Clusters meet regioNS 2025

The Global Startup Awards is proud to have been selected as a host of Clusters Meet Regions, becoming the first privately held organisation chosen across Europe.

The event took place in Copenhagen on December 3 and 4, 2025, during the Danish EU presidency.

Bringing this flagship initiative of the European Cluster Collaboration Platform to Denmark for the first time was an important opportunity to strengthen the country's position in the European innovation landscape and expand international collaboration.

WE HEARD FROM NATIONAL CLUSTERS

  • SIMON SCHOU

    CHIEF INNOVATION OFFICER,
    COPENHAGEN FINTECH

  • KAREN LINDEGAARD

    INTERNATIONAL PROGRAM MANAGER,
    DANISH LIFE SCIENCE CLUSTER

  • DUSTIN WILDEN

    CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER,
    CENSEC

  • GLENDA NAPIER

    CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER,
    ENERGY CLUSTER DENMARK

INNOVATION STAKEHOLDERS THAT WERE ON THE GUEST LIST

CMR is a flagship initiative of the ECCP, supported by the European Commission, DG GROW, and EISMEA.

In 2025, Copenhagen hosted the workshop, organised by XO.company (the engine behind the GSA) in collaboration with the Capital Region of Denmark and Innovation District Copenhagen.

The aim was to bring together EU institutions, public sector leaders, clusters, startups, academia, and investors to strengthen cross-border collaboration and integrate Denmark’s innovation ecosystem more deeply into the broader European industrial landscape.

ABOUT CLUSTERS MEET REGIONS (CMR)

The event connected European clusters, regional authorities, SMEs, and innovation actors to explore how regional cooperation could strengthen Europe's competitiveness, green transition, and digital transformation.

The event highlighted Denmark's role as a frontrunner in sustainable innovation and as a bridge between Nordic and European ecosystems.

Participants engaged in two days of dialogue, collaboration, and matchmaking - combining policy perspectives with hands-on examples of cluster-driven innovation.

ABOUT THIS EDITION’S EVENT

Audience

  • Cluster managers and innovation agencies.

  • SMEs, startups, and corporates across Europe.

  • Public authorities and EU institutions.

  • Universities, R&D organisations, and investors.

  • Representatives from embassies and international networks.

WHY IT WAS IMPORTANT

  • Cross-border cooperation agreements between Danish and European clusters.

  • Increased SME participation in EU-funded programmes and consortia.

  • Greater visibility for Danish clusters and startups in the European innovation landscape.

  • Strengthened public-private collaboration, enhancing the ability of Danish clusters to deliver on regional and EU priorities.

  • Clear post-event action plan for follow-up collaborations and funding opportunities.

THE VENUE

CMR took place at Copenhagen University’s (KU) at the famous Maersk Tower - a true architectural landmark and symbol of innovation.

Thanks to the generous support of our partners from Innovation District Copenhagen, we gathered in one of the city’s most inspiring spaces, where science, technology, and creativity converges.

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  • Boosts Denmark's cluster visibility and EU positioning on the global stage.

  • Connects with initiatives related to the Danish EU Presidency.

  • Engages directly with European Commission officials and international innovation networks.

  • Generates new collaborations, funding partnerships, and scale-up opportunities for SMEs and startups.

Why this matters for Denmark

EVENT
OBJECTIVES

  • Strengthen cooperation between Danish and European clusters.

  • Enable startups and SMEs to access EU opportunities and cross-border partnerships.

  • Position Denmark as a key contributor to EU industrial and innovation priorities.

  • Showcase Danish excellence in sustainability, digitalisation, and health innovation.

  • Facilitate new partnerships between clusters, corporates, academia, and public institutions.

PARTNERS