Plug and Play GOAL (Global Overseas Acceleration & Learning)

?? Recapping Our Webinar: Lessons from North America on Innovation & Startup Development What a privilege to host this webinar, featuring the voices of Martin Basiri (Iranian & Canadian unicorn founder of ApplyBoard and Passage), Reesa John (Executive Director, Accelerators at Alberta Innovates), and Melissa Lamson (EVP for Venture Development & Innovation Strategy, Arizona Commerce Authority), who shared powerful lessons on innovation and startup growth. Here are some of the biggest takeaways: ?? Measuring Success: Revenue, Jobs & Ecosystem Growth – Reesa emphasized three key metrics for economic diversification: revenue generation, job creation, and the strength of the ecosystem. With AI transforming industries, she pointed out that job creation strategies must consider AI’s impact on the workforce to ensure long-term sustainability. ?? Startups & Anti-Fragile Economies – Startups are essential for building economies that can withstand disruption. Melissa highlighted how ecosystems like Silicon Valley and New York have leveraged startups to create resilient, innovation-driven economies. In Arizona, they are creating a strong ecosystem of their own with the goal of making Arizona the No. 1 state in the nation for startups and investors by supporting 10 unicorns, relocating over 100 startups to Arizona, and catalyzing at least $1B in private investment in Arizona startups. ? ?? The Power of Public-Private Partnerships – A thriving innovation ecosystem doesn’t emerge in isolation. Reesa stressed that collaboration between the public and private sectors is essential. Public-private partnerships help de-risk government investments while ensuring regions like Alberta build strong, competitive ecosystems. ?? Adapting to Uncertainty – With geopolitical shifts and economic volatility, agility is more important than ever. Reesa emphasized that both governments and businesses need to approach uncertainty like startups do—by staying flexible, creating multiple pathways for growth, and pivoting when needed. ?? The Public Sector’s Role – Government support plays a critical role in enabling innovation. Martin highlighted that the best approach is to create an ecosystem where talented individuals can grow, then let the market take over. This balance between public support and private execution has been a key driver of success for many entrepreneurs. ?? Missed the webinar or want to revisit the insights? Watch the recording here: https://lnkd.in/gitEBTiT At Plug and Play, we’re committed to driving these conversations and empowering innovators worldwide. ?? Interested in learning more about our GOAL program? Contact elina@pnptc.com ?? If you're looking to explore opportunities in Arizona or Alberta, connect with Melissa Lamson for Arizona and Reesa John for Alberta! Amir Amidi Elina Gorji Wil Nefkens Melisa I. Yui Koda

?? Bridging Innovation Across Borders ???? ?? ?? At Plug and Play, we take pride in our role as a global innovation platform, connecting startups, corporations, and governments to drive meaningful impact. It’s always rewarding to hear from our partners about the value we bring to their ecosystems. Jaehong Min, VP of the Korea Environmental Industry Association (KEIA), shares his perspective on our collaboration: ??“Plug and Play plays a key role not only in Silicon Valley but also as a global hub for industries worldwide, helping multinational companies form strong networks while efficiently managing costs and time. In particular, the Korean team had the opportunity to participate in a well-structured program, from mentoring to demo day, over the course of several months, which significantly enhanced the global capabilities of Korean SMEs, leading to high satisfaction across the board.” We are honored to support Korean SMEs in expanding their global reach and strengthening their innovation strategies. A big thank you to KEIA for their trust and collaboration! Looking forward to continuing our mission of fostering global innovation ?? David Kim Jeffrey(Sukkoo) Kim Elina Gorji Yui Koda Melisa I. #PlugandPlay #KEIA #Innovation #GlobalExpansion #Startups #CorporateInnovation #Korea

?? Plug and Play GOAL has just released our latest update, highlighting our 2024 milestones and exciting plans for 2025! Last year, we proudly supported 90 startups from 12+ countries through our US Soft Landing program, delivered 13 global programs, and partnered with 16 esteemed organizations to drive startup success. With 100+ workshops, 350+ mentor introductions, and access to 550+ corporate partners, we’re proud to continue making a global impact. As we step into 2025, our focus remains on empowering startups, fostering collaboration, and strengthening global innovation networks. ?? Read the full press release here: https://lnkd.in/gGrTfypx Big thanks to our partners, mentors, and startups who make this journey possible. Let’s keep building the future, together! ?? #PNPTC #PNPTCGOALGOAL #GlobalInnovation #Startups #SoftLanding #SiliconValley

?? Innovation isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. In today’s rapidly evolving landscape, companies that fail to innovate risk being left behind. But innovation doesn’t happen by accident—it requires knowledge, strategy, and leadership. That’s why we’re launching the Plug and Play Innovation Academy—a two-week course designed to equip professionals with the skills, frameworks, and connections to turn innovation into impact. ?? Join us in Silicon Valley to: ? Learn from industry leaders and startups shaping the future ? Gain hands-on experience in innovation management & corporate venturing ? Expand your global network with top innovators and investors ?? First cohort kicks off June 12, 2025! Ready to take your innovation journey to the next level? Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/d7vf4Vnn #InnovationAcademyPNPTC #InnovationLeadership #CorporateVenturing #OpenInnovation #ExecutiveEducation

Reminder: Applications are still open! ?? The UN Tourism Artificial Intelligence Global Startup Competition is in full swing! If you’re a startup using AI, VR/AR, or Blockchain to transform tourism and drive sustainability, this is your moment. ? What’s in it for you? ? Pitch at UN Tourism Tech Adventures ? Join a 2-month acceleration program ? Access to mentorship, funding & pilot opportunities Don’t miss the chance to be part of a global movement shaping the future of tourism. ??? Apply now: https://pnptc.in/3C23RZu #PNPTC #UNTourism #CFA

Introducing the Plug and Play Innovation Academy ?? Who better to teach innovation than those who live it every day? At Plug and Play, innovation is at the core of our DNA—we connect startups, corporates, and investors to shape the future of industries. Now, we’re bringing our expertise to professionals worldwide. To share what we’ve learned and help others drive meaningful change, we’re launching the Plug and Play Innovation Academy—a two-week executive education experience in Silicon Valley! ??? Designed for forward-thinking professionals, executives, and innovators, this academy provides hands-on learning, exclusive networking, and access to cutting-edge industry insights from startups, corporates, and investors. Choose your path: ? Innovation Masterclass – A deep dive into the world of innovation ? Innovation Certification (CAS) – Gain 15 ECTS credits with our university partners ? Executive MBA Path – Apply your learnings toward an Executive MBA in collaboration with Steinbeis Center of Management and Technology - SCMT GmbH and StGallen Integrated imt Business School ?? First cohort starts June 12, 2025 ?? Learn more & get in touch: https://pnptc.in/4k056d1 #ExecutiveEducation #Innovation #PNPTC

Discover the path to success in the UN Tourism AI Competition — get answers, insights, and a chance to connect with UN Tourism experts. ?? Join our informational webinar to learn about the UN Tourism AI Competition, including program benefits, selection criteria, and how you can participate. This session offers a unique opportunity to hear directly from the UN Tourism team and get your questions answered. Don’t miss this chance to gain clarity and confidence as you explore this opportunity to scale your startup: https://pnptc.in/3DZQDgq #PNPTC #UNTourism

??Testimonials from Our Startups from HKSTP - Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation ?? We are thrilled to share a video featuring the program graduation event and testimonials from participants of the GOAL program powered by HKSTP - Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation! ??? ??“This has been a lifetime experience for me. For sure, I’ll be sharing this with my fellow people, friends and network in Hong Kong” Daniel Lo from GoGoChart ??“Plug and Play has very rich connections with investors and corporate partners. One of the highlights for me was attending Silicon Valley Summit. I met more than 15 potential investors there” Eddie Y. from OKOSIX ??“This program has been really impactful to me personally. I have learned a lot about the new stimulus around innovation” Tony Ip from RaSpect The GOAL program has not only fostered growth and innovation but also created lasting connections and opportunities ?? Check out the video to hear more about these incredible journeys ?? If you’re passionate about innovation and scaling your startup, this is an experience you don’t want to miss! https://lnkd.in/gxiA4SNB #PlugandPlay #Innovation #Startups #GOALProgram

?? Testimonial from Our Partner: Terro X from City of Laval, Canada ?? At Plug and Play, we take pride in building bridges between startups, partners, and ecosystems worldwide. Hearing how we impact our partners and startups is what truly fuels our mission. Alexandre Corriveau, Director of Terro X – Laval économique in the City of Laval, shared their experience with our Summit Event and the Plug and Play ecosystem in the Summit Wrap-up Video: ?? "We bring our startups into the Plug and Play ecosystem, which provides immense benefits, such as meeting real American people, experiencing the culture, and understanding how to expand their business in the U.S. As a partner, it's an opportunity to witness a wide range of innovations and stay updated on global trends. This is my third time coming to the summit, and I’m super happy to be part of this journey—I absolutely love what we’re doing with Plug and Play right now." A big thank you to Terro X and City of Laval for your continued partnership and trust. It’s inspiring to see how this collaboration is driving innovation and global growth. We’re excited to host and support more Canadian startups at Plug and Play! ?? ?? Watch the full video here: https://lnkd.in/gGQQwiHC #Innovation #GlobalTrends #PlugAndPlay #SummitEvent #Collaboration

Plug and Play, in partnership with UN Tourism, is redefining tourism through technology. The UN Tourism Artificial Intelligence Global Startup Competition is here, and we’re looking for bold, market-ready ideas that can drive sustainability and innovation in the industry. ?? Be part of a global initiative to: - Transform tourism through AI, VR/AR, and cutting-edge technology - Support the Sustainable Development Goals - Showcase your solutions to an international audience - Applications are open now through July 31! ?? Check out our official announcement + details on how to apply: https://pnptc.in/3ZuVrBA #PNPTC #UNTourism