European Tech Tour Association

The European Tech Tour Association (ETT) was founded in Geneva in 1998 in response to growing interest to visit emerging technology companies in various European regions. ETT is an independent organization composed of key contributors to the high-technology industry. The association recognizes that continued prosperity in Europe lies in its ability to transform today's innovative projects into tomorrow's global technology leaders.

Although some European regions show a higher density of innovative projects and expertise than others, extraordinary competence, entrepreneurship and dynamism can be found throughout Europe. Each region is hiding a handful of raw gems deserving more attention and requiring guidance to quickly achieve global success. ETT's goal is to bring more transparency to Europe's regional markets and to build a stronger relationship between its members and each region.

Approximately four tours are organized per year in different European countries or emerging regions where ETT has identified a particular interest amongst it's delegates and where it believes to find innovative young high tech companies with global market potential.

Each tour typically runs two days, with an opening dinner held the evening preceding the Tour.

ETT Mission:

  1. To identify unique and innovative projects having the potential to impact the European technology landscape;
  2. To introduce selected companies to a unique circle of top-ranking global investors, corporations and advisors to the high-tech world; and
  3. To Contribute to the development of high-tech and innovative companies in Europe, as a non-profit organization.

ETT is interested in early to expansion stage technology companies with the potential to become global leaders in their market niche in the following areas:

  • Electronic Components and Systems
  • Voice and Data Communication Technologies
  • Software and Systems
  • Data / Knowledge Management
  • Internet Technology & Services
  • Vertical Market Solutions
  • New Media Technology
  • Wireless Solutions
  • New Materials and Processes
  • Optoelectronics
  • Clean Tech
  • Nanotech
  • Web 2.0 and online communities

The ETT local representatives and the executive committee of ETT identify the most promising companies in a selected region through their combined networks.

An open competition or "call for applications" is also made in each region at least three months before each Tech Tour takes place. Applications are reviewed and selected by an independent regional committee organized by the local representative. Selected companies are announced at the opening dinner.