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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.