<p>Manuel is Strategy adviser and Programme coordinator at the European Innovation Council (EIC) of the European Commission.<br />He works in the design and management of the Business Acceleration Services of the European Innovation Council, a +10€ initiative under Horizon Europe supporting  top-class innovators, entrepreneurs, small companies and scientists with bright ideas and the ambition to scale up internationally. It provides funding, coaching and business acceleration opportunities for those at cutting edge of innovation. <br />Manuel is in charge of the EIC Corporate Partnership Programme that bridge the gap between EIC beneficiaries and the largest firms in Europe and manage the Overseas Trade Fairs programme, bringing the EIC beneficiaries to the main markets outside the EU. <br />With almost 20 years of experience in the European arena, he has developed his professional career in the fields of economic development and business innovation.<br />Manuel holds a degree in economics from the University of Salamanca with specialization in European affairs in the University of Leuven and a Master in International Business Economics from the Leuven School of Business and Economics. He also holds a diploma from the Spanish diplomatic school.</p>