Matt Kuppers
Startup Manufactory
Ireland
- International Startup Mentor, Evaluator, Investor, and Startup Founder
- Defence tech expert with military defence innovation experience
- Worked with 500+ startups, and 12+ Startup Accelerator Programmes in 8 countries
- Worked with several EIT KIC's and EIT Accelerator Programmes ( EIT RawMaterials, EIT Food, EIT Manufacturing, EIT Climate-KIC) and defence tech startup accelerators including European Defence Fund (EUDIS), NATO DIANA, EIC Accelerators, and EU Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA)
- Executive Board Member EIT RawMaterials, Independent Expert Evaluator European Commission
- Founder of Defence Invest, Startup Manufactory
- Investor in FinTech/Blockchain firms in the UK & US
- Worked in Defence Innovation in the German Armed Forces (S3 Officer)
- Strengths: EU Programme Evaluations, Startup Mentoring, EU citizen, English level C2
Experiences
Climate change and circularity: contributing to carbon neutrality, the circular economy and sustainable mobility.
Yes. I have evaluated and mentored startups and projects within EIT Climate-KIC, EIT RawMaterials, and the Horizon Europe framework, focusing on sustainability, cleantech, and circular economy models. My work has contributed to de-risking and accelerating innovation in green technologies and sustainable industrial processes across Europe.
Talent and inclusion: upskilling and future capabilities, more accessible events and diverse participation.
Yes. As a long-standing startup mentor and coach across over 15 accelerator programmes-including the London School of Economics (where I authored a 300-hour entrepreneurship module)-I have significantly contributed to the upskilling of entrepreneurial talent. I have also promoted inclusive participation across Europe's innovation ecosystems through EIT programmes and mentoring diverse startup teams internationally.
Customer experience: hybrid and digital integration, immersive technologies and interaction, personalisation and community building.
Yes. I have mentored numerous startups developing B2B and B2C digital solutions involving immersive tech, AI-driven user interaction, and personalised services. Many of these were evaluated through the EIC Accelerator, EIT Food, EIT Manufacturing, and Copernicus programmes. Additionally, I have supported the development of virtual learning and engagement platforms during my academic and consultancy work.
Other experiences
Yes. As Executive Board Member of EIT RawMaterials, I have worked on establishing financially sustainable models for KICs post-Horizon funding. I have advised on investment frameworks for long-term impact, and as Managing Partner of Defence Invest Ltd, I am helping scale tech startups with dual-use innovations that combine profitability and societal value. I also contribute to governance and platform design through my EC policy work (e.g., DG FISMA SME financing group).