EIT Opens New Hub to Boost Innovation in the French Outermost Regions

The European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) today opened its newest EIT Community Hub specifically dedicated to the French Outermost Regions.

The EIT Community Hub, based in Paris, France, will connect regional actors, innovators and partners in the French Outermost Regions with Europe’s largest innovation ecosystem, strengthening collaboration between business, education and research while supporting local talent and entrepreneurs. 

Strengthening Europe’s Outermost Regions 

In contribution to the objectives of the European Commission Strategy for the Outermost Regions, and as foreseen in the EIT Strategy to Boost Engagement with the EU Outermost Regions, the new hub serves the French Outermost Regions of Saint-Martin, Martinique, Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Réunion and Mayotte. Its goal is to boost competitiveness, foster sustainable economic growth and ensure deeper integration of these territories into Europe’s innovation landscape. The initiative is part of the EIT Regional Innovation Scheme (EIT RIS), designed to bridge Europe’s persistent innovation divide. 

EU Commitment to Inclusive Innovation 

The European Union has long placed innovation, research and entrepreneurship at the heart of its support for the outermost regions. Since 2004, the European Commission’s dedicated strategy has helped these territories build on their unique assets, overcome market barriers and drive sustainable, inclusive and intelligent growth. Complementing and fully aligned with this, in February 2024, the EIT published a Strategy to Boost Engagement with the EU Outermost Regions, outlining its vision for the EU Outermost Regions and providing steering guidance to the EIT Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs) to better adapt the toolbox of existing, effective instruments to the EU Outermost Regions, as well as design new, bespoke initiatives. The launch of this new hub reinforces this commitment by creating new pathways for local innovators to access European opportunities. 

The EIT is committed to unlocking the full potential of innovators in the French Outermost Regions, integral to our strategic vision. We recognize the strong talent and capabilities these regions hold, representing invaluable contributions to Europe’s future. With targeted initiatives and our Community Hub in Paris, we aim to enhance accessibility to support, nurture talent, and tackle local challenges. Together, we will scale our efforts, strengthen ecosystems, and create a lasting impact.

Ilaria Tagliavini, Head of Operations of the EIT, Innovation Ecosystems, Communication and Engagement

Launch Event at Station F, Paris 

The new hub was officially launched during the tenth edition of Innovation Outre-Mer at Station F, Paris. This competition and immersion programme, led by the Outre-Mer Network and supported by the French Overseas Ministry, connects startups across the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans. 

The event showcased overseas project leaders, highlighted collaboration opportunities with EIT KICs, and brought together representatives from the European Commission, EIT, the French Ministry of the Overseas, the Organisation of Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and local stakeholders for a morning of exchanges, networking and project pitches – shining a spotlight on overseas innovation talent within the wider European ecosystem. 

Expanding the EIT Community Network 

The new Hub joins a growing network of EIT Community Hubs established across more than 20 European countries, strengthening the EIT’s on-the-ground presence throughout Central, Eastern and Southern Europe and the EU Outermost Regions. This expansion reinforces the EIT’s mission to build a truly pan-European innovation ecosystem that leaves no region behind. 

As part of Europe’s largest innovation ecosystem, the EIT brings together over 2 420 partners across 70+ hubs, has supported more than 9 900 ventures and has helped launch over 2 400 new products and services to market.