
Head of Department - European Innovation Council (EIC) in the newly established European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency
In his role, he ensures effective and efficient implementation of the EIC from the emergence of new technologies having the potential to generate game-changing innovation up to the scaling up of deep-tech enterprises (mainly startups and SMEs).
He also chairs the Investment Committee of the EIC Fund. Beyond the EIC, Stéphane oversees the implementation of the Research, Innovation, and Digitisation Window under the InvestEU Programme. Previously, he was the head of unit for Financial Instruments in DG Research and Innovation at the European Commission. Before joining DG R&I, he was the head
of unit for the Connecting Europe Facility and investment strategies in DG MOVE.
Beforehand, he was Deputy Head of Cabinet of Commissioner Vladimír Špidla, responsible for employment, social affairs, and equal opportunities (2004-2010). Previously, he was part of the Commission’s team negotiating with the Czech Republic its terms of accession to the EU (2001-03), and then moved on to be part of the team coordinating the enlargement strategy (2003-04)
Other featured speakers

Ioan
Istrate
Advisor to the Minister @ Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digitalization
With over 10 years of work experience in various fields, ranging from consulting and entrepreneurship to policy and social impact, his core competencies include new business development, analytical skills, and geopolitics.
Cezara
Panait
Government Affairs & Public Policy Country Lead for Romania @ Google
Young professional in EU digital policy and human rights lawyer with comprehensive knowledge of legal, policy and regulatory issues, acquired in both public and private sectors.

Ana
Crețu
Co-Founder InnovX-BCR @ BCR
Co-Founder and Board of Advisors member of InnovX-BCR business accelerator, assisting startups to architect, accelerate, and expand from idea to hypergrowth, by means of leveraging the infrastructure, knowledge, resources and test environments of BCR.
Robin
Haak
General Partner @ Robin Capital
With a varied career portfolio, Robin has acted as an entrepreneur, operating executive, investor, and advisor to a broad spectrum of private and public companies. These include Algolia, Aircall, Axel Springer, and many more.