Startup Growth Through the Right Connections

Jan de Vries · 2026-06-11

For startups looking to scale, access to the right buyers, investors and partners can define what happens next. Innovation Park at Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) connects emerging AV businesses with the global industry leaders, systems integrators and investors who can accelerate strategic expansion. Following strong momentum at ISE 2026, Innovation Park returns to the international stage at ISE 2027, giving startups direct exposure to the global AV industry and the opportunity to showcase technologies shaping its future. ### Turning Connections Into Real Growth Building on more than 20 years of innovation at ISE, Innovation Park gives emerging companies direct access to investors, buyers and industry leaders. At ISE 2026, some of the AV industry’s fastest-growing startups used Innovation Park to secure international visibility, investor conversations and new distribution opportunities. With 130 exhibitors, the programme reinforced its position as a key destination for discovery, networking and business development, where many first conversations developed into international growth opportunities. > "Returning to Innovation Park for a second year was an easy decision for us because the experience and connections we made previously were extremely valuable," said Fabien Rolland, Co-founder & Managing Director of Losonnante, a French startup developing immersive bone conduction sound technology. "This year, our focus was on connecting with investors and international integrators to expand into new markets through distributor channels." Alberto Paccagnella, Co-Founder of amperry, the Italian startup behind a shared power-bank rental solution capable of charging both mobile devices and laptops, added: "This is our first time at ISE, and from day one we realized it was the right platform for a startup like ours. We connected with people from all over the world, received strong interest in our product, and saw clear opportunities to scale the business internationally beyond Italy." Chris White, EU Territory Manager at Turtle AV, an Australian manufacturer of Dante audio products, noted: "ISE 2026 generated exceptional interest for us, creating hundreds of new contacts and opening significant opportunities for further international growth." ### Pitching, Matchmaking and New Business Opportunities The Plug and Play Pitching Stage was a major driver of engagement, hosting 84 pitch sessions and giving startups a direct forum to present to investors, partners and industry stakeholders. This momentum continued across the broader programme, with tours, networking events and the Speed-Dating Evening Event helping participants build new relationships and open conversations around future collaboration. The Matchmaking Area, powered by Ambivation, further strengthened the programme, facilitating more than 160 potential one-to-one connections between investors, startups, innovation managers, corporate representatives and other stakeholders. Seven partner-led sessions featuring BCN Health Hub, Youz Talent, Barcelona Activa, EIT Culture & Creativity, CETT and SETT added further depth, before the week concluded with the ISE Hackathon. Mike Blackman, Managing Director of Integrated Systems Events, said: "Through its alignment with the ISE Foundation’s commitment to innovation, the programme also helps entrepreneurial talent bring new ideas to market and connect with the wider AV industry. By connecting emerging companies with the right people and organisations, Innovation Park creates real commercial opportunities and supports the next generation of industry growth." ### Applications Open for Innovation Park 2027 Following strong demand and high engagement at ISE 2026, startups are already securing their place at Innovation Park in Barcelona from February 2-5, 2027. With increasing investor and buyer engagement, Innovation Park is expected to attract a new wave of AV startups looking to scale internationally. If your startup is ready to connect with global industry leaders and accelerate growth, now is the time to apply. - Direct access to investors and buyers - 84 pitch sessions and matchmaking events - Over 160 potential one-to-one connections - International visibility and distribution opportunities