Ecosystem synergies towards cross-border scale-up of innovative Digital and Deep Tech start-ups

Project Information

Ready2Scale

Grant agreement ID: 101121093

DOI

10.3030/101121093

Project closed

EC signature date 28 November 2023

Start date 1 November 2023

End date 31 October 2025

Funded under

• The European Innovation Council (EIC)

Total cost

€ 2 000 000,00

EU contribution

€ 2 000 000,00

Coordinated by

CIVITTA EESTI AS
Estonia

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - Ready2Scale (Ecosystem synergies towards cross-border scale-up of innovative Digital and Deep Tech start-ups)

Reporting period: 2023-11-01 to 2025-10-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

The Ready2Scale project focused on supporting the growth and international expansion of Digital and Deep Tech (DDT) startups across Europe, with a particular emphasis on Widening countries. It addressed key challenges such as limited access to long-term finance, international markets, qualified talent, and awareness of European funding opportunities, while also tackling ecosystem fragmentation by fostering cross-border cooperation.

Over 24 months, the project engaged startups, investors, business networks, and experts through two acceleration rounds, providing financial support, mentoring, market access, and matchmaking activities. By connecting ecosystems in 14 Widening countries with more mature European ecosystems, Ready2Scale strengthened scale-up readiness, investor engagement, and cross-border collaboration, contributing to a more integrated and resilient European DDT innovation ecosystem.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

Over the past two years, the Ready2Scale project has supported 25 deep-tech startups in their efforts to scale internationally, while also strengthening the surrounding innovation and investment ecosystem. Funded by the European Union, the project combined targeted startup acceleration with ecosystem-building activities aimed at investors, mentors, and support organisations across Europe.

The primary objective of Ready2Scale was to enable deep-tech startups to grow beyond their national markets. Across two open calls, the programme attracted nearly 500 applications from across Europe, from which 25 startups were selected to participate in a six-month acceleration programme delivered in two batches. During the programme, startups engaged in peer learning, mentoring, and matchmaking activities, and built connections with potential investors and international partners. More than 100 mentors contributed expertise through structured mentoring sessions, workshops, and events, ensuring a strong focus on practical, investor-oriented outcomes.

A core component of the programme was the Investment Readiness Programme (IRP), designed to strengthen startups’ preparedness for scaling and investment. Through a combination of one-to-one mentoring and group training, participants refined their value propositions, business strategies, and investor communication. In addition, each startup had access to financial support of up to EUR 60,000, which enabled them to address critical legal, operational, and organisational needs. This support was particularly relevant for deep-tech ventures, which typically require longer development cycles and higher upfront investment than conventional startups.

The programme also included Market Discovery Missions, offering startups direct exposure to target markets. These missions combined meetings with local experts and partners with participation in major international conferences, providing valuable opportunities for visibility, networking, and partnership building. While many activities were delivered online, in-person engagement proved especially effective in establishing trust-based business relationships.

Beyond direct startup support, Ready2Scale placed strong emphasis on ecosystem development. Graduates of the programme were invited to join the Future Founders Club, a community initiative designed to foster continued collaboration among entrepreneurs, mentors, and ecosystem stakeholders. These activities supported knowledge exchange, peer learning, and long-term engagement within national and international innovation ecosystems.

Investor engagement was another key pillar of the project. Ready2Scale organised a series of dedicated webinars aimed at educating and engaging European investors interested in digital and deep-tech ventures. These sessions addressed the specific challenges of investing in deep-tech and shared best practices from experienced early-stage investors, contributing to increased investor awareness and confidence in the sector.

As the Ready2Scale project concludes, its results demonstrate both immediate and lasting impact. The programme has supported startups in advancing their internationalisation, investment readiness, and organisational maturity, while also strengthening connections across Europe’s deep-tech ecosystem. Through its integrated approach to startup support, investor engagement, and community building, Ready2Scale has contributed to a more connected, capable, and resilient deep-tech innovation landscape.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

To assess the longer-term impact of Ready2Scale, a follow-up survey was conducted among participating startups after completion of the acceleration and post-acceleration activities, using a differentiated approach for the two batches. Batch #1 startups were surveyed approximately six months after programme completion to capture medium-term outcomes, while Batch #2 startups were surveyed immediately after completion to assess direct and immediate effects. This approach enabled the project to capture both early results and emerging longer-term impacts.

Across both batches, results demonstrate sustained progress in key impact areas, including technology and investment readiness, commercial traction, organisational development, and integration into innovation ecosystems. Startups reported operating at mid-to-advanced Technology Readiness Levels (typically TRL 5–7 or higher), improved investment readiness, clearer value propositions, strengthened go-to-market strategies, and more professional investor-facing materials. Many startups also reported active market engagement, including lead generation, structured sales pipelines, and the negotiation or closure of commercial agreements.

For Batch #1 startups, surveyed six months after programme completion, responses show that acceleration outputs translated into concrete medium-term outcomes. These include continued commercialisation progress, sustained investor engagement, further market expansion, and tangible funding results. Several startups reported securing or progressing external funding, with self-reported amounts ranging from approximately EUR 100,000 to EUR 2.5 million, alongside continued participation in innovation ecosystems and follow-on support programmes.

For Batch #2 startups, the survey highlights the immediate impact of Ready2Scale in accelerating product development, strengthening business strategies, and improving readiness for scaling. Respondents emphasised the value of tailored mentoring, expert support, and structured feedback in reducing uncertainty and enabling faster, more focused execution. As a result, these startups reported increased preparedness for next growth steps, including investment preparation, team expansion, pilots, and international market entry.

Overall, the findings confirm that Ready2Scale delivered both short-term and lasting impact. The programme effectively strengthened startups’ capabilities to scale, attract investment, and navigate complex market and regulatory environments, with benefits extending well beyond the formal end of the acceleration programme.