The FI4INN project strengthened its European outreach by participating in Impact Days 2026, one of Europe’s leading events dedicated to impact investing, sustainable entrepreneurship and social innovation. Hosted by Impact Hub Vienna, the conference brought together investors, policymakers, public innovation agencies, entrepreneurs and ecosystem builders to explore new approaches to creating economic and social impact.
As part of the event, FI4INN presented its experience in designing innovative financial instruments that better respond to the needs of startups and SMEs across Central Europe. The project contributed through a dedicated programme that included a Financial Innovation Round Table, panel discussions, networking activities and partner meetings, creating opportunities to exchange knowledge with organisations working at the forefront of impact finance.
One of the highlights of FI4INN’s participation was the Financial Innovation Round Table, where project partners explored how public innovation agencies can act as market shapers by developing financial instruments that are more accessible, flexible and impact-oriented. Discussions focused on the importance of combining public and private investment, integrating ESG considerations into financial support schemes and improving the long-term monitoring of funded projects.
Throughout the conference, participants reflected on the growing need to move beyond traditional grant-based support towards blended finance models capable of mobilising private investment while addressing regional development challenges. FI4INN’s pilot experiences demonstrated how co-design methodologies, stakeholder engagement and continuous evaluation can lead to more effective financial solutions tailored to local innovation ecosystems.
The event also provided an important opportunity to connect with the wider European impact investment community. Through networking sessions and exchanges with ecosystem actors, FI4INN partners explored future collaboration opportunities while increasing the visibility of the project’s results beyond its consortium.
Participation in Impact Days reinforced one of FI4INN’s core messages: successful financial instruments are not defined only by the availability of funding, but by how well they respond to the real needs of entrepreneurs, public authorities and innovation ecosystems. By promoting collaboration, knowledge exchange and practical experimentation, the project continues to contribute to a more resilient and inclusive innovation landscape across Central Europe.