Lúcio QUINTAL

Lúcio QUINTAL holds an engineering degree in Computer Science (Software Engineering). He currently works as a senior project manager at the Regional Agency for Research, Technological Development, and Innovation of Madeira (ARDITI).

He's one of the coordinators for the REMORA Horizon Europe project and was involved in H2020 projects such as FORWARD and CIVITAS-DESTINATIONS. REMORA and FORWARD are projects focussed on promoting R&D in the Outermost Regions.

Virág ZSÁR

Virág ZSÁR is an expert of International Relations, Senior Grant Advisor at HÉTFA Research Institute.

She gained experience in the preparation, administrative, and thematic management of various EU-funded projects. Inspired by her WG-leadership in BESTPRAC COST action (Voice of Research Administrators), she initiated and coordinated the foRMAtion project and the V4WB RMA Network Plus.

She has been working as an expert in the Horizon Results Booster, now Booster, Service. During the Hungarian Presidency of the EU Council, she co-chaired the Research Working Party.

Dalibor Marijanović

Dalibor Marijanović is a seasoned regional innovation expert with extensive experience across public institutions, corporate environments, and the venture capital landscape. He is currently a Partner at Vesna Deep Tech VC Fund, where he supports transformative technologies and deep tech startups.

Dalibor began his career in IT, spending seven years designing and delivering solutions for clients in both the public and private sectors, spanning organizations of all sizes. In 2005, he joined BICRO, where he initially led the Collaborative R&D Grant Scheme and later served as President of the Board, playing a key role in shaping Croatia’s innovation funding ecosystem. Following his tenure at BICRO, he transitioned into the corporate manufacturing sector, holding executive leadership roles over a nine-year period with DIV Fastener Industry and Authority Partners, where he served on the board with responsibility for operations.

In addition to his executive and investment roles, Dalibor has supported several neighboring countries in developing and implementing national innovation policies. His expertise spans technology, operations, innovation strategy, and policy, making him a trusted voice in the regional innovation and startup ecosystem.

Arevik Khnkoyan 

Arevik Khnkoyan is the Head of Unit for Experimental Developments and Innovation Programs of the Higher Education and Science Committee of the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of the Republic of Armenia.

She has 15 years of working experience in the fields of science, technology and innovation policy development and management in Armenia. Main activities cover the development of mechanisms aimed at supporting applied research and experimental developments having social and economic impact. Responsibilities regarding the assistance of technological projects, enhancement of their readiness levels, commercialization of R&D results, as well as public and private partnerships within the R&D projects, highly support the formation of innovation infrastructure.

She has participated in a number of national and international projects as an expert, used to be a member at the TOS ICP Bureau at UNECE (Team of Specialists on Innovation and Competitiveness), and has acted as a national focal point for a number of international programs regarding innovation performance in Armenia. Has a master’s degree in humanities, and publications on R&D and innovation policy.

Konstantinos Kokkinoplitis

Konstantinos Kokkinoplitis holds a BSc in Mechanical Engineering and an MSc in Materials Science Engineering from a prestigious Canadian university. He has extensive experience in research and innovation management, having served as Director of R&D at multinational company  BiC VIOLEX S.A., Secretary General for Research & Technology in Greece, and head of significant European Territorial Cooperation and EC national funding Programmes.

Currently, he leads two dynamic consulting firms, RISE and Seven Sigma, specializing in innovation management, product development, and strategic policy-making. Mr. Kokkinoplitis also acts as an expert evaluator and advisor for the European Commission and other international organizations, focusing on smart specialization strategies, entrepreneurship, and industrial innovation.

Michele Andolfo

Michele Andolfo is the Chief Operating Officer and Director of Research & Development at Artigo S.p.A., a leading Italian company specialized in high-performance rubber flooring solutions. With over a decade of experience in operations, innovation, and international project management, Michele oversees the entire operations chain — from production to supply chain — while driving the company’s R&D strategy with a strong focus on sustainability, advanced materials, and circular economy principles.

He actively contributes to European collaborative projects, particularly in the fields of green building technologies, clean removal systems, and industrial innovation. His work bridges the gap between industrial scalability and cutting-edge research, fostering partnerships that bring real-world impact to innovative ideas.