Olivia Blanchard is a dynamic innovation enthusiast originally from France, currently thriving in Slovakia. As the founder of Alizé Advisory, she brings unparalleled expertise in startup growth, business development, market research, and innovation ecosystems. At the Institute for Central Europe, she is a project management consultant, brining in her international expertise. Olivia is also an accomplished public speaker, adept at engaging and inspiring audiences. Besides, she is a project officer at the University of Economics in Bratislava and a PhD candidate at the Faculty of Commerce: Olivia’s research focuses on entrepreneurial economies in Europe. Her academic pursuits are complemented by extensive leadership experience, including her tenure as Managing Director of Health Venture Lab, where she guided healthcare startups through critical incubation stages. Olivia’s commitment to fostering innovation extends to her former work as a research fellow at GLOBSEC, contributing to the Danube Tech Valley Initiative. She is dedicated to empowering the next generation of innovators with a holistic approach, backed by a master’s degree in International Strategies & Diplomacy from ISIT Paris. A polyglot and liaison interpreter, Olivia has significantly influenced European youth initiatives through her nearly decade-long board memberships with the Bringing Europeans Together Association France and BETA Europe.