The European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) has opened a new EIT Community Hub for the French outermost regions. This new hub will help people, businesses, and universities work together to create fresh ideas and strengthen innovation.
The EIT, a body of the European Union, connects local people and organisations to Europe’s largest innovation network. The new hub will support students, entrepreneurs, and researchers to learn new skills, start new companies, and turn ideas into real projects.
The hub will serve the regions of Saint-Martin, Martinique, Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Réunion, and Mayotte. It is part of the EIT Regional Innovation Scheme (EIT RIS), which helps all parts of Europe take part in innovation and close the gap between regions.
Since 2004, the European Commission has been helping these regions use their local strengths to grow. This support focuses on innovation, research, and entrepreneurship to make their economies stronger and more sustainable.
To celebrate the launch, the EIT Community Hub France will hold a kick-off event on 28 November 2025 during the 10th edition of Innovation Outre-Mer at Station F in Paris. This event, created by the Outre-Mer Network and supported by the French Overseas Ministry, will bring together entrepreneurs, project leaders, and partners from across the oceans.
Many key guests will attend the event, including representatives from the European Commission, EIT, French Overseas Ministry, OECD, and local leaders. The day will include talks, project presentations, and networking to help connect overseas talent with Europe’s innovation community.
The new hub will also work with partners such as the Outre-Mer Network, OECD, and the French Overseas Ministry to give project leaders practical tools and support. One example is a funding toolbox, which offers guides, contact lists, and information on programmes like Horizon Europe, LIFE, and Erasmus+.
This new hub is part of a wider EIT plan to open over 20 community hubs across Europe, including in Central, Eastern, Southern, and outermost regions.
If you want to learn more or join the activities, contact the EIT Community Hub France at france@eitcommunity.eu and follow the Hub on LinkedIn.
