BIO

Zsuzsanna is passionate about driving inclusive, impactful innovation—helping
businesses, entrepreneurs, and ecosystems turn bold ideas into scalable solutions that
shape the future.
As part of the Caribou team, the implementing partner of Mastercard’s Strive EU
program, she coordinates efforts to empower European small businesses to thrive in the
digital economy—advancing Mastercard’s global mission to foster equitable, innovation-
driven growth.
With over 15 years of experience spanning digital development, innovation ecosystems,
and EU-level program coordination, Zsuzsanna brings deep expertise in open
innovation, multi-stakeholder collaboration, and emerging technologies. Her career has
taken her across public and private sector leadership roles, shaping policy, programs,
and partnerships in areas such as deep tech, space tech, digital skills, circular
economy, and smart cities.
Previously, she led the launch of the Hungarian business incubation program (ESA BIC
Hungary) for the European Space Agency, supporting startups and tech-driven SMEs in
commercializing space technologies. She also coordinated the European Institute of
Innovation and Technology’s (EIT) innovation agenda, contributing to landmark
initiatives like the Deep Tech Talent Initiative, and served as Director at the European
Network of Living Labs, overseeing 25+ EU research and innovation projects and
representing a network of 200+ stakeholders in high-level EU policymaking forums.
She holds a Master’s Degree in Engineering and Management from the Technical
University of Budapest and an MBA from Université Jean Moulin Lyon III.