioNTech reported that several presenting companies were interesting and that a few appeared to be at the technology readiness level where partnerships would be warranted. They praised the quality of pitches and the usefulness of one-to-one meetings. The EIC asked readers to watch its events calendar for further procurement-oriented opportunities. The organisers also included the customary disclaimer that the information shared is for knowledge and does not represent an official view of the European Commission or other organisations.
For innovators, such events can be valuable entry points to large buyers. For buyers, they provide a curated way to discover technologies. Yet realistic expectations are essential. Establishing procurement or a commercial relationship typically requires additional steps including pilots, contract negotiations, compliance checks and internal approvals. The EIC programmes try to smooth these steps but cannot eliminate the structural complexity of procurement and scale adoption.