RDCS represents London’s ecosystem at SMAU 2026
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Published
17 March 2026
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On 13 March 2026, the University of East London’s Royal Docks Centre for Sustainability (RDCS) joined the 7th edition of the SMAU | Italy RestartsUp in London event, bringing together international startups, investors and industry leaders to strengthen the innovation bridge between the UK and Italy.
The event highlighted UEL’s commitment to global engagement, sustainability and innovation, supporting the University’s wider strategic priorities under Vision 2028 to position the Royal Docks as a global hub for green growth and entrepreneurship.
SMAU is one of Europe’s leading innovation platforms, connecting startups, corporations and institutions to accelerate international collaboration.
The London edition brings Italian startups to the UK market, providing opportunities to build partnerships, attract investment and explore expansion opportunities.
The Royal Docks Centre for Sustainability was invited as a key London ecosystem partner, joining institutions including Imperial College London and the Royal Academy of Engineering.
Held at Protein Studios in Shoreditch, the event brought together more than 40 Italian startups developing solutions across sustainability, energy and digital technology.
RDCS Director Robert de Jong represented the centre as part of the Royal Docks team exploring how London and east London are a gateway for UK–Italy startups , sharing insights into how international founders can enter the London market, scale their ideas within a vibrant regeneration area and collaborate with the capital’s innovation ecosystem.
Throughout the event, the RDCS team connected with startups seeking to expand internationally and engaged with corporate innovation teams from Edison, Eni and Intesa Sanpaolo, as well as regional partners including the Italian Trade Agency (ITA) and Regione Marche.
A key focus was positioning the Royal Docks as a landing place for international startups looking to scale sustainable and climate-focused solutions within London.
Robert de Jong, Director of the Royal Docks Centre for Sustainability, said:
It was a privilege to represent the Royal Docks Centre for Sustainability and the University of East London at SMAU London. Events like this are vital for connecting international innovators with the opportunities and networks available in our city.
The Royal Docks is rapidly becoming a hub for sustainable enterprise, and we are proud to be creating an ecosystem that supports global startups to grow, collaborate and deliver solutions that support the transition to a greener economy.”
By participating in international platforms such as SMAU, RDCS continues to strengthen the Royal Docks’ position as a gateway for global innovation.
The centre will continue building relationships with international startups, investors and industry partners to support the development of sustainable technologies and create new opportunities for collaboration across London’s innovation ecosystem.
This engagement reinforces UEL’s role as a globally connected university, championing sustainability and innovation while creating meaningful partnerships that support economic growth and environmental progress in the Royal Docks and beyond.