S3E Start is an 18-week hands-on experience tailored for EIC Pathfinder and EIC Transition innovators (TRL 1-5) who want to explore the path from the lab to the market. The goal is to upskill EIC beneficiaries with skills in science-based entrepreneurship and technology commercialisation. S3E Start employs a structured process, centered on Technology-Product-Market (T-P-M) linkages, leveraging scientific discoveries or engineering innovations to develop the business case for a product/service that will fulfill an unmet or ill-met market need. Through S3E Start, EIC beneficiaries will have access to weekly online training, bi-weekly webinars covering diverse aspects like IP, licencing, funding opportunities, and finance, along with bi-weekly mentoring by industry experts that will help them in project validation and business case refinement. In an Open Day at the end of the programme, the teams will pitch to an audience full of businesspeople, investors, and stakeholders of the deep tech innovation ecosystem. The outcome of the programme is a robust and thoroughly validated business case for a product/service based on EIC beneficiaries' research results. They will gain expertise in connecting science to market needs, communicating scientific concepts effectively to a non-scientific audience, and evaluating pathways for technology commercialisation (e.g., creating startups or licencing). At the end, they will understand how research can create a stronger impact in society and how to better disseminate and exploit research and innovation results. This programme is part of the Deep Talent Initiative.
S3E Start, is an EU-funded project under Horizon Europe's European Innovation Ecosystem initiative (Grant agreement ID: 101072135) named Southern Europe Entrepreneurship Engine (S3E), doesn't entail any fees for EIC beneficiaries. However, it's important to note that while there are no fees for participation, organising the programme incurs costs. Therefore, a commitment to full participation throughout the programme's duration is required. Considering the limited slots available, a rigorous evaluation process selects the best deep tech projects. Withdrawal from the programme after its commencement carries a 'moral' penalty as it deprives another team willing to participate of the opportunity.
EIC beneficiaries are considered eligible for S3E Start if complying with all the following rules: (i) Must be organised as a team (2 to 5 team members), whereby one team member is designated as the principal Applicant and the others as Co-Applicants (Note: applications from individuals are not eligible);(ii) Have a deep tech project from the following science fields: agricultural sciences, engineering and technology, medical and health sciences, and natural sciences. (iii) The proposed project must envisage providing an impact in one (or more) SDG(s);(iv) Belonging to R&D organisations from one (or more) of these countries: Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Greece, Italy, Malta, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Turkey.
Acceleration, Incubation & Venture building
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