DigitMak on the European stage: Our support model presented in Jülich and Dortmund

During September 2026, the European Digital Innovation Hub – DigitMak was presented at two international conferences in Germany, creating an opportunity to share North Macedonia’s experience with organisations, companies and digital innovation centres from across the wider European ecosystem.

At both events, Aleksandar Stamboliev – a partner in the DigitMak consortium and Executive Director of Business Accelerator UKIM (BAU), took part and presented DigitMak’s approach to supporting companies and startups.

DigitMak at the DEEP Startup Ecosystem Conference 2026

The first opportunity to share this experience was at the DEEP Startup Ecosystem Conference 2026, held on 10 and 11 September in Jülich, Germany. The conference brought together organisations, institutions and investors working to develop stronger and more connected startup ecosystems, with Stamboliev participating as a speaker on the panel “Global Perspectives on Building Thriving Startup Ecosystems.”

The panel featured experiences from North Macedonia on the development of the startup ecosystem and on how different European initiatives and instruments can be connected within a more integrated support system.

Particular emphasis was placed on the DigitMak model and its client-centred approach – from identifying needs and assessing digital maturity, through directing clients to the most relevant services, to providing support in areas such as training and skills development, digitalisation and AI adoption, as well as access to finance.

The presentation also highlighted the importance of connecting DigitMak with the wider support ecosystem, enabling companies and startups to receive coordinated support tailored to their specific needs.

DigitMak at EDIH DAYS @digitalweek

Just a few days later, this experience was presented in an even more specific EDIH context at EDIH DAYS @digitalweek, held from 15 to 17 September in Dortmund.

The event brought together European EDIHs, businesses, startups and other ecosystem partners, while DigitMak took part in a session dedicated to showcasing relevant EDIH services from the Western Balkans, Ukraine and Moldova, organised in cooperation with GIZ.

Here too, the presentation focused on the client journey within DigitMak, namely, how a company moves from the initial identification of its needs towards the services and forms of support that best match its challenges and objectives.

Beyond the presentation of DigitMak, participation in both events provided an opportunity for direct exchange with other EDIHs and organisations from across Europe, as well as discussions on potential partnerships and future opportunities for cooperation.

Through its participation in international events such as these, DigitMak continues to represent North Macedonia within the European innovation ecosystem, while exchanging experiences and building new connections that can contribute to the further development of digital transformation services for companies and organisations in the country.