S3E consortium impresses the Turkish innovation ecosystem during the Open Call #2 Roadshow
South3E colleagues from HiSeedTech, AUSTRALO and International Development Ireland (IDI) recently gathered in Turkey for what could potentially be the project's most successful roadshow to date. The consortium travelled to Ankara and Istanbul with one goal in mind: to make new connections while promoting our mission and the second Open Call for the S3E Program - which will be closing very soon!
The roadshow started off in Ankara on 20th November, where Pedro Vilarinho and Odysseas Spyroglou met with ODTÜ Teknoloji Transfer Ofisi and TOBB ETÜ Teknoloji Transfer Ofisi to introduce S3E's support for TTOs and promote the Open Call #2 opportunities. The rest of the South3E representatives arrived the following day, on the 21st, to attend the Consortium Meeting at the Limak Ambassadore Hotel; the EPLO team, led by Christina Deligianni, joined virtually.
The highlight of the trip was, undoubtedly, having the opportunity to formally introduce the S3E Program in Istanbul in front of a lively community of Turkish researchers, startups and TTOs, and promote the opportunities entailed by the Open Call #2. Elifnaz Unay, International Projects Specialist at YTÜ Yıldız Teknopark, played a pivotal role in helping the South3E consortium organising a successful event at Yildiz Technical University on 22nd November, with more than 60 in person participants.
"It was a privilege to facilitate an environment where ground-breaking initiatives like the S3E Program could be introduced to our vibrant Innovation Ecosystem. I'd like to express a heartfelt thank you to the S3E team for sharing your mission with us. Witnessing the dedication of everyone involved was truly inspiring," said Elifnaz.
Pedro Vilarinho opened the session with an inspiring speech, highlighting the key role that researchers and entrepreneurs play towards advancing Deep Tech innovation in Southern Europe and neighbour countries. Our Project Coordinator, Claudia Barbosa, took the stage to introduce South3E as the EU-funded initiative helping to reduce the market risk for Deep Tech in Southern European countries, while fostering sustainable innovation and entrepreneurship.
Cristina Simoes, from HiSeedTech, introduced the S3E Start Program, highlighting how it's been designed to help researchers and technology transfer offices explore the commercial viability of their deep tech projects. She was followed by Claudia, who presented the S3E Charge Accelerator, the mentoring and networking program for growth startups looking to access funding opportunities and to expand their business operations into new markets. Odysseas closed the session with S3E Reverse, our brokerage program for large corporations and scaleups to tackle Deep Tech challenges together through disruptive innovation.
The event concluded with a vivid Q&A and networking session where we met and connected with the participants and discussed about their potential involvement in the S3E Program opportunities. We received many interest and we look forward to welcoming many Turkish researchers, TTOs, and startups into the S3E Open Call #2!
The Roadshow continued the following day, 23rd November with a meeting with İTÜ ARI Teknokent. Our colleagues Pedro, Cristina, and Claudia found so many synergies with the role that İTÜ ARI is developing providing the proper environment and opportunities to enable technology companies and entrepreneurs to develop and commercialize technologies, contributing to technological development in Turkey and the success of generating entrepreneurial ideas, and using ITU’s academic power to accomplish innovations rather than follow.
Let's continue fostering a culture of collaboration and growth, and keep fuelling innovation together 🚀✨
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S3E Start recognised by the prestigious EIT Deep Tech Talent Initiative
The South3E consortium is thrilled to announce that S3E Start has been recognised by the prestigious EIT Deep Tech Talent Initiative as one of the top training programmes pushing the boundaries of deep tech in Europe. Thanks to this acknowledgement, S3E Start now features proudly on the Courses section of the EIT’s website, alongside other expert-led programs focused on cultivating innovation and economic growth across the EU.
“This recognition is a testament to the quality and value of our program, and it further underscores the value and impact of our S3E Project as a whole. To be chosen for inclusion S3E Start underwent a rigorous quality check and we are proud to have met the high standards set by the EIT Deep Tech Talent Initiative,” says Claudia Barbosa, Chief Operating Officer at HiSeedTech and Leader of S3E Start.
The Deep Tech Talent Initiative is a pioneering programme led by the European Institute of Technology and Innovation (EIT) whose mission is to upskill one million people within deep tech fields over the next three years. Shaped by the same ethos that drives South3E, the EIT also believes deep tech innovations are indispensable to address the most pressing global challenges.
Through the second Open Call for the S3E Program, South3E will continue supporting researchers and startups developing innovative deep tech solutions with social and sustainable impact at their core. Research teams and technology transfer offices interested in applying to the S3E Start Program can find all the information here. Applications close on 12 January 2024.
We look forward to creating long-lasting collaborations!
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S3E Open Call 2 for Experts: join our mission to boost deep tech innovation in Southern Europe
The South3E consortium is thrilled to launch the second Open Call for Experts who would like to join our mission — to build a robust deep tech innovation ecosystem in Southern Europe. This a unique opportunity to actively contribute towards the EU's ambition to foster entrepreneurship and innovation in these key regions, by sharing your valuable knowledge to support startups and researchers shaping a more sustainable and forward-thinking future for Southern Europe.
🚀 Apply now to join our community of S3E Experts!
How can you contribute towards the S3E mission?
You can be a part of our community of S3E Experts in different ways, depending on your professional experience and how you would like to contribute towards South3E's mission:
- Evaluators will be responsible for assessing proposals submitted by applicants for our S3E Open Call #2 - you will help to select the research teams and TTOs that get to join the S3E Start program and which startups will make into the S3E Charge accelerator program.
- Mentors for deep tech projects will guide research teams selected for the S3E Start program to develop a business case for a product, service or process grounded on a scientific discovery or a meaningful engineering technology.
- Mentors for deep tech growth startups will assist the selected participants in the S3E Charge program to develop an investment-ready business plan that will help access dilutive and non-dilutive funding opportunities.
* On 15 November we will also launch a separate call for Deep Tech Brokers for the S3E Reverse program, to help to match corporate challenges with the solutions offered by scaling startups. !
What type of profiles are we looking for?
To be eligible to apply, experts must meet the following criteria:
- You have a high-level of expertise in supporting technological innovation, preferably in deep tech projects developed by researchers and startups
- You have vast knowledge in the following scientific fields: agricultural sciences, engineering and technology, medical and health sciences and natural sciences
- You are able to efficiently communicate in English (the official language of the program), both speaking and writing
- You are familiar with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations
- You are passionate about providing innovation support, and are experienced in evaluating, mentoring and/or coaching
Note: The selected Experts will act as individuals and not as representatives of a specific organisation.
What do you get in return?
There are many personal and professional benefits to gain from helping others by sharing your own experience and knowledge. On top of the 'feel good factor', you will also get to take advantage of the following opportunities that come from joining the S3E community:
- Being publicly recognised for playing an active role in building the Southern European deep tech ecosystem
- Expand your professional network by connecting with other innovation leaders and relevant EU institutions and stakeholders
- Gain exclusive exposure to new ideas, approaches, and perspectives shaping the present and future of Europe
- Enhance your professional profile by gaining recognition for your skills, experience and contributions towards S3E
- Be at the forefront of the South European deep tech revolution!
How to apply and key dates to keep in mind
To apply to become an Expert for S3E, simply download the guiding materials we have prepared, where you will find all the key information you need to know, and then submit your online application form via the F6S platform.
The deadline closes on 30 November 2023 at 17:00 CET. Once our internal team evaluates all applications, we will announce the selected Experts on 11 December 2023. Depending on the role you have applied for, you will be expected to commit to the program for the following timeframes:
- If you are selected as Evaluator for S3E Open Call 2: You will be reviewing S3E Charge applications between 18 December 2023 – 8 January 2024, and S3E Start applications between 12 – 26 January 2024
- If you are selected as Mentor for S3E Start: You will be mentoring your designated research team between 6 February – 6 June 2024
- If you are selected as Mentor for S3E Charge: You will be mentoring your designated startup between 18 January – 26 April 2024
If you have any questions, don't hesitate to get in touch with us! You can email the S3E Team at info@south3e.eu
We look forward to welcoming you into our community of Experts!
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The S3E Open Call #2 has officially launched!
The wait is finally over! The S3E – Southern European Entrepreneurship Engine consortium is excited to announce the official launch of the second Open Call for the three tracks of the : Start, Charge & Reverse.
S3E is the ultimate program of support for entrepreneurs in Southern Europe developing Deep Tech solutions with social and sustainable impact at their core. Each track is dedicated to three main groups operating within the innovation ecosystem: researchers and TTOs working on a project as a team, startups at their growth stage, and corporates interested in joining forces with scaleups/SMEs.
The S3E Charge program has been an invaluable experience. The theoretical sessions and mentorship have greatly supported our growth and have improved the key strategies to effectively communicate our value proposition. We highly recommend this program to other entrepreneurs, as it provides the necessary tools and connections for success in the Deep Tech industry.
Naeria Navarro Navarro CTO, Fresh Water Nature SL - Charge Startup
What's the difference between the 3 tracks?
- S3E Start: helps research teams and tech transfer officers to explore the commercial viability of their deep tech projects. Through an 18-week online training & mentorship program, the selected research teams will learn first-hand about the processes required to develop a business case for science-based products or services.
- S3E Charge: supports deep tech startups in their growing phase that want to improve their business model and learn how to access dilutive and non-dilutive funding. Over 14 weeks, the selected startups will receive tailored mentorship to guide them through the validation process of their product or service, and the creation of an investment-ready business plan.
- S3E Reverse: connects corporate challenges with solutions developed by scaleups and SMEs thanks to our Brokerage Program, based on a successful open innovation methodology. To access the first phase of this track, large companies and public organisations have to submit a deep tech challenge.
You can find all the relevant information about each track on the section on our website.
How to apply
Those interested in joining the S3E Program need to follow these steps:
- Read all information about the S3E Program to decide which track best suits you
- Once you know which track you want to apply to, download the relevant track Guidelines for Applicants and the Open Call Text via Zenodo: +
- After carefully reading the mandatory documents, you can now complete your application via the F6S online platform: S3E Charge application for Startups + S3E Start application for Researchers + S3E Start application for Tech Transfer Offices
The S3E Open Call #2 welcomes applications from the following countries:
- South European countries: Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Greece, Italy, Malta, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia and Spain.
- Associated countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Kosovo and Turkey.
The S3E Start program has a comprehensive curriculum that provided us with the necessary information on deep-tech commercialization. With the TEC sessions, webinars and mentor meetings, we had the chance to learn from experts. The S3E team has been very supportive and answered all the questions we had. We strongly recommend this program.
Elif Begum Elcioglu NANO INK - Start Researcher
Key dates to keep in mind
- 18 September 2023 (12pm CET): The S3E Open call officially launches for the 3 tracks: S3E Start, S3E Charge and S3E Reverse
- 15 December 2023 (5pm CET): Deadline for applying to S3E Charge (startups) and S3E Reverse (large organisations acting as ‘Challengers’)
- 12 January 2024 (5pm CET): Deadline for applying to S3E Start (research teams & tech transfer officers)
Join our upcoming S3E Info Webinars!
To help this year's applicants prepare for their submissions, the teams behind S3E Start & S3E Charge will be hosting a series of Q&A Webinars. These sessions provide an open space to everyone interested in applying to ask any questions they may have about the S3E Program — we highly encourage future participants to come along!
Check the available dates for S3E Start and S3E Charge and book your preferred session via Eventbrite. The earlier you join one of our Info Webinars, the more time you and your team will have to prepare before submitting your application.
Got any questions?
Check the FAQs section on our website, where you fill find an extensive list of answers regarding the S3E Program. If you would like to speak directly to someone from the S3E team, you can email us at info@south3e.eu
We look forward to creating long-lasting collaborations!
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Press release: The Engine for South European Deep Tech launches the second Open Call for the S3E Program
The S3E – Southern European Entrepreneurship Engine consortium is excited to announce the launch of its second Open Call for the S3E program — the EU-funded initiative fostering Deep Tech entrepreneurship in South European countries.
After launching the first Open Call in 2022, the S3E Program is coming back this year to keep supporting startups, researchers, tech transfer offices, corporates and SMEs in Southern Europe developing innovative deep tech solutions with social and sustainable impact at their core.
📄
Who can join the S3E Program?
The S3E Accelerator Program is built around 3 tracks of bespoke services, tailored to the needs of different groups operating within the deep tech innovation ecosystem.
- S3E Start: helps research teams and tech transfer offices to explore the commercial viability of their deep tech projects.
- S3E Charge: supports deep tech startups in their growing phase that want to improve their business model and learn how to access dilutive and non-dilutive funding.
- S3E Reverse: connects corporate challenges with solutions developed by scaleups and SMEs thanks to our Brokerage Program, based on a successful open innovation methodology.
The S3E Program welcomes applications from the following countries:
- South European countries: Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Greece, Italy, Malta, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, and Spain.
- Associated countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Kosovo and Turkey.
Applications for the S3E Open Call #2 will officially open for the three tracks on 18 September 2023. We encourage those interested in applying to — you will receive a reminder on the day so you won’t miss out!
We look forward to creating long-lasting collaborations!
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S3E is proud to have supported its first cohort of South European deep tech innovations
In July 2023, the South3E consortium hosted the two most important events of the year — the Open Days for our S3E Charge and S3E Start programmes!
Two successful online events that brought together more than 200 attendees from all across the European innovation ecosystem — including international investors, business angels, innovation hubs, higher education representatives and the general public — to showcase the deep tech solutions and ideas developed by the startups, research teams and TTOs selected to participate in these EU-funded programmes co-developed and led by the S3E partners.
For those who couldn’t join us on the events of 6th and 20th July, we have prepared two booklets where you will find all the key information about the teams who pitched during the open days and their innovations. Follow the links below to grab your copy!
S3E Charge booklet
to download the S3E Charge booklet and meet the 12 startups who pitched their deep tech businesses during the open day on 6th July 2023.
S3E Start booklet
to download the S3E Start booklet and meet the 13 research teams who presented their deep tech projects during the open day on 20th July 2023.
During the following weeks, we will be sharing detailed articles to highlight the research projects and the startups who pitched during both open days, including the video recordings of their presentations. So stay tuned! Make sure you're following us on LinkedIn and Twitter, and sign up to receive our .
Press Release: S3E celebrates the Start Open Day to present the deep tech projects of the selected research teams
The EU-funded project S3E is hosting the Start Open Day on Thursday 20th July 2023, at 10.00 CET, where the participating South European research teams will pitch their deep tech projects.
The consortium of S3E–Southern European Entrepreneurship Engine is pleased to officially announce the celebration of the S3E Start Open Day. During the last months, the S3E project has deployed the S3E Start program: an 18-week hands-on training program on science-based entrepreneurship, designed for research teams that want to explore the path from the lab to the market. Paired with these teams were technology transfer offices (TTOs) that learned the methodology to foster science-based entrepreneurship and technology commercialisation within their organisations.
Read the official press release
On this virtual pitching day, the selected 18 research teams and 12 TTOs from all across Southern Europe (including Italy, Spain, Greece, Slovenia, Romania, Portugal and Turkey) will introduce their deep tech projects to the entire EU innovation ecosystem.
When and where
The event will take place virtually on Thursday 20th July 2023, at 10.00 CET
How to participate?
The S3E project kindly invites Investors, Business Angels, Business Support Organisations, Innovation Agencies, Accelerators and Innovation Hubs to register to the event via Eventbrite.
Programme
- 10:00 Opening session by Daniel Gassmann, Head of Sector Ecosystems and EIC Prizes at EISMEA - European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency
- 10:10 Welcome to S3E Deep Tech Revolution with Pedro Vilarinho, Managing Director at HiSeedTech
- 10:20 Deep tech projects presentation I
- 11:20 Industry talk: ‘Deep tech entrepreneurship’ by Roger Debo, former Director of the Collaborative for Technology Entrepreneurship and Commercialization (CTEC) at Rutgers University
- 12:30 Lunch break
- 14:00 Welcome back
- 14:05 Deep tech projects presentation II
- 15:15 Closing remarks by Mário Freire, President Board of Directors at HiSeedTech
Register now!
Press Release: S3E celebrates the Charge Open Day to present the deep tech solutions of the selected growth startups
S3E celebrates the Charge Open Day to present the deep tech solutions of the selected growth startups
The EU-funded project South3E will celebrate the S3E Charge Open Day on Thursday, 6th July 2023, at 13.00 CET, giving the chance to the participating South European startups to pitch their business ideas.
The consortium of S3E – Southern European Entrepreneurship Engine is pleased to officially announce the celebration of the S3E Charge Open Day. During the last weeks, the S3E project has deployed the S3E Charge Acceleration Program: a 14-week tailor-made mentoring and networking program for the 12 selected startups to develop an investment-ready business plan and support them in their access to non-dilutable and dilutable funding.
Read the official Press Release
On this virtual pitching day, we will facilitate the networking with industry leaders and investors, we will have inspirational speeches and the startups will have the chance to pitch and scale their business opportunities.
When
The event will take place virtually on Thursday, 6th July 2023, at 13.00 CET
How to participate?
The S3E project kindly invites Investors, Business Angels, Business Support Organisations, Innovation Agencies, Accelerators and Innovation Hubs to register to the event following this link.
Programme
- 13:00 Opening session by Daniel Gassman, Head of sector at the European Commission
- 13:10 Welcome to S3E Deep Tech Revolution: Introduction to Innovation and Sustainability by EPLO Institute for Sustainable Development
- 13:20 Projects presentation I: 7 minutes pitch + 3 minutes of Q&A
- 14:00 Inspirational Speech by Ms. Milena Stoycheva, CEO JA Bulgaria, Interim Action Programme Director INNOVATION, EIT Culture and Creativity*
- 14:10 Projects presentation II : 7 minutes pitch + 3 minutes of Q&A
- 14:50 Building a Team Culture in Deeptech Companies by Ms.Aga Bajer, Founder & CEO at CultureBrained®*
- 15:00 Projects presentation III: 7 minutes pitch + 3 minutes of Q&A
- 15:40 Closing Session by Mr. Spyros Kouvelis, Director EPLO Institute for Sustainable Development
*Speakers pending confirmation.
Register now!
Info Webinar: get to know everything about our S3E Open Call #1 for deep tech SOLVERS
Are you a Startup or SME with a deep tech solution from a South European country?
Join our info webinar to know what we have for you!
📅26 April
⌚13.00 CET
Register here
S3E Reserve is designed to help scaling start-ups and more mature SMEs, gain market traction through a pan-European brokerage program, that will connect them with corporates and public organisations with certain challenges and problems, which they can work together to solve.
The program started inviting larger companies, corporations, and public organisations (Challenge Organisations) to submit a challenge through our Open Call Mechanism. Our experts and independent technology brokers (selected through an open Expression of Interest) have reviewed the submitted challenges and have selected 15 with the highest degree of potential, impact and innovation and feasibility.
The challenges are published here.
The Open Call for Solvers is now open inviting start-ups, scale-ups and SMEs to respond to these challenges through deep tech solutions.
S3E invites you to join the Info Session about S3E REVERSE for SOLVERS that will take place virtually on 26 of APRIL 2023 at 13:00 CET
Content for the session:
- S3E Introduction
- S3E REVERSE
- OPEN CALL for SOLVERS: What is it? Who can apply? How it works? Application process.
- Meet the CHALLENGES
- Q&A
Looking forward to meeting you!
Register here
You can also join our MISSION!
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S3E CHARGE acceleration program kicks-off to support growth startups
S3E team kicked off the CHARGE Acceleration program with an onboarding session with the growth startups selected through the Open Call #1.
The growth startups introduced themselves and their deep tech innovations. They all had the chance to meet each other creating a perfect atmosphere for collaboration, networking and opportunities to grow. During the following 14 weeks, S3E team and the assigned Mentors will be supporting the selected participants defining their business plans and go to market strategies.
About S3E CHARGE acceleration program
S3E Charge offers a 14-week tailor-made mentoring and networking program to develop an investment-ready business plan and support the access to non-dilutable and dilutable funding.
The mentoring process will guide the growth start-up teams in the development of a business plan for a product, service or process that makes them investment ready and takes their validated business case to an investor attractive level. So, they will acquire skills in technology commercialisation, science-based entrepreneurship, business development and intellectual property protection using their own business offerings through tailor-made mentorship.
When the selected startups finish the program, they will have developed a business plan for a product, service or process and acquired skills and be investment ready to:
- link their product/service/process product with market needs,
- better communicate their offerings to potential clients and investors,
- become market ready to pitch, persuade and readapt their business offerings to different audiences, depending on market needs
- connect to ‘Innovation Leaders’ and ‘Strong Innovators’ Ecosystems
- better understand to protect IP
- prepare an investment ready business plan
- get access to funds and funding
The outcome of the S3E Charge will better position them to apply for public or private funding and programs, because it will help them link their business offerings to market needs and become market ready to pitch and attract investments whilst having validated and honed your business plan and your value proposition.
