European Reception at Gastech 2023

The European Innovation Council organised a high level networking reception dedicated to European innovation at Gastech 2023 in Singapore. Branded as the "European Reception" the business event was held on 6 September 2023 at the European Pavilion in Singapore Expo. The initiative was a collaboration between the European Innovation Council, the Delegation of the European Union to Singapore and DMG Events, the organiser of Gastech.

Who attended and what was promised

The reception brought together senior representatives from the EU Delegation in Singapore, industry organisers and a delegation of EIC-funded innovators. Speakers and named participants included H.E. Iwona Piórko, Ambassador of the European Union to Singapore, Viorel Peca, Head of Unit at the European Innovation Council of the European Commission, and Simon Ford, Vice President at Gastech organiser DMG Events. The stated goal was to showcase European advancement in the energy transition and to create new business connections for European scaleups in the growing Southeast Asian market.

Which European companies were showcased

Under the EIC Overseas Trade Fairs (OTF) Programme 2.0, a delegation of EIC beneficiaries were selected to exhibit at the European Pavilion. Selection was competitive and intended to favour companies offering environmental and low carbon solutions, hydrogen concepts and related climate technologies.

Preparatory support and the EIC workshop

Ahead of the trade fair the EIC organised preparatory activities to maximise the delegation's impact. On 16 June 2023 the EIC ran a virtual workshop for the selected companies as part of the OTF Programme 2.0. The session aimed to prepare exhibitors on commercial strategy, networking opportunities at Gastech and regulatory and IP considerations in the Singapore and Southeast Asian context.

Speakers and contributors at the workshop included the Senior Commercial Manager at Gastech, Harry Kweku Harrison-Sumter, who briefed the delegation on networking and partnering opportunities at the trade fair. Trade Policy Officer Jean Pierre De Meerleer Sánchez from the EU Delegation in Singapore and Ian Lee, Country Head at the Singapore Business Federation, advised participants on EU-Singapore relations and how to use the event to meet potential partners. Dr. Karl Rackette, an IP expert from the SEA IP SME Helpdesk, provided consultations on intellectual property in Singapore. Participants also heard practical tips from Paulo Guedes, Chief Growth Officer at Omniflow, who had prior trade fair experience. Francesco Matteucci, EIC Programme Manager for Advanced Materials for Energy and Environmental Sustainability, shared sectoral advice and trends.

What the reception and pavilion offer, and what they do not

Trade receptions and a European Pavilion create visibility, networking moments and a formal entry point for meetings with potential buyers, utilities, investors and local partners. The presence of high level EU representatives signals political support and can open doors to official briefings and bilateral meetings. However, trade fairs are only one step in a long commercialisation process. Generating leads does not automatically produce contracts. Adoption in energy and infrastructure markets often requires long certification and procurement cycles, local partnerships, pilot projects and follow up financing.

Practical barriers for European scaleups in Southeast Asia

Several persistent challenges are worth noting. Local regulation and standards differ across Southeast Asian markets and can add time and cost to market entry. Project procurement in energy tends to be dominated by established incumbents and large integrators, which raises the bar for small and medium innovators. Access to local financing and industrial partners is uneven and will determine how many leads convert to pilots or sales. Intellectual property must be managed proactively when moving into jurisdictions with different enforcement practices. Finally, political and commercial relationships vary by country and sector and they matter for long term success.

How the EIC tried to mitigate these risks

The EIC combined trade fair presence with preparatory coaching, IP advice, and introductions to EU and local networks such as National Contact Points and the Singapore Business Federation. The EIC OTF Programme is designed to go beyond a simple exhibition slot by providing commercial coaching and curated introductions. The EIC also promotes financial pathways such as the EIC Accelerator and the EIC Fund for further scaling or co-investment, and works with partners who can support due diligence and investor matching.

Takeaways for startups and policy observers

For European companies eyeing Southeast Asia trade fairs are a sensible part of market strategy but not a shortcut. A realistic plan should include at least three parallel tracks. First secure a clear pilot or demonstration pathway with a local partner or utility. Second prepare regulatory compliance and certification mapping for each target market. Third build a financing plan that includes local co-investors or investors who understand the region. Use preparatory services such as coaching and IP briefings proactively. Finally document interactions at the fair so follow up can be prioritised and resourced.

Larger policy context and a cautious verdict

The European Reception at Gastech and the EIC Pavilion reflect an explicit push by EU innovation policy to help European climate and energy technologies access global markets, especially in Asia where energy demand and the low carbon transition present opportunities. The EIC provides important layered support that goes beyond an exhibition stand. This approach helps reduce obvious barriers. However, the real test is what happens after the trade fair. Commercial success depends on pilot deployments, long procurement cycles, regulatory approvals and continued financing. Observers should treat the visibility and political signalling value of such events as necessary but insufficient conditions for large scale market wins.

Companies interested in similar support were directed to the EIC OTF Programme 2.0 and the EIC Community helpdesk. The EIC also promoted social channels like #EUatGastech to follow participants during the event.