Agnes von Matuschka: New President for Europe's Innovation Networks!

Agnes von Matuschka: New President for Europe's Innovation Networks!

On May 5, 2025, Agnes von Matuschka, site manager of the Potsdam Science Park, was elected President of the IASP European Division. She was chosen by an absolute majority and not without reason: she brings enormous experience, especially in supporting start-ups. She supported over 100 start-ups in Berlin and initiated a start-up incubation program that proved to be a true springboard for innovative ideas. Starting in September 2025, she will represent the interests of European IASP members for two years and work closely with the international board of directors to further advance the culture of innovation in Europe. Meeting point Potsdam reports that their vision also includes setting up a Center for Entrepreneurship and initiating networks with investors and industry.

What makes the Potsdam Science Park so special? This site is one of the largest science parks in the Berlin-Brandenburg region and extends over 50 hectares in the Golm district. There are not only two Fraunhofer Institutes and three Max Planck Institutes here, but also numerous companies from the areas of life sciences, biotechnology and new materials. The faculties of the University of Potsdam, including the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences and the Faculty of Health Sciences, also contribute to the dynamic innovation landscape. The growing number of companies in the Science Park is a clear sign of the drive for success in this emerging area.

Strengthening the European innovation ecosystem

The IASP European Division plays a central role in supporting the European innovation ecosystem within Horizon Europe. Particular emphasis is placed on the European Innovation Council’s “Enhanced EIC pilot” initiative, which aims to support innovators and start-ups with radically new ideas. This initiative is considered timely and urgently needed to realize Europe's innovation potential and thus promote high-risk products and services with international growth potential. The top priority for Agnes von Matuschka and her colleagues will be to significantly increase support for the plans of the European Council and the EIC in order to make the shared ambitions more successful. IASP emphasizes that this is about promoting innovative strength not only in Germany, but across Europe.

Another exciting aspect is the hand-in-hand of local innovation activities through the actions of the European Innovation Ecosystems 2023-2024. These are divided into the goals CONNECT, INNOVSMES and SCALEUP. The aim of CONNECT is to create a highly networked and inclusive innovation ecosystem, while INNOVSMES specifically supports innovative SMEs. And under SCALEUP, work is underway to strengthen network connections within these ecosystems to promote sustainable business growth. One project funded within SCALEUP is Women TechEU - an initiative that specifically supports women in the technology industry. Eismea makes it clear how important this multilateral approach is for Europe's innovation potential.

With Agnes von Matuschka at the helm of the IASP European Division, we are facing an exciting phase in which the opportunities for start-ups and innovative companies in Europe could increase significantly. The future looks bright for everyone active in the European innovation environment!