About GIA Institute
Independent judgement. European reach.
Founded in 2016, GIA Institute brings strategic judgement and engineering expertise to European innovation funding. We work closely with organisations whose ambitions call for a considered, rigorous approach.
Our story
Built for a different kind of relationship.
After working for two of Europe’s largest innovation consultancies, Antonio Flores founded GIA Institute in 2016. He wanted the agility, independence, and care that a boutique firm could bring to consequential innovation work.
We work closely with our clients. Independent judgement guides every programme recommendation. We build a funding strategy around the organisation’s maturity, the quality of the consortium, and the ambition behind the technology.
Our team combines specialist engineering backgrounds with long-standing experience of European grants, in a working environment that values respect, enthusiasm, and enduring relationships.
A founder’s perspective
Curiosity is a form of commitment.
“People say I’m an entrepreneur by nature. Curiosity fuels tenacity.”
Antonio founded his secondary school journal and his university’s Astronomy Club. He graduated with two Master of Science degrees in telecommunications and electronics engineering, later adding an MBA, and went on to found several companies.
Working with people passionate about bringing new ideas to life remains a source of genuine energy for him. Away from the office, he compares that shared endeavour to the quiet pleasure of sailing on a sunny day with a gentle breeze.
European reach
Our Footprint
These figures reflect a representative group of organisations within our European network, spanning 31 countries and bringing together universities, research and technology organisations, and ambitious SMEs.
47
Universities
22
RTOs
45
SMEs
23
EU member states
8
Horizon Europe associated countries
31
Countries combined
How we work
Three principles that shape every engagement.
01 / CLIENT CENTRED
Independent advice.
A Strategic Innovation Architect considers the whole organisation and recommends a funding path guided by strategic fit and the client’s long-term ambitions.
02 / STABLE TEAM
Continuity of expertise.
Our architects are selected, trained, and supported with care. Technical depth, trust, and long-term relationships are central to the experience.
03 / LEAN STRUCTURE
Decisions with clarity.
We keep the route between insight and action short, making decisions transparently and responding to the pace of ambitious innovators.
In conversation across Europe
Ideas move through people.
