EIC preps 20 European biotech firms for BIO 2022 with OTF 2.0 workshop
- ›On 26 April 2022 the European Innovation Council ran an online preparatory workshop for the European delegation attending BIO International Convention 2022 in San Diego.
- ›Under the EIC Overseas Trade Fairs Programme 2.0 twenty SMEs, start-ups and scaleups were briefed on US market dynamics, regulatory environment and practical logistics for the trade fair.
- ›Speakers from BIO and an experienced EIC participant provided guidance on networking, partnering and pitch preparation.
- ›The delegation included companies from across Europe and associated countries working on diagnostics, therapeutics, coatings and novel imaging and adhesive technologies.
- ›Trade shows can open doors but outcomes depend on follow up, IP and regulatory planning and realistic commercial expectations.
EIC OTF Workshop prepares European biotech delegation for BIO International Convention 2022
On 26 April 2022 the European Innovation Council organised an online preparatory workshop for the European companies that would exhibit at the BIO International Convention 2022 in San Diego. The session was delivered under the EIC Overseas Trade Fairs Programme 2.0 and aimed to ready a selective delegation of 20 SMEs, start-ups and scaleups in the biotechnology space for a high intensity trade fair environment in the United States.
What the workshop covered
The agenda combined overview briefings about the EIC OTF Programme 2.0 with market and practical intelligence tailored to the US market. Participants heard about current market trends, the regulatory landscape, and elements of US entrepreneurial culture from sector insiders and business leaders. The workshop also included practical logistics and service briefings covering standard and customised EIC support ahead of departure.
Speakers and practical coaching
The workshop featured guest speakers who addressed both the opportunities and practicalities of BIO. Adela Wilson from BIO described the partnering and programming available at the tradeshow and emphasised the many networking formats on offer. Attendees were reminded that BIO is designed to create introductions across large networks but that companies must manage their own prioritisation of meetings and follow up to convert interest into commercial activity.
Who was selected to join the European Pavilion
The EIC funded 20 companies to attend BIO 2022 as part of the European Pavilion. They represent a diverse set of technologies including diagnostics, antibody and antibody manufacturing, optical coatings, biomaterials, micro wave imaging and point of care devices. Participants came from EU Member States and associated or neighbouring countries. Below is the full list with country locations as announced.
| Company | Country |
| AcouSort AB | Sweden |
| Ability Pharmaceuticals | Spain |
| ADmit Therapeutics S.L. | Spain |
| Applied Nanolayers B.V. | Netherlands |
| BestHealth4U Lda | Portugal |
| Biohope Scientific Solutions for Human Health S.L. | Spain |
| BIOMIMX SRL | Italy |
| BIOSISTEMIKA | Slovenia |
| GENEFIRST LIMITED | United Kingdom |
| Genome Biologics | Germany |
| Genomtec S.A. | Poland |
| InProcess-LSP B.V. | Netherlands |
| INSPHERO AG | Switzerland |
| JADBio | Greece |
| LenioBio GmbH | Germany |
| MTM srl | Italy |
| SDS OPTIC S.A. | Poland |
| PSY | Israel |
| UBT srl | Italy |
| ZECLINICS SL | Spain |
Why participation matters and what to watch for
Trade fairs like BIO offer concentrated access to potential partners, customers and investors from multiple markets. For European small companies the primary potential gains are visibility, partnering leads and early market intelligence. The workshop aimed to increase the delegation's readiness to exploit those opportunities. At the same time outcomes are uneven. Exhibitors face competition for attention, high costs for travel and logistics and the need to navigate US regulatory pathways such as FDA processes when moving toward clinical trials or market entry. Intellectual property protection and careful management of confidential data are essential when engaging in open networking.
Claims about unlimited networking or guaranteed deals reflect trade show marketing. Real commercial progress requires prioritised meetings, rigorous follow up, and resources to pursue US engagements. For many firms the event is an early step in a longer market entry process rather than a one off commercial victory.
Practical takeaways for startups and scaleups
Companies attending large international trade fairs should prepare tailored, concise pitches that map technical claims to commercial benefits. They should prepare materials and personnel for rapid post-event follow up. Pre-fair market briefings and cultural coaching can reduce wasted meetings and accelerate useful introductions. Firms should also be clear on what regulatory approvals and IP protections they will need to engage responsibly in cross border collaborations.
Organisers and funders can improve impact measurement by tracking qualified leads, follow on investment and partnership formation rather than counting meetings or badge scans. For public programmes that subsidise trade fair attendance it is reasonable to expect participants to produce follow up plans that show how the mission integrates into their commercial strategy.
More information and contact
For further details on the EIC OTF 2.0 Programme visit the EIC OTF 2.0 Programme website or explore the EIC Community Platform for news, open calls, stories and related events. If you have questions about the programme contact the EIC Community Helpdesk and select the category 'EIC OTF Programme - BIO' as the subject.
This article is provided for information and knowledge sharing. It should not be interpreted as the official view of the European Commission or any other organisation.