Anniversary edition | Shaping the Future

Welcome to interactive presentation, created with Publuu. Enjoy the reading!

SPECIAL EDITION JAN 2024

SHAPING

THE FUTURE

K4I Forum takes green

road for future generations

The leading online platform for

disruptors & decision makers

■ Get the latest news, analysis & insights

Listen to our podcast: discover what it takes to

roll out innovations in the Netherlands

Stay ahead and subscribe to our newsletter

➔ Go to tudelft.nl/pioneeringtech

More news

about the

latest trends

in tech?

Welcome

INNOVATORS MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2024 | 01

INSIDE

Forewords

A European innovation

story

Reflections

10

Dubai Stopover

16

Global alliance targets

green revolution

20

Innovators Magazine

is produced by

Humanity is edging along a tightrope that is in danger of

becoming the noose that strangles it out of existence. Right now,

at least 20 wars or conflicts are ending lives and destroying

countless futures worldwide. Up to 780 million people around

the planet are going hungry, according to UN figures released in

2023. Weather extremes are becoming weather norms. And in the

midst of it all, the world is facing its biggest ever election year,

with 50%+ of the global population heading to the polls in 2023...

Happy New Year!

What in some parts of the world is called shit life syndrome,

when poverty and abuse destroy all semblance of hope in people,

threatens to morph into shit world syndrome, a collective loss

of hope in the idea that a better world is possible. It feels like a

spectrum of pain - and yet most people still believe that better

is possible. All the ingredients are there, and if we stop chucking

them all over the floor, turn them into what’s good for all of us,

we can perhaps renew some genuine hope in the future.

By investing in areas this magazine has long advocated for:

purpose-driven innovation, scalable solutions that can deliver

a just transition, and policies that are good for people and the

planet, we can make the segway.

And there are signs that these investments are being made, way

too slowly, but momentum is everything. Organisations like the

K4I Forum in the European Parliament, and the newly launched

global alliance: Allied4Future (AF4) are driving the momentum.

Inside this edition, we look at the impact these two organisations

are making and reveal their vision for a better future. Operating

at the heart of Europe’s innovation ecosystem, the K4I Forum’s

influence in creating milestones moments of progress, like

the adoption of the New European Innovation Agenda and the

advancement of the European Green Deal, is clear. What it, and

A4F, plan to do next promises to produce even bigger payoffs, not

just for Europe but the world.

Two landmark global events held in December also offer hope.

The European Innovation Area Summit, which took place in the

European Parliament and was led by the K4I Forum; and COP28

in Dubai, which was covered extensively by AF4, in partnership

with OnePoint5Media. These types of events are often dismissed

by the public as talking shops, junkets likely to achieve nothing.

But the pledges and commitments to take real action indicate that

the world might be wisening up and looking to step down from

the tightrope and onto a more verdant footing.

Iain Robertson

EDITOR

Propelling

Europe

forward

In the dynamic tapestry of global

challenges, the imperative

pursuit of groundbreaking ideas

has evolved from a choice to a

necessity. Within the pages of this

magazine, we unveil a testament

to the transformative force of

Science, Research & Innovation

(R&I), technology, and the digital

transition.

Marking 15 years of the

Knowledge4Innovation Forum in the

European Parliament, we celebrate

a legacy of collaboration uniting

academics, researchers, industry

leaders, entrepreneurs, and

policymakers. This forum serves

as a guiding beacon, directing us

towards innovative solutions and

sustainable progress.

As you delve into these pages,

the reflections of key figures

echo through the corridors of

time. From European Commission

President José Manuel Barroso

to the current President of the

European Commission, Ursula

von der Leyen, different European

Commissioners, the President of

the European Parliament, Roberta

Metsola, and numerous Members

of the European Parliament.

Their unwavering support

has moulded the trajectory of

Knowledge4Innovation, providing a

compass for our collective journey.

These pages emphasise the past

and future endeavours dedicated to

supporting science, research, and

innovation, weaving the narrative

of technological advancement as

a cornerstone for the green and

digital transitions. Our commitment

is rooted in propelling Europe

to global competitiveness and

achieving a sustainable economy.

This journey is a manifestation of

collaborative efforts, streamlined

pathways, and strategic financial

backing, propelling Europe forward,

where innovative ideas turn into

tangible solutions, securing our

competitiveness on the global

stage.

As the Chair of the Forum, it gives

me immense pride to see such

groundbreaking initiatives brought

to the forefront by an organization

that has been a pioneer in Europe’s

innovation landscape since 2009.

The impact of the K4I Forum is

something that Mariya Gabriel,

European Commissioner for

Innovation, acknowledged in her

keynote speech at the European

Innovation Area Summit in June

2022, at the time of the launch

of the New European Innovation

Agenda. She emphasized, “The

Knowledge4Innovation platform

has served the objective of

providing the European Parliament,

the European Commission, and the

stakeholders group with the forum

for discussing innovation.”

Similarly, women innovators and

female-led startups, another

focus area of the activity of

Knowledge4Innovation Forum

in the European Parliament, are

contributing some of the most vital

solutions. Commissioner Gabriel,

passionate about this space,

noted that women innovators

are “responsible for some of the

most groundbreaking innovations

contributing to a more sustainable

future.”

Thank you for embarking on this

journey of exploration, reflection,

and inspiration. May these pages

serve not just as a record of

accomplishments but as a catalyst

for your contributions to a future

where innovation shapes the future

for coming generations.

Maria da Graça Carvalho MEP

Chair, Knowledge4Innovation

Forum in the European Parliament

WELCOME | MARIA DA GRAÇA CARVALHO MEP

02 | INNOVATORS MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2024

WELCOME | MARCELINE DU PRIE

INNOVATORS MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2024 | 03

As President of Knowledge for

Innovation (K4I) and on behalf of

TU Delf, it is my distinct pleasure

to welcome you to this very

special edition of the Innovators

Magazine looking at 15 years

Knowledge4Innovation Forum

in the European Parliament. In

the ever-evolving landscape of

innovation, our commitment

to advancing knowledge and

fostering groundbreaking initiatives

continues to be a driving force

behind our endeavours.

At TU Delf, we stand at the

forefront of cutting-edge research

and technological advancements,

with a relentless pursuit of

excellence in various domains. Our

commitment to fostering a culture

of innovation is reflected in the

remarkable initiatives that have

emerged from our institution. In this

edition of the Innovators Magazine

of Knowledge4Innovation, we

are thrilled to showcase some of

the cutting-edge initiatives that

symbolise TU Delf’s dedication to

shaping the future.

One of the most exciting frontiers

we are exploring is the realm of

quantum technologies. TU Delf

is at the vanguard of quantum

research, pushing the boundaries

of what is possible in the quantum

world. Our initiatives in quantum

computing, communication, and

sensing are not only advancing

scientifc understanding but also

paving the way for revolutionary

applications that will redefne the

technological landscape.

Synthetic cell research is another

fascinating avenue where TU Delf

is making signifcant strides. By

delving into the intricate realm of

synthetic biology, our researchers

are unlocking the secrets of life at

the molecular level. The implications

of this research are profound,

with the potential to revolutionize

medicine, biotechnology, and our

understanding of the fundamental

building blocks of life.

Climate engineering stands out

as a critical focus area where

TU Delf is actively contributing

to addressing one of the most

pressing challenges of our time. Our

interdisciplinary approach brings

together experts from various felds

to develop innovative solutions that

can mitigate the impact of climate

change. Through pioneering research

and collaborative initiatives, we are

committed to creating a sustainable

future for generations to come.

I am also delighted to highlight the

“Allied4Future” (A4F) initiative, a

collaborative efort that brings

together diverse stakeholders

dedicated to shaping a sustainable

and innovative future. This alliance

exemplifes the power of collective

action and the importance of

forging partnerships to tackle

global challenges.

I am looking forward to the

upcoming World Future Forum in

Lisbon this September, organized

by Allied4Future. This event

promises to be a unique global

platform for thought leaders,

innovators, and visionaries to come

together, exchange ideas, and chart

the course for a more sustainable

and innovative future. I encourage

all of you to participate in this

transformative event.

In closing, I extend my gratitude to

the contributors, researchers, and

partners who continue to make

TU Delf a hub of innovation and

knowledge creation. The stories

and initiatives shared in this

magazine are a testament to our

collective commitment to pushing

the boundaries of what is possible.

Thank you for joining us on

this journey of discovery and

innovation.

Creating a

sustainable

future

Marceline du Prie

President, Knowledge4Innovation Forum

Director, European Affairs, TU Delft

15 YEARS | KNOWLEDGE4INNOVATION IN THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

04 | INNOVATORS MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2024

15 years of

Knowledge4Innovation

Forum in the European

Parliament

Dr Roland Strauss

Co-Founder, Knowledge4Innovation

For 15 years, Knowledge

for Innovation has been

our guiding principle,

emphasising the signifcance

of knowledge creation and

scientifc discovery. For the

EU, this will be ever more

important for maintaining

global competitiveness,

yet true progress depends

on transforming our robust

knowledge into tangible

innovations — digital, green,

and deep technologies. To

accelerate the green and

digital transition, our future

focus is on empowering

‘green pioneers’ the drivers

behind a future green

economy through advocacy,

impact investing and access

to world class knowledge.

If I were to rename K4I today,

it would be ‘Knowledge for

Innovation with Purpose.’ It

encourages us to consider

the sense behind our

actions and to clarify our

fundamental goals in life.

When asked by family and

friends about my work, I

used to explain that it is at

the crossroads of policy and

technology emphasizing the

importance of the fnancial

sector. While these are the

main drivers of any industrial

revolution or economic

model, there is a fourth

element that we used to

overlook and that is central

to the green industrial

revolution and our very

future: Nature.

If humanity wants to survive,

the need to account for

the exploitation of natural

resources and the damages

caused by pollution in

our economic and human

activities is non-negotiable.

Nature and its resources

form the foundation of our

existence. We cannot win a

battle with nature.

Thankfully, this challenge

is a collective one, ofering

a chance for unity and

collaboration rather than

conflict and war.

Let’s shape the future for

coming generations together,

now.

15 YEARS | KNOWLEDGE4INNOVATION IN THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

INNOVATORS MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2024 | 05

The K4I Forum in the European Parliament

has “been in the driving seat from the very

beginning of this journey” is how former

European Commissioner for Innovation,

Mariya Gabriel summed up K4I Forum’s role in

creating the New European Innovation Agenda

adopted in 2022.

And in every decade of the 21st century the K4I

Forum can be seen in this role of lead architect

in the advancement of European innovation.

2009

The Knowledge4innovation Forum in the

European Parliament begins shaping the

future of innovation in Europe. From the start,

the Forum advocates for innovation to be a

top priority in European policy making, which

is encouraged by then Commission President

José Manuel Barroso at the 1st European

Innovation Summit.

“Innovation will be the key to Europe’s

recovery and to building a more sustainable

economy and society afer the crisis.

Innovation is not just about product

development: it is about how our society

changes and improves. Innovation is about

the way we do business, the way we work,

the options we choose as consumers and

citizens.”

José Manuel Barroso, Former European

Commission President

Roland Strauss, Paul Rübig, José Manuel Barroso, Lambert van Nistelrooij at the 1st European Innovation Summit

The Brussels chapters: 2009 – 2024 and

beyond...

K4I Forum’s annual events held In the

European Parliament, Brussels, give the

continent’s diverse innovation ecosystem

a platform to drive transformative change.

In the 2010s the K4I Forum, alongside the

European Parliament and Commission, is

instrumental in orchestrating milestone

moments in Europe’s innovation journey: as

Horizon Europe dedicates its third pillar to

Innovative Europe, the European Innovation

Council invests in green growth, and more

than 10 bn euro of funding is mobilised for

Europe’s startups.

Carlos Moedas with Lambert van Nistelrooij, K4I Forum Chair

(2009 - 2019)

15 YEARS | KNOWLEDGE4INNOVATION IN THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

06 | INNOVATORS MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2024

“The 7th European Innovation Summit is

an important moment for discussion on

how European innovation can contribute

to our continent’s competitiveness and to

solving global challenges. I would like to see

Europe go further and faster towards open

innovation.”

Carlos Moedas, Former European

Commissioner for Research, Science and

Innovation

K4I showcases start-ups in the European

Parliament

In 2017 the K4I Forum organises the first ever,

and to date only, startup pitching competition

in a parliamentary plenary hall, the Hemicycle

of the European Parliament. From 300

preselected startups it invites the ‘EUTOP50’

to pitch innovations to a panel of policymakers

and industry leaders.

Together for impact

Collaborating with the European Institute

for Innovation and Technology (EIT) - and

in particular EIT RawMaterials - the K4I

Forum helps create a playing field where

European innovators can thrive. It is K4I Forum

chair, Maria da Graça Carvalho who is the

Rapporteur for the review of the EIT Regulation

EUTOP50 Startup Pitching Competition, Hemicycle, European Parliament, 2017

EIT leadership discussing “How the EIT KICs will shape the future

of innovation in Europe” at 11th EIS.

“Let me frst of all congratulate you for having

been selected to be one of the EU Top 50

start-ups. All of you have shown the potential

to disrupt a billion-dollar marketplace

and make an impact on society, which is

impressive. You can certainly be proud to be

here today.”

Günther Oettinger, Commissioner for Digital

Economy and Society

Inaugural AI & big data for Innovation

Summit

In 2019 the K4I Forum launches the first AI

& big data for Innovation Summit. And AI

is now one of the focal points of its events

programme, supported through its close

cooperation with the appliedAI Institute for

Europe initiative.

Collaborative action

During and after the Covid shut down, the

Forum works closely with then Commissioner

Mariya Gabriel to develop the European

Innovation Area initiative and the New

European Innovation Agenda which develops

in parallel.

“That’s the atmosphere that K4I is always

creating, it’s really to feel like we are a

family. During the past one and a half

years, you accompanied me, you inspired

us to make decisions. And fnally, we have

the new European Innovation Agenda and

you were in the driving seat from the very

beginning of this journey. Thank you very

much, we count on you to continue with

us.”

Mariya Gabriel, Former European

Commissioner for Innovation, Research,

Culture, Education & Youth

Mariya Gabriel receiving special edition of Innovators

magazine from Maria da Graça Carvalho

INNOVATORS MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2024 | 07

15 YEARS | KNOWLEDGE4INNOVATION IN THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

6 EIS - A Mandate for Innovation in Europe, front row from left to right: Jerzy Buzek , Corina Cretu, Lambert van Nistelrooij, Carlos Moedas,

Christoph Keese, Phil Hogan, Friedhelm Schmider.

Jerzy Buzek , Ivana Maletić & Lambert van Nistelrooij at the 10 year

anniversary of European Innovation Summit

Innovation for Purpose

Starting in 2020 the K4I Forum turns its focus

towards Innovation for Purpose in support

of the Green Deal objectives which are put

at the centre of K4I New. The 2023 European

Innovation summit agenda is entirely

dedicated to the green and digital transition

featuring events on renewable energy, the

quantum internet and a workshop with Green

Pioneers, the drivers of the clean economy.

The Knowledge4Innovation Forum in the

European Parliament: The Place for Debate on

a Sustainable Future; Innovation for Purpose -

Innovations for Good

Afer 15 years during which the K4I Forum

was mainly looking at innovation from an

EU perspective advocating for innovation to

become the top priority in EU policy making,

now is the time to focus on solutions for a

Sustainable Future.

Our new thematic focus areas relate to the

green and digital transition and address

Green Deal objectives and UN Sustainable

Development Goals. This is fully in line with

the new orientation of the K4I Forum on

“Innovation for Purpose – Innovations for

Good”.

Our key topics are in the areas of climate

change, clean energy and circular economy

and the underlying deep tech and digital

solutions that drive the green transformation.

Support will not only come from technological

innovations but also for concrete projects

that help businesses to decarbonize or the

environment to stop biodiversity loss.

I have been following in my different capacities in the

European Commission and in the European Parliament

Knowledge4Innovation activities since the 1st EIS when

I was accompanying President Barroso.

Knowledge4Innovation is a network that brings together

academics, researchers, industry, entrepreneurs, and

policy makers. It is a very interesting platform where

you can talk about and promote R&I.

My two wishes for the future are much less bureaucracy

and to double the budget for Horizon and we are just

starting this campaign.

It is a real wish to have a much bigger budget for R&I

and work to make it more flexible and easier to use and

more inclusive to all regions and countries.

(K4I ‘New’ Reception 2023)

Maria da Graça Carvalho

EPP, Portugal

K4I Forum Chair

15 YEARS | KNOWLEDGE4INNOVATION IN THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

08 | INNOVATORS MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2024

Global Quantum Internet - Made in Europe

Together with European Partnerships, EIT,

EIC, Technical Universities, incubators and

accelerators, entrepreneurship centres and

impact investors as well as leading clean

energy businesses, we gather Europe’s

driving forces behind the green and digital

transition in discussion with policy makers

from EU institutions, member states and

regions.

We are convinced we can help future, green

economy leaders by providing access to

scientifc and research knowledge, access to

fnance, public and private and be the voice

representing sustainable technology leaders

from startups to industry champions.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28

Made with Publuu - flipbook maker