ECCI-supported innovator finalist for prestigious EU Prize
Dr Alicja Dzieciol and her company SilviBio, whom were supported by ECCI's EIT Climate-KIC Accelerator in 2020, have been selected as finalists for a prestigious European Union-backed innovation prize.
Dr Dzieciol founded Midlothian-based SilviBio, which designs biobased, biodegradable products that help foresters adapt to climate change and reduce their water, fertiliser and peat use.
Launched in Scotland at ECCI in 2017, the EIT Climate-KIC Accelerator offered early stage entrepreneurs a three-step development programme with access to funding, business coaching with experienced professionals, a range of masterclasses and free workspace at ECCI’s vibrant Edinburgh hub
EU Prize for Women Innovators
This year the EU Prize for Women Innovators saw a record breaking 227 applications from across the EU and Horizon Europe associated countries. Having narrowed the pool down to just 14 finalists, Dr Alicja Dzieciol is now competing for one of the three €50,000 prizes in the “Rising Innovators” category and is the only Scottish nominee in the running.
The €50,000 Rising Innovator prize seeks to recognise women entrepreneurs aged 35 or under who are “behind game changing innovations” and can “be role models to women and girls everywhere.”
Dr Alicja Dzieciol said: "Just being a finalist in the EU Rising Innovators prize has been incredible because it has further shone a spotlight on what I care about namely that: making a truly sustainable future is possible and; a team of individuals who truly care about something can make a difference."
"Thanks to ECCI's early support, I was connected to many Scottish contacts who have provided invaluable support over the years." - Dr Alicja Dzieciol
Mariya Gabriel, the EU’s Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, said: “Supporting Europe’s women entrepreneurs is good for growth, is good for people, and is good for our planet. This year’s finalists are pioneering ground-breaking innovations that could help contribute to a more sustainable future.”
The winners of the EU Prize for Women Innovators and its €50,000 Rising Innovator category will be announced on 7 and 8 December 2022 in Brussels at the European Innovation Council Summit.
ECCI's EIT Climate-KIC Accelerator
Launched in Scotland at ECCI in 2017, the EIT Climate-KIC Accelerator offered early stage entrepreneurs a three-step development programme with access to funding, business coaching with experienced professionals, a range of masterclasses and free workspace at ECCI’s vibrant Edinburgh hub. SilviBio took part in stage 2 of the Accelerator in 2020.
Through the renowned EIT Climate-KIC Accelerator programmes, from 2017-2020, ECCI supported 43 innovative climate start-ups to create 115 jobs, earn over £8m investment and £6.5m in grants and awards, create £1.44m turnover and 42 new products and services.
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