On April 22, 2024, a comprehensive online presentation on "High-Tech Innovations and Funding Opportunities for Innovation" was hosted by Simon Mokorel from the Regional Development Agency of North Primorska. This event, conducted via Teams, offered valuable insights into the latest advancements in technology and essential funding opportunities for fostering innovation.

Session 1: High-Tech Innovations

The first session provided an in-depth overview of high-tech inventions and innovations, highlighting their critical role in today's rapid technological evolution. Attendees were introduced to the current state of high-tech inventions across various industries, featuring groundbreaking examples that are setting new standards in product development and societal impact.

Key highlights included:

• Overview of High-Tech Inventions and Innovations: Detailed insights into the latest high-tech innovations, particularly advancements in new materials and their applications in product innovation, which enhance performance and sustainability.
• IT and AI Advancements: Exploration of the latest developments in IT and AI, showcasing their transformative potential in product innovation and societal change through successful case studies.
• Leveraging Innovation for Societal Change: Strategies for integrating high-tech solutions into business models to drive both economic growth and social progress.

Session 2: Funding Opportunities for Innovation

The second session focused on securing funding for innovation through various EU programs, providing crucial information for organizations looking to support their R&D activities and bring innovative ideas to market.

Key topics covered included:

• Key EU Funding Programs: Detailed explanations of three major EU funding programs—EUREKA, Incentives for Research and Development Projects, and the DEMO Project—covering their objectives, eligibility criteria, and supported project types.
• Avoiding Common Pitfalls: Practical advice on navigating the funding application process, ensuring compliance with requirements, and effectively articulating project goals.
• Crafting a Compelling Application: Tips on creating strong funding applications, including clear project descriptions, robust supporting evidence, and strategic alignment with funding program objectives.

The session concluded with an interactive Q&A, allowing participants to clarify doubts, share experiences, and gain deeper insights into the topics discussed, fostering a collaborative learning environment.

Conclusion

This presentation underscored the importance of staying updated on high-tech innovations and effectively leveraging them for both product and societal advancements. By understanding and accessing EU funding opportunities, organizations can confidently pursue their innovative projects. The practical advice provided on avoiding common pitfalls and crafting compelling applications was invaluable in enhancing the success rate of securing funding. Overall, the event offered a comprehensive roadmap for integrating high-tech innovations into business strategies and obtaining the necessary financial support to bring these innovations to fruition.