San Francisco, United States, 27 March 2019 - The European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), opened today in Silicon Valley the first Community Hub outside of Europe. Building on the existing Silicon Valley Hub of EIT Digital, the EIT Hub in San Francisco will support European innovators to attract US customers, partners and investors. It will also showcase innovation made in Europe and bolster the visibility of innovative European solutions to global challenges.
Martin Kern, EIT Interim Director, said: ‘To strengthen Europe’s competitiveness and to tackle the most pressing global challenges facing our society through innovation, we have to connect globally. This EIT Hub will further strengthen Europe’s innovation ecosystem and act as a bridge between Europe and the Silicon Valley for entrepreneurs, innovators and students.’
Willem Jonker, EIT Digital CEO, added: 'After we, EIT Digital, as the first EIT family member, landed in Silicon Valley end of 2014, I am extremely happy to see the rest of our family, of meanwhile 8 Innovation Communities, joining us: in varietate concordia!'
Kirsten Dunlop, EIT Climate-KIC CEO, said: 'In pursuit of addressing the urgent global challenge of climate change through transformative innovation, we are delighted to launch our collaboration with our like-minded partners in California – sharing responsibility for the radical problem-solving that is needed. This partnership builds on our complementary expertise, blending the outstanding exponential technology of Silicon Valley with our uniquely European approach to innovation that brings together both economic and social transformation. Only this holistic, systems, approach can provide solutions in time.'
