Building bridges for innovation: the catalyst rollout in EPIC-X

The EPIC-X project, funded by the European Union under the Horizon Europe Programme (Grant Agreement No. 101193579), is setting the stage for a revolution in cross-border innovation collaboration. One of its core initiatives, the Catalyst’s Rollout, promises to strengthen and expand the project’s collaborative network by creating an interconnected ecosystem of Local Key Players from 16 participating EU countries. But what does this mean for the future of innovation?

At its heart, the Catalyst’s rollout is all about fostering collaboration. By strategically engaging local stakeholders across a variety of sectors—universities, research institutions, investors, corporations, incubators, accelerators, business associations, government agencies, and individual experts—the project seeks to build a dynamic, inclusive network. These key players are not just part of the project; they are the ones driving change and ensuring that the innovation process stays deeply rooted in local realities. Through their collective efforts, EPIC-X aims to accelerate knowledge exchange, spark new collaborations, and contribute to the long-term objectives of sustainable innovation.

This document serves as a roadmap for creating this vital network, providing a structured approach to identifying and presenting key national-level stakeholders. It also plays a critical role in mapping the national innovation ecosystems across the participating countries. By understanding the intricate web of innovation players, EPIC-X is better positioned to tailor its collaborative efforts, ensuring that no opportunity for growth is missed.

The impact of this work doesn’t stop with the establishment of the network; it continues to evolve. The list of stakeholders will be continuously updated, ensuring that the EPIC-X initiative remains responsive to new developments and emerging leaders in the innovation space. By the end of the project, a final catalogue of these actors will be compiled, providing a lasting resource for the innovation community beyond 2026.

In a world where innovation is more collaborative than ever before, the Catalyst’s Rollout initiative is laying the groundwork for a future where local expertise, cross-border partnerships, and shared knowledge drive sustainable progress across Europe. Together, these Local Key Players are not just supporting the project—they are reshaping the future of innovation.y building the kind of collaborative, cross-border ecosystem where such ambition can thrive.

Would you like to join us on this exciting journey?

Email us at general@epic-x.eu