EIC selects 20 energy innovators for Middle East Energy 2023 and runs a market preparation workshop
- ›The European Innovation Council selected 20 EIC-funded companies to exhibit at Middle East Energy 2023 in Dubai from 7 to 9 March 2023.
- ›Companies were chosen under the EIC OTF Programme 2.0 based on internationalisation plans, technological fit with the trade fair, and contribution to EU strategic objectives.
- ›A one-day online preparatory workshop on 8 February briefed participants on UAE market conditions, cultural norms, logistics and business services.
- ›The delegation includes firms working on hydrogen, floating offshore, industrial IoT, atmospheric water generation, batteries, digital twins and more.
- ›The initiative offers visibility and matchmaking but also faces common trade fair limits such as uncertain conversion rates and local market barriers.
EIC-backed delegation heads to Middle East Energy 2023
The European Innovation Council announced the names of 20 EIC-funded companies selected to represent the European Pavilion at Middle East Energy 2023. The flagship trade fair runs in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from 7 to 9 March 2023. Selection took place as part of the EIC OTF Programme 2.0 and prioritised firms with concrete internationalisation goals and technological relevance to the trade fair.
Who will exhibit at Middle East Energy
The delegation covers a range of energy related technologies. The EIC announcement listed the 20 participating companies together with their country of origin. Where available, short notes summarise public information about each company. This does not replace company disclosures and readers should consult company websites for full technical and commercial details.
| Company | Country | Technology focus / notes |
| Advanced Microturbines | Italy | Microturbine technologies for distributed power generation |
| AEInnova | Spain | Industrial IoT sensors and monitoring solutions for energy and heavy industry |
| CAMINO SCIENCE | Poland | Biotech and AI platform for molecular predictions, applied to bioinnovation |
| Dexma Energy Intelligence by Spacewell | Spain | Energy intelligence and analytics software for buildings and portfolios |
| Elaphe Propulsion Technologies | Slovenia | In-wheel electric propulsion systems and high performance motor control |
| Enerpoly | Sweden | Energy storage and battery technology developer |
| FIMUSKRAFT | Finland | Modular bioenergy and biogas plants for valorising biowaste |
| GENAQ | Spain | Atmospheric water generators producing potable water from air |
| GFM Fotovoltaica | Spain | Photovoltaic technology and solar project development |
| Infinite Foundry | Portugal | 3D digital twin platform for industrial production efficiency |
| LIGHTHEAT | Greece | Heating and thermal management technology |
| Limatech | France | Certified lithium battery systems for aviation and transport |
| MAC Ltd | Ireland | Wireless sensor solutions and utility monitoring for medium and low voltage networks |
| MITIS | Belgium | Decentralised energy converters and flameless combustion microturbines |
| Powerplug | Israel | Electric vehicle charging and power electronics |
| Saitec Offshore Technologies | Spain | Floating foundations and systems for offshore wind |
| SAKOWIN | France | Methane plasmalysis for on-site decarbonised hydrogen and solid carbon production |
| SettleMint | Belgium | Blockchain enterprise software and tokenisation platforms |
| SolarGaps LLC | Ukraine | Solar photovoltaic smart blinds and facade-mounted PV solutions |
| TWTG | Netherlands | Industrial IoT NEON sensors and LoRaWAN devices for energy and process industries |
Selection criteria and preparatory workshop
The companies were selected after an exhaustive evaluation. Decision factors included clarity of internationalisation objectives, alignment between the companies' technologies and the trade fair scope, potential contribution to EU strategic autonomy, and the projected image of the EU as a technology leader. Selected participants took part in an online one-day preparatory workshop on 8 February designed to give practical guidance ahead of the Dubai exhibition.
A former OTF participant, Pablo Ramírez, commercial specialist at GENAQ, contributed his experience. The session was intended to prepare the delegation for matchmaking opportunities and to reduce avoidable mistakes at the show floor.
Why Middle East Energy matters and what to expect
Middle East Energy is a major energy exhibition that brings buyers and sellers from across the globe to discuss energy products, services and alternative energy solutions. In its prior editions the fair attracted more than 20,000 visitors and over 800 exhibitors from roughly 170 countries. The event is an established venue for product launches, brand promotion and networking in the MENA region.
Context, benefits and limits for participating innovators
The EIC's approach aims to fast track international market exposure for deeptech firms that often face long sales cycles. The programme provides market intelligence, coaching and a visible presence at the European Pavilion. For many small companies exposure in Dubai can open distributor relationships and pilot opportunities in the Gulf region where demand for flexible energy and water solutions is rising.
At the same time there are practical and strategic caveats. Companies must manage intellectual property risks when pitching in large public settings. They also need to understand local procurement practices, standards and potential restrictions on technology export. The MENA market is heterogeneous and entry often requires local partnerships and tailored commercial models. Trade fair attendance alone rarely produces sustainable sales without targeted follow up and suitable operational capacity.
Further information and contact points
The EIC recommended that companies consult the OTF Programme 2.0 web pages for additional programme materials. The EIC Community platform hosts news, open calls and events related to the International Trade Fairs Programme. Applicants were pointed to a video on application dos and donts and to the EIC Community Helpdesk for questions.
Final note
The EIC’s trade fair interventions are part of a wider push to help European deeptech innovators scale globally. Such initiatives can improve visibility and reduce some market entry friction. They are not a substitute for sustained commercial strategy and local capacity building. Companies and observers should judge outcomes by measurable follow up such as pilot contracts, distributorship agreements or paid deployments rather than by attendance alone.