“Successful startup ecosystems are embedded in networks of founders and partners. Partners such as investors, accelerators, universities, companies, and public administrations.
Therefore, we need the support of all the stakeholders present here with us, in this important launch event of the Startup Village Forum.
And I would like to invite public and private organisations: from corporates to startups and foundations, to ‘pledge’ your support to the Startup Village initiative.
We have opened a section in the web site of this Forum where you can indicate the support you can provide. Your pledges can be financial but also in-kind, such as provision of co-working spaces, IT infrastructure or know-how, such as coaching or training.
I see this call for pledges as a main channel to gather commitment from public and especially from private organisations for Startup Villages. They will be important to build a real long-term vision for rural areas, anchored in the territories.”

Mariya Gabriel
European Commissioner for Innovation, Resears, Culture, Education and Youth.

“Today, rural areas offer a wealth of opportunities to seize, as laid out in the long-term vision for rural areas. Fostering rural innovation should largely contribute to the green and digital transition, benefiting our rural communities, our farmers and society as a whole. The Start-up Village Forum plays an important role, by connecting start-ups, rural actors and public authorities to share knowledge and experiences. I look forward to this year’s discussions and upcoming editions.”

Januzs Wojciechowski
Commissioner for Agriculture.