Periodic Reporting for period 2 - S3E (Southern European Entrepreneurship Engine)
Berichtszeitraum: 2024-01-01 bis 2024-12-31
S3E’s goal was to foster growth in Southern European deep tech innovation ecosystems, categorized as moderate or emerging innovators according to the EIS – European Innovation Scoreboard. By accelerating deep tech projects coming from research teams and deep tech solutions from startups and small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs), S3E sought to advance solutions for a more sustainable economy, driving regional growth and contributing to the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. In doing so, it contributed to flagships 1 and 3 of the New European Innovation Agenda.
The primary objective of S3E was to mitigate market risks faced by the Deep Tech ecosystem in Southern Europe—particularly in securing funding and reaching the market—by:
- Upskilling researchers to develop an entrepreneurial mindset.
- Supporting growth-stage startups in business development.
- Brokering access to investment.
- Facilitating Open Innovation with industry partners.
- Contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The primary objective of S3E was to mitigate market risks faced by the Deep Tech ecosystem in Southern Europe—particularly in securing funding and reaching the market—by:
- Upskilling researchers to develop an entrepreneurial mindset.
- Supporting growth-stage startups in business development.
- Brokering access to investment.
- Facilitating Open Innovation with industry partners.
- Contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
To accomplish its goals, the S3E consortium:
1) Built partnerships with entities of the national science systems in target countries, identifying entrepreneurial research teams and Technology Transfer Officers (TTOs).
2) Collaborated with innovation ecosystem organizations to disseminate the project, attract startups, and connect with corporates and public organizations.
3) Developed hands-on training experiences for R&D teams and TTOs to enhance commercialization skills.
4) Fostered networking among project partners, European startup development facilitators, investors, and other key stakeholders.
5) Established transnational programs supporting deep tech startups in creating investor-ready business plans and sustainable networks.
6) Brokered collaborations between startups and corporates and public organizations.
1) Built partnerships with entities of the national science systems in target countries, identifying entrepreneurial research teams and Technology Transfer Officers (TTOs).
2) Collaborated with innovation ecosystem organizations to disseminate the project, attract startups, and connect with corporates and public organizations.
3) Developed hands-on training experiences for R&D teams and TTOs to enhance commercialization skills.
4) Fostered networking among project partners, European startup development facilitators, investors, and other key stakeholders.
5) Established transnational programs supporting deep tech startups in creating investor-ready business plans and sustainable networks.
6) Brokered collaborations between startups and corporates and public organizations.
S3E aimed to leave a lasting impact in Southern Europe by training researchers to explore the commercial potential of their scientific discoveries, leading to the creation of startups or the licensing of technologies. It involved upskilling Technology Transfer Officers (TTOs) in the project’s methodology, ensuring the programme’s sustainability beyond its conclusion. Additionally, supporting startups in developing robust business plans, offering challenge-solving opportunities, and connecting them with potential clients was designed to create scientific job opportunities and enhance technology commercialization across the region.
To achieve these goals, S3E contacted over 1,800 research teams, engaged more than 265 R&D organizations, reached 654 business development support services, and approached 1,900 corporates and public organizations, significantly expanding the pool of deep tech innovators.
Moreover, to promote and disseminate these innovations, S3E attracted over 9,500 unique website visits and recorded more than 55,900 social media engagements. A total of 122 media articles further amplified public awareness. Thanks to these concerted efforts, S3E:
- Supported 34 research teams
- Trained 23 technology transfer officers
- Engaged 140 experts as evaluators, mentors, and brokers to select and guide participants
- Accelerated 51 startups
- Facilitated 71 matches between corporates/public organizations and startups
- Engaged 85 investors in S3E open days, while 39 projects and startups accessed funding opportunities
These achievements addressed critical deep tech challenges, facilitated new collaborations, and accelerated innovation—ultimately contributing to a stronger deep tech ecosystem in Southern Europe.
To achieve these goals, S3E contacted over 1,800 research teams, engaged more than 265 R&D organizations, reached 654 business development support services, and approached 1,900 corporates and public organizations, significantly expanding the pool of deep tech innovators.
Moreover, to promote and disseminate these innovations, S3E attracted over 9,500 unique website visits and recorded more than 55,900 social media engagements. A total of 122 media articles further amplified public awareness. Thanks to these concerted efforts, S3E:
- Supported 34 research teams
- Trained 23 technology transfer officers
- Engaged 140 experts as evaluators, mentors, and brokers to select and guide participants
- Accelerated 51 startups
- Facilitated 71 matches between corporates/public organizations and startups
- Engaged 85 investors in S3E open days, while 39 projects and startups accessed funding opportunities
These achievements addressed critical deep tech challenges, facilitated new collaborations, and accelerated innovation—ultimately contributing to a stronger deep tech ecosystem in Southern Europe.