As pointed out by the Draghi report, while Europe has a strong position in fundamental research and patenting —the EU produces almost one-fifth of the world’s scientific publications and accounted for 17% of global patent applications in 2021—, the EU’s robust scientific position is not fully reflected in its presence in innovative markets. The commercialisation of research results is insufficient and much of the knowledge generated in research institutions remains commercially unexploited. This gap is due to different reasons, including the fragmentation of the EU innovation ecosystem. Moreover, as the report points out, a systematic effort is needed to develop the capacities of Technology Transfer Offices (TTOs), to be proactive, effective intermediaries between researchers and the private sector.

Our project, titled Deep Tech European Venture Builder (De-TECH) aims to support and accelerate the transition of academic innovation from artificial intelligence and quantum technologies to health and biotechnology into market-ready solutions and the setting up of spin-offs. This is to be achieved by via tackling some of the obstacles highlighted by the Draghi report and addressing EIT HEI Strategic Objectives: a) supporting the transition of academic innovations into market-ready solutions; b) consolidating innovation clusters — i.e. by consolidating university networks, start-ups, large companies and venture capitalists (VCs), forming strategic partnerships—; c) reinforcing the capacities of Technology Transfer Offices (TTOs) at HEIs; and d) supporting entrepreneurship education and mainstreaming entrepreneurship as a regular aspect of curricula.

To achieve this, our consortium gathers four higher education institutions, including three technical universities and a business school, which will work together with the technology business incubator Technoport, the consultancy firm Effectia, and the entrepreneurial unit of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality to position our HEIs at the core of Europe’s entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystems in deep tech.

The project has outlined specific objectives that align with the EIT HEI Initiative’s 2024 Call for Proposals, within Strand B: Deep Tech. The project aims to establish a European Deep Tech Venture Builder program at the consortium level, leveraging the combined capabilities, facilities, and networks of its seven members. With De-TECH, we will focus specifically on “reinforcing the innovation & entrepreneurship skills of academics and science/engineering/technology students who are working on deep tech fields, complementing thus their deep tech expertise”.

Objectives of the Proposal:
1.) Develop Cross-Disciplinary I&E Curricula
2.) Establish a Sustainable Financial Model for Long-Term Impact
3.) Create a Pan-European Mentorship and Networking Ecosystem
4.) Support to Spinoff Creation and Commercialization Pathways
5.) Increase Awareness and Engagement Among Generation Z Students

Project coordinator

Isabel Salgueiro, Research and Innovation Manager, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (contact)