Samira Nik

Samira obtained a PhD in Materials Science from the Applied Physics Department of Chalmers University of Technology, specialising in superconducting quantum devices, nanoelectronics and materials characterisation.

After her postdoctoral fellowship in nanoelectronic devices, she became an R&D project manager in one of the leading foundries in the semiconductors industry in Sweden, where she developed the expertise to create proof-of-concept of innovative piezoelectric sensors and energy harvesting devices. Samira learned even more about the practical obstacles that scientists and startups face through her role in the cleanroom management team in one of the largest nanoelectronics hubs in the world, IMEC, Belgium.

Samira transitioned from technical to policy work with becoming Project Manager – Innovation in the European Standardisation Organisations (CEN-CENELEC). In this role, she worked very closely with the European Commission and National Standardisation Bodies for creating a stronger connection between R&I communities and industry.

Since April 2022, Samira works a Programme Manager for Quantum Technologies and Electronics in EC European Innovation Councils and SMEs Agency, where she is responsible for developing visions for technological and innovation breakthroughs, the active management of portfolios of EIC supported projects to support these visions, and bringing together stakeholders to put these visions into reality.

Opening Address: Investing in Tech Entrepreneurship in Europe – EIC Funding opportunities

Although Europe succeeds in brilliantly maintaining its research performance, it is lagging behind its main competitors in innovation. Already before the outbreak of the pandemic, Europe was facing persistent market gaps and suboptimal investment situations. EU investments in venture capital are four to five times lower than in the US and Europe underperforms in terms of new “unicorn” companies worth over 1 billion euro. To address this challenge, EU has created its own ‘unicorn factory’: the European Innovation Council (EIC) which is both the symbol and the catalyst of the change that is taking place. It has been designed to overcome the key obstacles, which are holding back Europe’s innovation potential. This presentation will introduce EIC Digital (Quantum and Semiconductors) activities as well as EIC Funding opportunities