Fifteen EIC-backed companies prepare for CES 2025 after CES Unveiled Amsterdam
- ›A delegation of 15 companies supported by the European Innovation Council attended CES Unveiled Amsterdam on 15 October to prepare for CES 2025 in Las Vegas.
- ›The companies were selected under the EIC International Trade Fairs Programme 3.0 which provides exhibition space, coaching and matchmaking services.
- ›A preparatory online workshop on 26 September briefed participants on trade fair opportunities, onsite matchmaking and practical readiness.
- ›At CES 2025 the delegation will exhibit at the European Pavilion in Eureka Park, Hall G, booth 60633 and take part in reverse-pitch sessions and one-to-one meetings.
- ›The EIC programme builds on earlier trade fair efforts but the claims of impact will need measurable follow up and independent validation.
EIC delegation uses CES Unveiled Amsterdam to stage-run for CES 2025
On 15 October 2024 a delegation of 15 companies that have received support from the European Innovation Council attended CES Unveiled in Amsterdam. The activity was part of preparatory work for CES 2025 which runs from 6 to 10 January in Las Vegas. The delegation is participating under the EIC International Trade Fairs Programme 3.0 an EIC Business Acceleration Services initiative that covers exhibition opportunities at major international trade fairs and provides coaching and matchmaking to support commercialisation.
Who is going to Las Vegas
Fifteen EIC awardees were selected to form the delegation for CES 2025. The list spans technology areas from AI and semiconductors to air purification and remote driving. Selection was made from EIC-funded companies eligible under the International Trade Fairs Programme.
| Company | Country |
| Axelera AI | The Netherlands |
| Check Point Care LTD | Bulgaria |
| Is CLEAN AIR Italia S.r.l. | Italy |
| Dotlumen SRL | Romania |
| Elliptic Laboratories AS | Norway |
| EZMEMS LTD | Israel |
| Ignion SL | Spain |
| Mobi Solutions OÜ | Estonia |
| Multiverse Computing SL | Spain |
| Nanopower Semiconductors AS | Norway |
| Picterus AS | Norway |
| Qarnot Computing | France |
| Quandela | France |
| SettleMint NV | Belgium |
| Vay | Germany |
Preparation activities and services offered
Ahead of the January event the EIC ran a pre-departure workshop on 26 September. That online session brought together the selected companies EIC representatives and market experts. The workshop aimed to explain trade fair opportunities describe onsite matchmaking arrangements and set expectations for preparation. Attendance at CES Unveiled Amsterdam on 15 October gave the companies a physical rehearsal environment to meet other startups industry figures investors and media ahead of CES 2025.
What exhibiting at CES can deliver and where to be cautious
Trade fairs like CES offer visibility access to buyers and investors and networking density that is hard to replicate. CES 2024 drew a record audience quoted by organisers at 135 000 attendees and over 4 300 exhibitors from 150 countries. For European deep tech companies whose markets are global a well organised trade fair presence can accelerate introductions and lead generation. The EIC emphasises coaching matchmaking and preparatory training to increase the odds of converting opportunities.
That said trade fairs are costly in time and money. The outcomes vary widely between companies and sectors. A credible evaluation requires tracking standardised metrics such as leads converted into pilots signed contracts revenue attributed to the fair investor commitments and follow up meeting rates. Public announcements typically highlight participation and qualitative engagement but rarely publish systematic follow through metrics. Organisers and programme managers should publish outcome data to allow external scrutiny of return on public investment.
Risks and practical constraints for startups
Startups should be mindful of the resources required to attend major trade fairs. Costs include travel logistics booth staffing collateral and opportunity cost of key staff time away from product development and sales. SMEs from smaller innovation ecosystems may also face visa or regulatory challenges when entering the US market. The EIC support package mitigates some but not all of these barriers. Companies should plan follow up processes in advance and set measurable goals for the event.
Practical information and next steps
The EIC distributed an EIC ITF Catalogue for CES 2025 and invited questions via the EIC Community Helpdesk. Companies and interested parties are advised to contact the Helpdesk selecting EVENT - EIC ITF Programme – CES 2025 in the subject category for programme specific enquiries. The EIC Community platform also hosts stories news and future open calls related to the ITF programme.
The EIC will make its fourth delegation appearance at CES building on earlier editions. For companies selected to exhibit the immediate tasks are polishing pitches refining outreach lists and aligning internal resources to capitalise on meetings in Las Vegas. For the EIC the next challenge will be to show not only participation but measurable impact from public support.