Vassiliou visits KIC InnoEnergy in Poland

The European Commissioner for Education, Culture, Multilingualism and Youth has visited the KIC InnoEnergy co-location centre in Poland.

Androulla Vassiliou was visiting the centre in Krakow, Poland as part of the ‘KIC as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship’ conference. Speaking at the event, the Commissioner said: “I believe in the creative and innovative talent of young Europeans. Therefore, we must continue to invest in education and skills for which there is demand.”

Also addressing attendees, chairman of the EIT Governing Board, Alexander von Gabain, stressed the importance of innovation and Europe’s hidden R&D talent, adding that the continent needs a ‘renaissance of entrepreneurship’.

Vassiliou also met with aspiring entrepreneurs who presented their business ideas, and attended an education session with KIC InnoEnergy Masters School students. In a follow-up press conference, the Commissioner said: “Involved since its beginning in the EIT and its KICs, Poland is a clear testimony of the KICs’ contribution to the creation of new business opportunities through the promotion of an entrepreneurial culture.” She also answered questions from various energy research organisations.

Writing on Twitter following the event, Vassiliou commented: “During my visit to KIC InnoEnergy in Krakow I met with a number of partners from academia, research and business. I was particularly pleased to hear first-hand from young entrepreneurs as to how the KIC helped them to put forward their innovation schemes. I was also pleased to meet the entrepreneurs of tomorrow, the Masters and PhD students at the KIC. All motivated young persons.”