Online Event
How to Transform Your Region into a Hub for Cross-Border Entrepreneurship
Turning Regional Strengths into Global Innovation Pathways
Date
fev 03, 2026
Time
01:00 pm - 02:30 pm
Address
Online Event
One of the greatest challenges facing entrepreneurs is the silos our ecosystems naturally create when supporting local interests. Here, we'll explore how cross-border collaboration serves not only the interests of founders, but also investors who need access and connection to that which matters most to their needs. This event will focus on creating actionable pathways for economic development through global entrepreneurship. We will explore the concept of cross-border innovation ecosystems, using the strategic triangle between Germany, Japan, and Cyprus as a case study.
Discover how regional strengths can be leveraged to boost global partnerships, attract capital, and foster talent retention. Attendees will gain a clear understanding of how to help their regions create environments that facilitate innovation and attract investment, benefiting both local economies and international collaboration.
What You'll Learn:
What You'll Learn:
- Strategies for fostering innovation across borders and leveraging the Japan-Europe corridor.
- Moving beyond physical spaces to focus on talent development and measurable economic outcomes.
Featured Experts:
- Richard Mort - Japan-Europe Ecosystem Strategist: Richard is a strategic intelligence consultant and Japan-Europe business connector based in Düsseldorf, Germany's "Little Tokyo." With 20 years living in Japan and fluency in Japanese, German, French, and English, he specialises in bridging European and Asian ecosystems through event mapping, stakeholder matching, and market entry strategy. His comprehensive mapping of Web Summit 2024 - covering 1,131 stakeholders and 2,200+ startups - generated over 34,000 views and earned recognition from major corporations including SoftBank. Richard works with Japanese city governments, trade delegations, and European companies seeking Asia market access, operating under "The Human API" brand.
- Alberto Martellini - Managing Director @ Funder Advisor: Alberto is an Entrepreneurship Director bridging corporate innovation with high-growth ventures across fintech, energy, mobility, and traveltech. With 20+ years of corporate leadership experience? including leading $20B+ B2B product portfolios at American Express. He specializes in go-to-market strategy, commercialization, and strategic financing. As an Innovation Partner with FI, he works with governments and universities to design and manage accelerator programs focused on economic development and capacity building. He brings deep expertise in fundraising, mentor network development, institutional partnerships, and navigating regulatory and investment frameworks.
- Paul O'Brien - Head of Public Affairs @ Founder Institute: A startup economist and ecosystem strategist with 25 years in venture capital, public policy, and economic development. As Head of Public Affairs at the Founder Institute and Managing Partner of Startup Economist, he helps governments, investors, and civic leaders build stronger startup ecosystems that drive real economic growth.
About Founder Institute:
Founder Institute helps governments build capacity for economic development by providing the infrastructure necessary to activate their talent, empower the creation of new companies through structured mentorship, and ignite their funding ecosystem. Learn more at https://fi.co/government
Founder Institute helps governments build capacity for economic development by providing the infrastructure necessary to activate their talent, empower the creation of new companies through structured mentorship, and ignite their funding ecosystem. Learn more at https://fi.co/government
Speakers
Platinum Partners
Local Partners
Google
Linkedin
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