EIT Campus

The European Startup Week 2026
2026-07-06 - 2026-07-12 | Taranto Vecchia, Puglia, Italy
The European Startup Week 2026 is a seven-day gathering of startup founders, investors, innovators and entrepreneurship enthusiasts from across Europe, taking place in Puglia, Italy. Now in its fourth edition, the event combines the insight and opportunities of a major startup conference with the relaxed atmosphere of a Mediterranean summer festival.
Participants will have the opportunity to connect with fellow entrepreneurs, investors and industry experts through a mix of networking sessions, startup pitches, panel discussions, roundtable conversations and community-led activities. Alongside the conference programme, attendees can take part in social events, local excursions and informal meetups designed to foster meaningful relationships and collaboration.
Built around the principle of “Friends First, Networking Second”, European Startup Week offers a unique environment for sharing ideas, exploring investment and partnership opportunities, and becoming part of a vibrant European startup community.

Creative Skills Week
2026-09-07 08:00 - 2026-09-11 17:00 (Europe/Brussels) | Brussels
How can creative skills shape Europe’s response to today’s most pressing challenges?
In a time marked by rapid technological change, evolving democratic landscapes, and increasing societal complexity, creative skills are emerging as a powerful force for transformation. From fostering innovation to strengthening social cohesion, the Cultural and Creative Sectors and Industries (CCSI) play a crucial role in shaping resilient and forward-looking societies.
Join Creative Skills Week 2026 (CSW2026) in Brussels, Belgium, from 7–11 September 2026, for a dynamic programme that brings together policymakers, educators, industry leaders, and creative practitioners from across Europe. Under the theme “The Difference that Makes the Difference,” this event explores how creative skills can be harnessed to address broader societal challenges and unlock new pathways for collaboration and impact.
Through high-level debates, real-world case studies, and cross-sector showcases, CSW2026 highlights how creative thinking operates in practice, offering fresh perspectives that reframe problems, connect ecosystems, and strengthen Europe’s capacity to act in uncertain times.
What will you take away from this event?

Insights into how creative skills drive innovation across sectors.
Practical examples of cross-disciplinary collaboration and impact.
A deeper understanding of the role of CCSI in addressing societal challenges.
Perspectives on policy, education, and industry alignment for future skills.
Opportunities to connect with leaders shaping Europe’s creative ecosystem.

Who should attend?

Professionals from the Cultural and Creative Sectors and Industries (CCSI).
Policymakers and public sector representatives.
Educators, researchers, and academic leaders.
Industry experts and innovation practitioners.
Skills and workforce development organisations.
Entrepreneurs and creative professionals.
Anyone interested in the intersection of creativity, society, and policy.

Co-funded by the European Commission and co-organised by EIT Culture & Creativity, Cyanotypes, and Creative Futures Academy, alongside key European partners, CSW2026 offers a unique platform to explore how creativity can shape a more sustainable, inclusive, and innovative future.
Save the date and be part of the conversation in Brussels.
