EURAXESS Smart Talks

In this episode of Euraxess Smart Talks, we speak with Anne‑Marie Jeannet, Associate Professor of Sociology at the University of Milan and Principal Investigator of the ERC Starting Grant project DESPO – Deindustrializing Societies and the Political Consequences.

Anne‑Marie reflects on her journey into social science, her unconventional academic path from the humanities to quantitative sociology, and her experience applying for—and winning—an ERC Starting Grant. She shares candid insights into rejection, persistence, and how research ideas evolve through failure.

The conversation dives deep into the political consequences of deindustrialization, challenging dominant assumptions that link economic decline directly to voting behaviour. Drawing on findings from her ERC project, Anne‑Marie explains why community, family, memory, and industrial nostalgia matter more than annual economic indicators—and why her project took an unexpected but productive turn when its central hypothesis did not hold.

This episode is especially valuable for early‑career researchers, offering practical advice on ERC applications, proposal writing, interviews, project deviations, amendments, and the realities of managing a large grant—particularly during disruptions such as COVID‑19 and institutional mobility.

⏱️ Question & Segment Timestamps

00:00 – 01:50 | Introduction
 Welcome to Euraxess Smart Talks and introduction of Anne‑Marie Jeannet and the DESPO project.

01:50 – 03:35 | Academic background
 How Anne‑Marie transitioned from history and the humanities into social science and sociology.

03:35 – 06:50 | Applying for the ERC Starting Grant
 How she decided to apply, early rejections, persistence, and improving the proposal over time.

06:50 – 08:40 | What makes a strong ERC idea?
 Why ERC projects are about big ideas and new avenues, not small research gaps.

08:40 – 10:35 | Deindustrialization and politics
 How her project reframed the political effects of deindustrialization beyond jobs and unemployment.

10:35 – 11:55 | External shocks and project reality
 Political changes, COVID‑19, and whether the project followed its original plan.

11:55 – 14:20 | When the core hypothesis fails
 Why finding “no effect” changed the direction of the research—and why that matters.

14:20 – 15:30 | Industrial nostalgia
 The paradox of longing for factory work that people do not want to do themselves.

15:30 – 16:55 | Media, memory, and romanticizing the past
 How collective memory and media narratives shape perceptions of industrial history.

17:00 – 19:30 | Deviations, amendments, and ERC flexibility
 How to legally and scientifically manage changes to an ERC project.

19:30 – 22:55 | Advice for early‑career researchers
 Proposal writing, abstracts, mock interviews, and learning from ERC winners.

22:55 – 24:55 | Portability and institutional challenges
 Moving institutions with an ERC grant and why starting grants can be slower than expected.

24:55 – 26:15 | Closing reflections
 Final thoughts on challenges, transparency, and success in large research projects.

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In this episode of EURAXESS Smart Talks, hosts Daria Aksjonova and Jovan Aranđelović sit down with Dr. Jennifer Kefauver, a Marie Skłodowska‑Curie Postdoctoral Fellow whose career spans world‑class research centers in the US, Switzerland, and Spain.

Jennifer shares her journey from earning her PhD at Scripps Research—studying mechanically activated ion channels in Nobel Prize–winning laboratories—through her interdisciplinary postdoctoral work in structural and membrane biology, to her current research on rare laminopathies at the Spanish National Research Council.

Together, we explore how mechanical forces shape cell behavior, why mechanobiology matters for human health, what it's like to transition from the US to Europe as a researcher, and how MSCA fellowships can open doors to international careers. Jennifer also reflects on work culture differences, navigating immigration bureaucracy, language challenges, and the role of public healthcare and parental leave in shaping a sustainable academic life.

Whether you're an early‑career scientist considering mobility or simply curious about the frontiers of mechanobiology, this episode is filled with practical insights, honest reflections, and inspiration.

🧩 Key Topics Covered

• Jennifer’s academic path: from Scripps Research to the University of Geneva and Spain
• Mechanobiology explained: how cells sense and respond to mechanical forces
• Structural biology, membrane protein purification, and cryo‑EM
• The value and challenges of Marie Skłodowska‑Curie Fellowships
• Work culture differences between the US, Switzerland, and Spain
• The impact of public healthcare, and social protections
• The burden of administrative tasks and immigration bureaucracy
• The importance of language learning for integration
• Advice for early‑career researchers on mobility, networking & choosing projects
• Future plans: stabilizing in Spain and pursuing ERC funding

⏱️ Questions & Timestamps

00:02:34 — Jennifer, could you tell us about your career path in academia and why you applied for the MSCA grant?
00:06:11 — How did you identify your research topic and select your host lab for the MSCA fellowship?
00:07:01 — Can you explain your research field and what mechanobiology means in practical terms?
00:09:00 — What are the challenges of doing experiments and simulations at the cellular scale?
00:11:57 — Is there real‑world applicability for your fundamental mechanobiology research?
00:12:57 — How might therapeutic approaches—like gene therapy or epigenetic drugs—play a role in treating these rare diseases?
00:14:51 — What are the differences between rare diseases and their treatment challenges?
00:15:02 — How would you compare the research environment in the US vs Europe?
00:17:17 — How did work culture differ between the US, Switzerland, and Spain?
00:18:52 — What was your experience with healthcare, maternity leave, and social protections in Spain?
00:21:01 — How difficult was the immigration and bureaucratic process?
00:23:05 — How important was learning the local language in Switzerland and Spain?
00:25:02 — Did your research progress according to plan during your MSCA projects?
00:26:32 — What are your future career plans?
00:27:38 — Do you have advice for other researchers considering mobility to Europe?

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Anthropologist and legal scholar Dr. Niklas Hultin (Associate Professor, George Mason University) joins EURAXESS Smart Talks to unpack what it really means to build a career at the intersection of anthropology, law, history, and international relations—with a focus on security practices in West Africa. We explore his transatlantic journey (Sweden ↔ United States), consulting and expert-witness work, and practical advice for early-stage researchers considering moves between the EU and the US. Expect candid reflections on funding landscapes, teaching vs. research roles, work–life balance, language and cultural adaptation, and why you should “never let someone say no for you” when applying for grants or opportunities.

⏱️ Question Timestamps (Guide)

Note: Timestamps reference the episode transcript’s timecodes.

• 00:01:29 — Introduction to field & academic journey
   “Could you introduce us to your field of study and your academic journey?” 
• 00:03:43 — Was academia the first choice? Why move to Sweden’s government agency?
• 00:06:44 — Teaching vs. research: preference and why
   Integrating both, liberal-arts background, and post-COVID teaching reflections. 
• 00:13:00 — EU vs. US: funding structures & work–life balance
   NSF experience, relative acceptance rates impression, foundations, and cultural norms around weekend work/admin.  
• 00:18:46 — Is weekend work “normal” in the US?
   Flexibility vs. workload; classroom hours and publishing expectations. 
• 00:22:16 —Teaching, research, and service—how it’s framed vs. the reality. 
• 00:24:02 — Advice for US researchers moving to Europe
   Language requirements, cultural communication, immigration logistics, family considerations. [ 
• 00:31:00 — Is it easier to move EU→US or US→EU?
   Prestige, institutional recognition, and field-specific patterns. 
• 00:34:00 — Challenges & opportunities shaping the career path
   Networking, grant-writing courage, and the Cambridge postdoc “no → yes” story. 
• 00:40:00 — Why return to the US?
• 00:41:20 — Full-time professor vs. external engagement
   University support for consulting/expert-witness work and public engagement. 
• 00:42:50 — Final advice & key takeaways for early-stage researchers
   Apply widely, stay active in your field’s discourse, embrace transatlantic opportunities. 
• 00:45:50 — Closing and credits
   Hosts, editor, and dedication.

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In this episode of EURAXESS Smart Talks we speak with a remarkable dual-career academic couple: Dr. Michael Levant, a physical chemistry and microfluidics researcher at TotalEnergies, and Prof. Jessica Cauchard, Full Professor for Embodied Intelligent Interaction at TU Wien and a pioneer in human-drone interaction.

Together, they share their deeply personal and highly practical journey across countries, disciplines, and career systems. From navigating the “two-body problem” to balancing family, mobility, professorship hiring cultures, and industrial vs. academic pressures, this conversation offers a rare look into what it takes to build two successful research careers while living abroad.

This episode is a warm, insightful, and honest look at the human side of scientific careers.

🔑 Key Topics Covered

• Career paths & research identities
• The dual-career challenge (“two-body problem”)
   Navigating academic vs. industry positions across countries. 
• Mobility experiences in different countries
   Cultural differences in higher education, research support, and hiring systems. 
• TU Wien’s dual-career program
   How Jessica’s professorship offer emerged and how the program supported their move. 
• Balancing parenthood with global career transitions
   Visa concerns, childcare access, and adjusting start dates. 
• Industry vs. academia cultures
   Confidential research, publication pressure, KPIs, and expectations. 
• Language learning, cultural integration & communication
   What makes academic life easier in a new country. 
• Advice for early-career researchers on mobility
   Why leaving the comfort zone accelerates growth. 
• Cross-disciplinarity within a dual-career household
   Unexpected synergies between microfluidics, HCI, robotics, and interaction design. 

⏱️ Timestamps 

01:31–04:00 — Research Backgrounds

04:00–07:00 — Industry vs. Academia Pathways

10:55–13:00 — Research Support & Mentoring Cultures

13:00–16:00 — Finding two fulfilling positions, timing, relocation. 

13:20–15:20 — TU Wien 

15:40–17:00 — Becoming Parents While Relocating

17:00–20:00 — First Impressions of Austria

21:00–23:30 — Publish or Perish vs. Confidential R&D

24:20–26:00 — Cross-Disciplinary Inspiration at Home

29:30–31:00 — Language Skills & Adaptation

30:30–33:00 — Advice for Early-Career Researchers

33:00–35:00 — Cultural Differences in Confidence & Networking

35:00 — Closing & Credits

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In this episode of EURAXESS Smart Talks, we sit down with Mary Kagendo Kobia, Senior Global Mobility Consultant at the University of Copenhagen. Mary shares her decade-long experience supporting international researchers and their families as they transition to life in Denmark. From practical relocation challenges to creating a sense of belonging, Mary explains why dual career services are essential for retention, well-being, and tapping into hidden talent pools. She also offers insights into tailored career support, intercultural integration, and the evolving role of global mobility in academia.

Whether you’re a researcher planning a move, a university administrator, or simply curious about international talent strategies, this conversation is packed with actionable advice and inspiring stories.

Key Topics Covered

• What are Dual Career Services?
   Why they matter for researchers and their families.
• Retention and Well-being
   How supporting spouses impacts researcher satisfaction and institutional success.
• Practical Support for Families
   From childcare and schooling to housing and tax advice.
• Career Coaching and Networking
   Tailored support for spouses, including CV feedback and job search strategies.
• Collaborations Beyond Academia
   Partnerships with companies, municipalities, and international networks.
• Impact and Success Metrics
   Data on employment outcomes and growing demand for services.
• Personal Stories
   Real-life examples of transitions and the importance of asking “What do you really want to do?”

Question Timestamps

• 00:02:01 – What is dual career support and why is it important?
• 00:03:07 – Context: University of Copenhagen’s scale and international staff.
• 00:04:43 – Why dual career services matter for retention and belonging.
• 00:06:02 – How the program started and evolved over 12+ years.
• 00:06:45 – How researchers and spouses can access these services.
• 00:08:52 – Real-life story: The importance of “being real” behind the services.
• 00:13:01 – Are opportunities limited to universities or also in companies?
• 00:14:47 – Tailored support vs. one-size-fits-all solutions.
• 00:21:02 – Support for families: childcare, schooling, and social services.
• 00:23:26 – Story: From burnout to new beginnings in Denmark.
• 00:25:01 – Success rates and popularity of dual career services.
• 00:27:01 – Short-term vs. long-term contracts: Who benefits?
• 00:28:01 – Closing thoughts: Why supporting families means everyone wins

 DUAL CAREER RESOURCES, REPORTS, AND ARTICLES

 DUAL CAREER SERVICES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF COPENHAGEN

• Dual Career ~ Spouse Network – University of Copenhagen - https://ism.ku.dk/dual-career/
• Dual Career Brochure - https://ism.ku.dk/contact/brochures-checklists/brochures/Dual_Career-web-050220.pdf
• ISM Dual Career Newsletter - https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1pLWFjNvnR2qXgXLqNGdrwOKHw9-YxVXI
  Monthly insights from guest speakers, recruiters, expats & international spouses.
• International Staff Mobility (ISM) - https://ism.ku.dk/
  International Staff Mobility (ISM) is a department within Human Resources in the University Administr

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In this inspiring episode of EURAXESS Smart Talks, we sit down with Dr. Marina Joubert, a trailblazer in science communication from Stellenbosch University. With a rich background in food science, journalism, and agricultural sciences, Dr. Joubert shares her journey from the lab to the public sphere, advocating for evidence-based discourse and the democratization of science. We explore how scientists can better engage with society, build trust, and navigate the evolving landscape of science communication in the digital age.

Whether you're a researcher, student, or science enthusiast, this episode offers practical insights and thoughtful reflections on making science more visible, accessible, and impactful.

🔑 Key Topics Covered:

• Dr. Joubert’s personal journey from science to journalism and back
• The importance of science communication in Africa
• Deficit, dialogue, and engagement models of science communication
• Public trust and distrust in science
• The role of emotion and empathy in effective communication
• Challenges in communicating complex issues like antimicrobial resistance
• Incentives and support structures for scientists to engage with the public
• Practical tips for balancing research and outreach

⏱️ Timestamped Highlights & Questions:

• 01:12 – Introduction to Dr. Marina Joubert and her career
• 02:28 – Why she chose science communication over pure research
• 04:00 – Building science communication education in South Africa
• 06:36 – Bridging theory and practice in science communication
• 08:00 – Why facts alone aren’t enough: the role of emotion and identity
• 13:13 – Models of science communication: deficit, dialogue, engagement
• 16:21 – Trust in science: what global research reveals
• 18:48 – The rise of vocal anti-science groups and how scientists should respond
• 20:02 – Tips for building trust: personalization and empathy
• 26:01 – Communicating about antimicrobial resistance (AMR)
• 28:26 – How to attract scientists to public engagement
• 31:45 – Balancing science communication with everyday research
• 34:00 – Tangible and intangible benefits of outreach
• 36:35 – Final advice: start small, build visibility, and engage meaningfully

 Newsletter to subscribe to (lots of resources and jobs in scicomm) 

• The Scicommer: https://thescicommer.substack.com  

Resources 

• Quality and Effectiveness in Science Communication (QUEST) - https://questproject.eu/ 

• Observatory for open and outstanding science communication (ENJOI) https://enjoiscicomm.eu 

• Science communication and sensemaking (RETHINK) https://www.rethinkscicomm.eu/ 

• A resource page from the HSRC: https://hsrc.ac.za/home-page/science-in-society/useful-links-on-science-communication/ 

• A legacy page from a recent (2024) conference on communicating discovery sciences (Stellenbosch) - https://www.discoveryscience.co.za/

Companies who offer science communication services and training (there are many more!) 

• Jive Media Africa  https://jivemedia.co.za/

• Animate Your Science

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Guest: Prof. Milan Zdravković — Associate Professor and leading Applied AI researcher at the University of Niš, Serbia; Coordinator of the Serbian EURAXESS Network; Leader of the Scientific Startup Entrepreneurship Hub in the EURAXESS Hub project.

📄 Episode Description

In this episode of EURAXESS Smart Talks, hosts Darja Aksjonova and Jovan Arandjelović welcome Prof. Milan Zdravković to discuss the EURAXESS Startup Hub, an initiative connecting researchers with opportunities in scientific entrepreneurship.
Prof. Zdravković explains how the hub supports researchers transitioning from academia to startup environments, helping them develop entrepreneurial skills and build networks across Europe.
The conversation explores the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, the role of communication skills, and how the Startup Tour enables researchers to experience innovation ecosystems in countries like Estonia, Luxembourg, and Israel.

🎧 Key Topics Covered

• What is the EURAXESS Startup Hub and how it works
• Opportunities for researchers interested in scientific entrepreneurship
• Funding structure and open-access nature of EURAXESS programs
• The Startup Hub webinar series and leadership academy
• Target groups and eligibility criteria for participation
• How early-stage researchers can translate their scientific ideas into startups
• Challenges researchers face when shifting from academia to entrepreneurship
• Importance of communication and “horizontal” skills in startup development
• Insights on the Lean Startup approach and market testing
• Highlights from the EURAXESS Startup Tour (Tel Aviv, Haifa, Tallinn, Luxembourg)

LEARN MORE -> https://www.euraxess.rs/serbia/euraxess-startup-hub

🕒 Question Timestamps

 | Time | Question / Topic

| 01:11 | Introduction of Prof. Milan Zdravković
| 01:56 | What is the EURAXESS Startup Hub and how does it work?
| 04:27 | Who can apply and how does the joining process work?
| 07:02 | Do applicants need additional financing or is participation covered?
| 09:05 | What kind of webinars and digital toolkits are offered by the Hub?
| 11:02 | Which researchers are targeted — early-stage, postdocs, or senior?
| 12:40 | To what extent should a researcher develop their idea before applying?
| 14:00 | What skills do researchers bring to entrepreneurship — and what are the challenges?
| 16:30 | The role of communication and feedback in startup success
| 17:56 | Applying lean startup principles to scientific innovation
| 18:57 | What is the EURAXESS Startup Tour and how does it work?
| 20:00 | Who can apply for the Startup Tour and what are the eligibility criteria?
| 22:12 | Is participation free and how are travel costs covered?
| 22:43 | Closing remarks and episode outro

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In this episode, we sit down with Marco Antonio Stranisci, a postdoctoral researcher in Natural Language Processing at the University of Turin and founder of aequa-tech, an AI startup focused on social impact. Marco shares his journey from humanities to computer science, his activism against hate speech, and the creation of Debunker-Assistant, a tool designed to combat misinformation.

We explore the ethical dimensions of AI, the challenges of launching a startup in a crowded tech landscape, and the importance of participatory design in building inclusive technologies. Marco also offers advice to young researchers navigating academia and industry, and invites listeners to contribute to his open-source initiative, the Citizen Dataset Lab.

We express our gratitude to University of Turin and personally Lucia Salto for the guest of the podcast Marco Antonio Stranisci.

🔑 Key Topics Covered

• Marco’s academic journey: from humanities to computational linguistics
• The intersection of activism and AI: detecting hate speech
• Founding aequa-tech and building Debunker-Assistant
• Challenges of entrepreneurship in the AI space
• Ethical concerns in AI development and data collection
• Participatory design and citizen involvement in tech
• Open-source vs. closed-source models in AI
• Advice for PhD students and early-career researchers
• The future of NLP and interdisciplinary AI
• The Citizen Dataset Lab initiative

⏱️ Question Timestamps

• 01:33 – Marco’s academic journey: switching from humanities to IT
• 02:57 – How activism led to a PhD in computer science
• 03:53 – Translating research into startup innovation
• 05:12 – Why Marco chose entrepreneurship
• 06:00 – Emotional highs and lows of startup life
• 07:26 – Benefits and drawbacks of leaving academia
• 08:45 – The crowded AI landscape post-ChatGPT
• 11:56 – Marco’s elevator pitch for aequa-tech
• 13:45 – Debunker-Assistant and participatory design
• 15:02 – Challenges of analyzing social media data
• 16:38 – Open-source values and transparency
• 17:58 – Future plans: interdisciplinary and efficient AI
• 19:00 – Advice for PhD students using AI
• 21:45 – Ethical concerns and the importance of learning
• 23:01 – Humanities in STEM: is something missing?
• 26:18 – How listeners can help: Citizen Dataset Lab
• 27:36 – Multilingual participation and open collaboration

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In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Frank Danesy – a strategist, academic, and innovator whose career spans the armed forces, aerospace, academia, and entrepreneurship. With over two decades at the European Space Agency, Dr. Danesy shares insights on strategic intelligence, career mobility, and the evolving landscape of research leadership.

From his early days in the military to co-founding Orbit8, a venture focused on career guidance, Dr. Danesy offers a unique perspective on navigating high-stakes environments, adapting across cultures, and shaping the future of research careers.

🔑 Key Topics Covered

• Career transitions: From armed forces to academia and space
• Strategic intelligence: Its evolution and relevance today
• Cultural adaptation: Lessons from working across continents
• Human resource leadership: Managing teams in complex settings
• Artificial intelligence & bias: Implications for decision-making
• Space sector strategy: ESA’s role in innovation and safety
• Orbit8: Career guidance for the next generation
• Advice for early-career researchers: Passion, planning, and persistence

⏱️ Episode Timeline & Timestamps

• 00:01:36 – Introduction to Dr. Frank Danesy’s career journey
• 00:01:39 – How diverse experiences shaped his research approach
• 00:02:38 – Thoughts on Daniel Kahneman’s dual-system thinking
• 00:04:34 – Challenges of adapting to different cultures
• 00:06:25 – Advice for researchers pursuing mobility
• 00:08:11 – Comparing hierarchy in academia vs. armed forces
• 00:10:43 – Intersectoral vs. geographical mobility
• 00:12:00 – Institutional support for transitioning researchers
• 00:16:32 – Strategic intelligence: history, purpose, and future
• 00:21:55 – AI and objectivity in intelligence gathering
• 00:26:29 – Open access and boundaries in intelligence research
• 00:30:55 – Leadership and HR management in research teams
• 00:34:01 – Dual-use technologies and institutional responsibility
• 00:39:00 – Strategic management at the European Space Agency
• 00:47:01 – Moon, Mars, and the politics of space exploration
• 00:52:00 – Space safety vs. space security
• 00:57:00 – Global cooperation in space monitoring
• 01:00:00 – Orbit8: Career guidance and youth empowerment
• 01:05:01 – Dr. Danesy’s career planning and transition
• 01:07:01 – Tips for early-stage researchers
• 01:08:44 – Work-life balance and personal reflections
• 01:11:00 – Final thoughts: passion, purpose, and having fun

🌐 Resources Mentioned

• Orbit8
• European Space Agency
• Intelsource
• International Association for Intelligence Education

VIDEO VERSION: https://youtu.be/q74xPcSPC6A

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In this inspiring episode of EURAXESS Smart Talks, hosts Darja Aksjonova and Jovan Aranđelović sit down with Dr. Artemis Kontou — a polymath whose career spans mechanical engineering, entrepreneurship, academia, and music. From her PhD in tribology at Imperial College London to co-founding a privacy-focused startup with over 1 million downloads, Artemis shares how she bridges the worlds of research and innovation. She opens up about her teaching philosophy, startup challenges, and the art of balancing multiple roles — all while composing music and mentoring the next generation of founders.

Whether you're an early-stage researcher, aspiring entrepreneur, or simply curious about the intersection of science and creativity, this episode offers actionable insights and a dose of motivation.

🧭 Key Topics Covered

• Academic Foundations & Industrial Collaborations
  → How tribology research led to patents and global conferences
  → Working with Shell and Akzo Nobel on applied engineering problems
• Teaching with Impact
  → Engaging students through real-world case studies and industry prizes
  → Making project management and energy law accessible and exciting
• Startup Life & Malloc’s Rise
  → Co-founding a privacy app and navigating early-stage funding
  → Lessons from viral marketing strategies
• Mentorship & Mindset Shifts
  → Helping researchers adopt entrepreneurial thinking
  → Advice for building MVPs and pivoting with resilience
• Balancing Roles & Personal Passions
  → Managing research, startups, and music composition
  → Upcoming ventures in shipping tech and hospitality

⏱️ Question Timestamps

00:03:00 – What inspired Artemis to pursue mechanical engineering  

00:05:00 – How she approaches teaching project management and energy law  

00:09:00 – Motivation behind creating Malloc and early startup challenges  

00:13:00 – Navigating viral marketing and influencer collaborations  

00:16:00 – Strategies for standing out in the cybersecurity market  

00:17:00 – Balancing academia, entrepreneurship, and personal life  

00:18:30 – Reflections on the EURAXESS Startup Tour in Israel  

00:20:30 – Mentoring startups and sharing entrepreneurial insights  

00:22:00 – Advice on building MVPs and staying resilient  

00:24:00 – Upcoming projects in tech, tourism, and music

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