South3E launches the S3E Charge Fast-Track Acceleration for Deep Tech startups in Southern Europe
Following the success of its previous editions, South3E is bringing back the S3E Charge accelerator program for its third and final open call! Apply here.
In this new edition, the S3E Charge Fast-Track Acceleration has been crafted to offer expert support for deep tech startups in growth stage, focused on providing mentoring and training to science-based entrepreneurs in Southern Europe. The ultimate goal of this program is to assist the selected startups in developing an investment-ready business plan and help them access dilutive and non-dilutive funding.
“The S3E Charge program was crucial for our development and current success. It helped us refine our business plan and strategy, and we learned to become more business-oriented and less technical when pitching or talking to investors.” Michalis Kyriacou, Founder of Intellectra (S3E Charge 2024 Cohort)
Read the official press release
The S3E Charge Fast-Track Acceleration at a glance
Who can apply? This program is for growth startups with deep tech products or services already in the market, and with business operations based in a Southern European country. For this edition, we will admit up to 30 startups into the program.
What disciplines or industries can participate? We're looking for startups operating within these scientific fields: agricultural sciences, engineering and technology, medical and health sciences, and natural sciences. The startup's product or service must also have an economic or social impact element at heart, and target at least one of the Sustainable Goals set by the UN.
What does the program offer? Training and mentoring to develop an investment-ready business plan, as well as dedicated support to access public and private funding opportunities.
Key dates to keep in mind:
- 23 September 2024 → the open call to apply for S3E Charge is officially launched
- 11 October 2024 → applications for S3E Charge will close at 17:00 CET
- 15 October 2024 → the startups selected to participate in S3E Charge will be announced and the program will officially begin
The S3E Charge Fast-Track Acceleration will run for 4 weeks, starting on 15 October and finishing on 8 November. The selected startups will need to ensure they can commit to the full length of the program.
How to apply:
- Download the Application Guidelines to check all the details about the program and the full eligibility criteria, including the list of countries that can apply.
- Complete the application form on F6S and hit submit — don't leave it until last minute!
- The South3E consortium will review all applications between 11-14 October and will notify you via email if you've been selected.
Got any questions? Join our Info Webinar to hear more about this exciting opportunity and get answers to all your pressing questions about the program. The next session will be held online on 7 October at 13:00 CET, hosted by Christina Deligianni from Institute for Sustainable Development at EPLO, the coordinating team for S3E Charge. Register here.
Apply before 11 October!
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S3E Reverse: University Hospital Cologne and Tero join forces to implement Big Data management systems in hospital settings
Through the S3E Reverse program, University Hospital Cologne and Greek startup Tero are coming together to devise effective management systems for highly sensitive clinical data.
Part of the EU-funded project South3E, Reverse is a dedicated business brokerage program connecting corporate challenges with deep tech solutions developed by scaleups and SMEs from Southern Europe. The program is built on a successful open innovation methodology designed to foster collaboration and drive technological advancement.
The challenge
The University Hospital Cologne (Uniklinik Köln) is one of Germany’s most outstanding medical centers, internationally renowned for its innovation-driven research powering some of the most disruptive solutions in modern healthcare. Among its many successes, the interdisciplinary teams at Cologne are acclaimed for leading up the development of new treatments for patients underpinned by robust scientific research, especially in the area of rare diseases.
In order to facilitate the safe exchange of clinical data and support informed clinical decision-making at the Hospital, they were looking to implement a robust data-protecting systems for its intra- and interhospital infrastructures, which is crucial for ensuring that sensitive patient information is transmitted securely between departments and partner institutions, minimizing the risk of data breaches and unauthorized access.
Without such protections, the hospital could face significant risks, including compromised patient privacy, potential legal liabilities, and the erosion of trust in the healthcare system. Additionally, delays or inaccuracies in clinical decision-making due to insecure or inefficient data exchange could lead to suboptimal patient outcomes.
With this in mind, the University Hospital Cologne signed up to S3E Reverse as a Challenger to find a specialist tech startup capable of providing the ultimate solution to their key need.
After receiving Cologne’s challenge, Reverse broker Epaminondas Christophilopoulos was assigned to the mission of finding the best match for them. He is the UNESCO Chair on Futures Research at the Institute of Technology and Research (FORTH), and holds an impressive track record of providing foresight, strategy, innovation and long-term planning advisory in R&D activities carried by public and private corporations.
The solution
Greek startup Tero specialises in developing technologies aimed at improving environmental and social welfare. Their main focus is to provide innovative solutions for environmental monitoring, pollution control and sustainable development, and they offer expertise in managing projects that integrate advanced technology with environmental science.
However, in addition to their environmental focus, Tero also works on projects that have a significant social impact. This includes initiatives that enhance public health, safety, and community well-being through the application of their ICT solutions, making them the perfect Solver to tackle University Hospital Cologne's challenge: to design a high-tech platform for big data management and the support of secure information exchange in a hospital setting.
By joining S3E Reverse, Tero’s team of professionals brought in their expertise and knowledge to help Cologne’s clinicians and researchers to implement a big data management system to enhance the protection of clinical data by centralizing and securing patient information across various platforms. This approach will enable the hospital to monitor data access, detect potential breaches in real-time, and enforce stringent security protocols. Additionally, the system would ensure that only authorized personnel can access sensitive information, reducing the risk of unauthorized data exposure.
Overall, by collaborating hand-in-hand with Tero, the Hospital will be able to manage large volumes of clinical data efficiently, as well as improving their compliance with regulatory standards, safeguarding patient privacy and maintaining trust.
A call to innovators: apply to be a Solver and join the Deep Tech revolution!
This partnership between University Hospital Cologne and Tero is a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation to tackle industry challenges.
We invite all Deep Tech startups and SMEs based in Southern Europe to explore our challenges and join the S3E Reverse program as a Solver. The deadline for applications is 31 October 2024.
For more information and to apply, click here.
S3E Start 2024 | Meet the research team: Blood2Power
At this year's S3E Start Open Day, celebrated at the Tivoli BBVA Theatre in Lisbon, we interviewed the participating research teams to find out more about their projects and how they’re planning to implement the knowledge they’ve gained through our program to take their innovation from the lab to the the market.
Blood2Power is one of the 14 teams that was selected to join the 2024 edition of S3E Start, our program of support for deep tech research and entrepreneurship in Southern Europe, coordinated by our South3E partner HiSeedTech. Watch below the full interview to hear all about their work and their experience on Start!
https://youtu.be/SEaZOKtOs44?feature=shared
“This kind of program is very important for researchers because we get to learn a lot of new things beyond our scientific knowledge; our technology will only be fruitful if it goes to the patient, and thanks to S3E Start we are now closer to achieving that” — Andreia Pereira.
This project is pioneered by researchers from i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, and it revolves around the development of a system that harnesses electrical energy from the movement of blood and other body fluids to power medical devices. The full Blood2Power team includes: Inês Gonçalves, Andreia Trindade Pereira, Daniela Sousa, Herbert Middleton and Salomé Luís.
Want to meet the rest of the teams? Access the full playlist featuring interviews with other participating teams.
If you missed the S3E Start Open Day, you can watch the full livestream recording with all the teams' pitches or our event recap for the top highlights.
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S3E Reverse: University Hospital Cologne and CNT set on a mission to revolutionize medical research
Through the S3E Reverse program, University Hospital Cologne and Greek startup Creative Novel Technologies (CNT) are joining forces to develop AI-powered tools that can help researchers and clinicians bring new solutions to patients faster.
Part of the EU-funded project South3E, Reverse is a dedicated business brokerage program connecting corporate challenges with deep tech solutions developed by scaleups and SMEs from Southern Europe. The program is built on a successful open innovation methodology designed to foster collaboration and drive technological advancement.
The challenge
The University Hospital Cologne (Uniklinik Köln) is one of Germany’s most outstanding medical centers, internationally renowned for its innovation-driven research powering some of the most disruptive solutions in modern healthcare. Among its many successes, the interdisciplinary teams at Cologne are acclaimed for leading up the development of new treatments for patients underpinned by robust scientific research, especially in the area of rare diseases.
With the amount of research being produced by medical and healthcare experts, the university hospital has been looking at appropriate techniques to develop search strategies for systematic reviews of medical research. One of the main challenges that researchers encounter during their investigative processes is having to sift through multiple databases and sources of scientific literature, making it extremely time and resource intensive.
With this in mind, the University Hospital Cologne signed up to S3E Reverse as a Challenger to find a specialist tech startup capable of providing the ultimate solution to their key need.
After receiving Cologne’s challenge, Reverse broker Epaminondas Christophilopoulos was assigned to the mission of finding the best match for them. He is the UNESCO Chair on Futures Research at the Institute of Technology and Research (FORTH), and holds an impressive track record of providing foresight, strategy, innovation and long-term planning advisory in R&D activities carried by public and private corporations.
The solution
With a clear mission to leverage the full capabilities of IoT technologies to help others innovate, Thessaloniki-based startup CNT stood out as the most fitting Solver to tackle two challenges submitted by University Hospital Cologne: to develop sustainable search frameworks to support medical and clinical researchers in their day-to-day investigative work.
Dimitrios Tektonidis is the brain behind CNT's innovative solutions, a Computer Science expert leading a large network of specialists to create new products, services and integrated IT solutions — from the implementation of Internet Systems Management all the way to the creation of tailored Cloud-based systems.
By joining S3E Reverse, CNT’s team of professionals brought in their expertise and knowledge to help Cologne’s researchers accelerate their discoveries, bringing them closer to finding solutions to some of the most pressing health issues they’re dealing with.
In order to tackle the challenge, CNT has offered their very own AI-powered semantic search services supported by the in-house developed ONAR framework, which has been developed as part of long collaborations with industry and research organisations, and previously validated in a number of business and use cases. This will help medical researchers minimize their paper scouting time, accelerating the speed in which life science researchers gain insights.
Thanks to CNT’s state-of-the-art IoT approach, this powerful collaboration with University Hospital Cologne is set to revolutionize medical research in academia, and in turn make a positive impact on the lives of many patients whilst paving the way for the future of healthcare innovation.
A call to innovators: apply to be a Solver and join the Deep Tech revolution!
This partnership between University Hospital Cologne and CNT is a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation to tackle industry challenges.
We invite all Deep Tech startups and SMEs based in Southern Europe to explore our challenges and join the S3E Reverse program as a Solver. The deadline for applications is 31 October 2024.
For more information and to apply, click here.
S3E Reverse: The Zenith-Vodéna alliance redefining Smart Cities planning and energy management
Through the S3E Reverse program, energy provider Zenith and Serbian startup Vodéna are joining forces to reshape the landscape of smart cities, while driving technological progress and sustainable development.
The S3E Reverse program is part of the South3E EU-funded project, consisting of a dedicated brokerage program connecting corporate challenges with deep tech solutions developed by startups from Southern Europe. This program is built on a successful open innovation methodology designed to foster collaboration and drive technological advancement.
The business match between Zenith and Vodéna
Zenith, with its extensive experience in the energy sector, got hooked with a pressing challenge: the need for accurate power and gas demand forecasting algorithms for both residential and commercial users. Accurate forecasting is crucial for optimizing resources, reducing waste and ensuring a reliable supply of energy. However, developing these predictive models in-house proved to be a complex and resource-intensive task.
When Zenith presented this challenge, it became one of the many critical problems awaiting innovative solutions in the S3E Reverse Open Call, an initiative designed to connect large organizations with innovative solutions from SMEs and scale-ups across Southern Europe. This open call invites participants to submit their ideas and products to address specific challenges posed by large corporations and boost cross-border business opportunities.
Our S3E Deep Tech broker, Dimitris Papageorgiou, has played an essential role in making this match happen, finding the perfect solution to the challenge. Dimitris is the Innovation Funding Manager at TVP Solar, a Swiss manufacturer of high-vacuum flat solar thermal panels and a provider of turn-key solutions for industrial and district heating and cooling applications.
Thanks to Dimitris' involvement in S3E Reverse, Vodéna was introduced as an innovative startup with a rich academic heritage to meet Zenith's challenge. Emerging as a spin-off from the Faculty of Science at the University of Kragujevac, Vodéna excels in software development for physical and data-driven modelling. Their flagship product, BlackFox, stood out as the perfect solution for Zenith's needs.
Mutual benefits and industry impact
BlackFox is a cloud-based, automated platform designed to generate predictive models. It boasts a "set and forget" functionality that continuously creates, monitors and refines data-driven models, making it an ideal tool for businesses looking to integrate artificial intelligence without the hefty overheads of scarce talent and expensive infrastructure.
The BlackFox platform, divided into two key modules, leverages an evolutionary process to generate optimal machine learning models and, at the same time, automates the production, management, and deployment of predictive models on an industrial scale.
For Zenith, BlackFox offers seamless integration into its operations, enabling it to forecast energy demands with unprecedented accuracy and efficiency.
With the implementation of BlackFox, Zenith can better manage the integration of Renewable Energy Sources (RES) into the grid. This capability is essential for the development of sustainable urban environments where energy efficiency, reduced emissions and optimal resource management are paramount.
By leveraging Vodéna's Smarticity platform, which is based on BlackFox technology, cities can manage energy systems more efficiently, involving thousands of producers and consumers. This alternative approach to energy management is crucial for developing smart cities, where technology and data play a central role in enhancing the quality of life for residents.
This collaboration showcases how established corporations and agile startups can come together to tackle complex challenges, paving the way for a smarter, more sustainable future.
A call to innovators: apply to be a Solver and join the Deep Tech revolution!
This partnership between Sogrape and Agritrack is a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation in addressing industry challenges. By leveraging Agritrack’s advanced technology, Sogrape is poised to enhance its supply chain transparency and ensure its products’ highest standards of quality and authenticity.
We invite all Deep Tech startups and SMEs based in Southern Europe to explore our challenges and join the S3E Reverse program as a Solver. The deadline for applications is 31 October 2024.
For more information and to apply, click here.
S3E Reverse: Zenith and Inteligg unite to improve efficiency in energy consumption
Through the S3E Reverse program, energy provider Zenith and Greek startup Inteligg are forging a transformative partnership to enhance the forecasting capabilities of energy demand for more efficient and sustainable environmental impact assessments.
The S3E Reverse program is part of the South3E EU-funded project, consisting of a dedicated brokerage program connecting corporate challenges with deep tech solutions developed by startups from Southern Europe. This program is built on a successful open innovation methodology designed to foster collaboration and drive technological advancement.
The business match between Zenith and Inteligg
Zenith, considered the the No 1 supplier of natural gas and electricity in Greece, was facing the complex challenge of developing advanced power and gas demand forecasting algorithms for residential and commercial users. By joining the S3E Reverse program as a 'Challenger, Zenith found an ideal collaborator in Inteligg, a pioneering Greek startup specialised in delivering intelligent, innovative, sustainable solutions for Smart Cities and communities.
The assigned S3E Deep Tech broker, Dimitris Papageorgiou, played an essential role in making this match happen, finding the perfect solution to the challenge. Dimitris is the Innovation Funding Manager at TVP Solar SA, Switzerland, a manufacturer of high-vacuum flat solar thermal panels and a provider of turn-key solutions for industrial and district heating and cooling applications.
Under the South3E EU-funded innovation action, this collaboration fosters Inteligg's Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS) to help Zenith enhance its forecasting capabilities on energy demand. By collecting historical energy demand data from smart meters and additional sensors, Inteligg's technology enables precise monitoring and management of energy consumption. Zenith will integrate this system within its residential and corporate customer bases, potentially exploring demand-side heating and cooling management within energy communities.
Mutual benefits and industry impact
This partnership exemplifies the power of collaboration and innovation in tackling energy industry challenges as Zenith leverages Inteligg's advanced technology to achieve its forecasting goals more efficiently and accurately. This synergy enhances Zenith's operational capabilities and highlights the potential for emerging startups to drive progress within established companies.
Inteligg's portfolio incorporates cloud-based Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS), smart thermostats and turnkey building installations. The founding team, composed of mechanical, electrical, aerospace and computer engineers, brings extensive experience in national and international research projects. Their work spans energy efficiency, renewable energy, sustainable mobility, environmental impact assessment and ICT solutions.
While Zenith benefits from improved forecasting accuracy and operational efficiency, Inteligg gains a significant platform to showcase its solutions and expand its market presence.
Regarding the industry impact, the implementation of energy efficiency solutions encourages sustainable behaviours among residents and businesses. Real-time energy monitoring and management systems provide users with insights into their energy consumption patterns, promoting awareness and encouraging more sustainable practices.
To conclude, their work on energy efficiency solutions is essential to the sustainability of smart cities. They offer an alternative approach to enhancing urban living, conserving the environment, boosting the economy, and fostering a culture of sustainability. As cities worldwide continue to grow and evolve, adopting energy-efficient technologies will be crucial in building resilient, sustainable and thriving urban communities.
A call to innovators: apply to be a Solver and join the Deep Tech revolution!
This partnership between Sogrape and Agritrack is a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation in addressing industry challenges. By leveraging Agritrack’s advanced technology, Sogrape is poised to enhance its supply chain transparency and ensure its products’ highest standards of quality and authenticity.
We invite all Deep Tech startups and SMEs based in Southern Europe to explore our challenges and join the S3E Reverse program as a Solver. The deadline for applications is 31 October 2024.
For more information and to apply, click here.
Let’s revolutionize the Southern European Deep Tech ecosystem together!
S3E Start showcases the innovative deep tech projects from Southern Europe in a magnificent Open Day in Lisbon
On June 18th, the S3E team celebrated a hybrid Open Day in Lisbon to showcase the , the program that provides expert support to research teams and technology transfer officers in Southern Europe.
Watch the summary video!
https://youtu.be/AvonR5QPkxA
The S3E Start Open Day took place at the iconic BBVA Tivoli Theatre with approximately 60 people attending in person. The full 3-hour event was also livestreamed, reaching over 230 participants from across the European deep tech ecosystem who registered to join remotely. The audience included member companies from HiSeedTech (the S3E team who facilitated the event), international investors, business angels, innovation hubs, higher education representatives, corporates, researchers and deep tech enthusiasts.
The event kicked-off with a warm welcome from Mario Freire, President of the Board of HiSeedTech, which is the coordinator of the S3E – Southern European Entrepreneurship Engine project. Freire's introduction was followed by Daniel Gassman, Head of Sector Ecosystems and Prizes at the European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA), who joined online to introduce the context where S3E stands, highlighting the main objectives of the New European Agenda and how the S3E project is working towards creating long-lasting impact by supporting deep tech research, innovation and entrepreneurship in Southern Europe.
Pedro Vilarinho, technical coordinator of the S3E initiative, took the stage to provide an overview of the S3E Start program, reflecting on its goals, milestones, and the remarkable progress made during the second cohort of research teams who joined the program in January. In the 2024 edition, S3E Start has supported 14 research teams in total, involving more than 60 researchers and 10 technology transfer officers from 12 different countries. The program also counted on the support of 30 mentors pooled from our community of S3E Experts.
The whole session, hosted by Roger Debo, consisted on 14 pitches from the finalist research teams, alternating onsite and online presentations, where the researchers explained the purpose and progress of their inspiring and significant work. Debo also delivered an inspirational talk on deep tech entrepreneurship.
The S3E Start Open Day showcased the remarkable potential of innovation in deep tech in Southern Europe, marking the culmination of 20 weeks of diligent effort by the 14 research teams participating in the S3E Start program. A huge congratulations to everyone involved for making this such a successful event!
The full recording of the S3E Start Open Day is now available to watch here.
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S3E Reverse: Sogrape and Agritrack working together to revolutionize wine industry transparency
In a groundbreaking development for the wine industry, Sogrape, a leading wine producer from Portugal with a global reach, has successfully found its perfect challenge 'Solver' in the Greek startup Agritrack, thanks to S3E Reverse. This partnership promises to increase transparency and accountability in the wine supply chain, setting a new standard for the industry.
The S3E Reverse program is part of the South3E EU-funded project, consisting of a dedicated brokerage program connecting corporate challenges with deep tech solutions developed by startups from Southern Europe. This program is built on a successful open innovation methodology designed to foster collaboration and drive technological advancement.
The business match between Sogrape and Agritrack
The story of how Sogrape and Agritrack came together is one of innovation, vision and the power of collaborative platforms. It all began with the S3E Reverse Open Call, an initiative designed to connect large organizations with innovative solutions from SMEs and scale-ups across Southern Europe. This open call invites participants to submit their ideas and products to address specific challenges posed by large corporations and boost cross-border business opportunities.
Sogrape has long been committed to excellence, sustainability and quality in its wine production. However the complexity of the supply chain presented challenges in maintaining the highest standards of transparency and accountability, and Sogrape had been seeking a robust solution to it. The need was clear: a system that could meticulously track every product and material from the vineyard to the consumer’s table. When Sogrape presented this challenge, it became one of the many critical problems awaiting innovative solutions in the S3E Reverse Open Call.
The power of the S3E Reverse program
Through the S3E Reverse program, Agritrack was not just selected but also provided with a customized innovation support program tailored to their needs. It included one-on-one business coaching and technology brokerage services, ensuring that Agritrack could seamlessly integrate its solution with Sogrape’s operations and maximize its impact. The Reverse Broker assigned to this match is José Eduardo Amorim de Sousa, Senior Executive at Enline Energy Solutions, a leading Portuguese provider of innovative digital twin technology and data-driven solutions for the energy sector.
Agritrack's cutting-edge solution
Agritrack, an innovator in supply chain technology, offers a state-of-the-art platform featuring an immutable ledger and a tamper-proof record that provides permanent traceability from farm to fork. This technology ensures that every transaction and movement within the supply chain is recorded authentically, mitigating food fraud and counterfeiting risks.
Agritrack's platform goes beyond basic traceability. It also records critical environmental factors such as humidity and temperature, which are essential for maintaining wine quality. By capturing this data, Agritrack ensures that the wine's journey from the vineyard to the consumer is meticulously monitored and preserved.
The partnership between Sogrape and Agritrack exemplifies the power of innovation and collaboration in addressing industry challenges. By leveraging Agritrack's advanced traceability platform, Sogrape is setting new standards for transparency and quality in the wine industry. This collaboration not only benefits Sogrape and its customers but also paves the way for other companies to adopt similar solutions, fostering a more transparent and accountable supply chain across the food and beverage sector.
One of the standout features of Agritrack's platform is its integration of Machine Learning (ML). The platform builds digital twins of the supply chain processes by analysing past production cycles. This advanced analysis allows Sogrape to better assess and predict quality outcomes, optimize production methods, and enhance overall efficiency. The use of ML not only improves current operations but also provides valuable insights for future planning and innovation.
A call to innovators. Apply to be a Solver, join the Deep Tech revolution!
This partnership between Sogrape and Agritrack is a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation in addressing industry challenges. By leveraging Agritrack's advanced technology, Sogrape is poised to enhance its supply chain transparency and ensure its products' highest standards of quality and authenticity.
We invite all forward-thinking startups and SMEs to seize this opportunity. Apply to be a Solver and become part of a dynamic network driving the future of industry innovation. Explore our challenges and join the S3E Reverse program to make a lasting impact.
South3E has available the Open Call #2 for scale-ups and SMEs from Southern Europe to connect with corporate challenges. Innovators with groundbreaking solutions are invited to apply and become part of this transformative journey. The deadline for applications is 31 October 2024.
For more information and to apply, click here.
Let's revolutionize the Southern European Deep Tech ecosystem together!
We look forward to creating long-lasting collaborations!
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S3E Charge showcases the most innovative deep tech startups from Southern Europe in celebratory open day
On 24 April, the South3E consortium celebrated the end of this year's edition of the S3E Charge program, in a virtual open day that gathered the startups of the 2024 cohort to pitch in front of venture capitalists, business angels and other key stakeholders from across the European innovation ecosystem.
The event, which attracted 80+ people to register, marked the completion of the 18-week acceleration program that started earlier in January, coordinated and led by Christina Deligianni and Spyros Kouvelis from the Institute of Sustainable Development at EPLO.
Throughout their time with S3E Charge, the 17 selected startups and their teams received dedicated mentoring and support, as well as training through a series of webinars delivered by experts in innovation and entrepreneurship — a fully packed program centred around a key mission: to gear them up with all the necessary tools to successfully grow their businesses by expanding their reach and tapping into new markets and opportunities.
After 3 intense months, their journey culminated with the celebration of the S3E Charge Open Day, where they put all the skills and knowledge gained during the program to pitch their deep tech products and services, with the goal of introducing their solutions to European audiences and accessing funding opportunities.
"I'm very proud of all the participating teams. We've had the honour of working with very mature startups in this edition of S3E Charge, and I'm looking forward to seeing how they all progress and go from strength to strength now that they've officially graduated from the program. A big congratulations to all of them!" — Christina Deligianni
Besides the pitches delivered by 14 of the Charge startups (3 of them unfortunately couldn't attend due to unforeseen circumstances), the open day also counted with the support of Gerald Cultot from the European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA), and two of the top leading voices in the European innovation ecosystem: Sonia Marzo Arnaez from Microsoft, and international Venture Capitalist & Entrepreneur Dimitris Kalavros-Gousiou.
The South3E team would like to express their gratitude to everyone involved in this year's edition of S3E Charge, including our community of mentors for the invaluable support and, of course, the participating startups for their commitment to the program and their drive to make a positive change in the world through their innovations.
"For the second year in a row, it's been a privilege to host an open day to celebrate a group of startups that are doing impressive work on promoting sustainability through their solutions. The goal of EPLO is to support the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals around the world in every way, and that's also our mission when working with the startups in this program, to empower them to 'do well by doing good'; to help them champion economic, environmental and societal growth." — Spyros Kouvelis
Full list of startups of S3E Charge 2024: Baukunst, Arquitectura y Patrimonio Virtual, BEDEV, Bomensoft, CRIAM, Archimed IoT, Ecobubble, ELNAV.AI, EntoProtein, eXRciser, Innervoices, Intellectra Technologies, ivoluntry, MOVEN, Nanomik Biotechnology, Orbiba Robotics, QX and Rosey's Mark.
Did you miss the open day? You can now recap on the full event via our YouTube channel! If you don't fancy watching the whole recording in one go, make sure to check the time stamps to navigate directly to the startup pitches.
https://youtu.be/bjvjgJ4dX_g?feature=shared
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S3E Reverse launches Open Call #2 for Solvers — new challenges added!
South3E has launched a new Open Call for scale-ups and SMEs from Southern Europe to join S3E Reverse — our brokerage program that connects corporate challenges with deep tech solutions developed by startups, designed upon a successful open innovation methodology.
Apply before 31 October via F6S!
How it works
SMEs and scaleups interested in participating are invited to submit a solution to address one of the challenges we've received from large organisations. Our deep tech brokers will select the most mature and fitting 'Solver', according to the ideas or products submitted, and match them with the challenger organisation.
Through S3E Reverse, the selected SMEs and scale-ups will benefit from a customised innovation support program designed specifically for them, which includes 1-1 business coaching and technology brokerage services.
The programme will operate on a first-come, first-served basis; when a match is identified by the Broker, the Challenger and the Solver will be notified so they can start working together.
The challenges
1. Collaborative Intelligence in the Service of Humanity
Challenge organisation: Infinitivity Design Labs (IDL)
Solution needed: How can AI be designed to prioritise collaborative intelligence and effectively address human needs? Are there concrete use cases? The solution will need to demonstrate how AI can addressing specific human/business needs in various sectors (e.g. healthcare, agriculture), focusing on the collaborative intelligence aspect of AI.
Solve this challenge: Apply here.
2. Route Optimisation for Meter Reading Collection
Challenge organisation: EYATh (Thessaloniki Water & Sewer Company S.A.)
Solution needed: Water meter routes currently lack geographical optimization. Considering traffic patterns and existing route parameters, can you develop a route optimisation tool for cost and time efficiency using geographical and network analysis?
Solve this challenge: Apply here.
3. Improving User Experience for Data Protection and Privacy
Challenge organisation: University Hospital Cologne
Solution needed: How can users have more control over health data usage, enhancing trust in data sharing for research? Help us design user-friendly and secure solutions giving citizens and patients greater control over their health data; consider routine and research workflows.
Solve this challenge: Apply here.
4. Integrating collaborative robots into various facets of the food production industry
Challenge organisation: I4byDesign Competence Centre
Solution needed: Address the integration of collaborative robots (cobots) in the food production industry focusing on hygiene, safety, adaptability, human collaboration, quality control, traceability, sustainability, and resource efficiency. We're looking for innovations in cobot technologies that enhance food safety, adapt to diverse environments, facilitate human-robot collaboration, ensure product quality, and promote sustainability.
Solve this challenge: Apply here.
5. Weather Radar Interference
Challenge organisation: 3DSA - General Aviation Applications
Solution needed: 3DSA's weather radars are experiencing interference from wireless communication devices operating on the same frequencies. This disrupts weather monitoring, potentially impacting storm tracking and warnings. We need solutions or technologies that can mitigate or filter severe interference on weather radar output, while maintaining accuracy in detecting precipitation and storm behaviour.
Solve this challenge: Apply here.
6. Reduction of Free Melamine Content in Wastewater
Challenge organisation: Sonae Arauco
Solution needed: Due to melamine's carcinogenic classification, how can it be removed from wastewater in processes like decorative paper impregnation? To tackle this challenge, you need to develop a competitive, industrially-applicable, and scalable solution to remove free melamine from wastewater without impacting current production processes.
Solve this challenge: Apply here.
7. Automobile Sales Forecasting with AI: Reducing Deviation Rates and Improving Accuracy
Challenge organisation: Otokoç Otomotiv
Solution needed: Collaboration with a startup offering AI solutions can lead to more precise and reliable sales forecasts for Otokoç Otomotiv. Improved forecasting accuracy enables better business planning and strategy development. The use of advanced technology can help in adapting to market dynamics, especially with the evolving landscape of electric vehicles, and make informed decisions.
Solve this challenge: Apply here.
8. AI Based Damage Inspection
Challenge organisation: Otokoç Otomotiv
Solution needed: A product or platform to detect vehicle damages using image processing technology. It should provide quick reports on the vehicle's condition based on the detected damages. The solution should also analyze the cost of damages and provide information on whether vehicle parts need replacement, along with the associated prices.
Solve this challenge: Apply here.
9. Creation of lightweight installation structure
Challenge organisation: Babylon Gardens
Solution needed: The solution should facilitate the easy installation and removal of plastic bottles, be economically and sustainably produced, and enhance the aesthetic appeal of the installations.
Solve this challenge: Apply here.
10. Enhancement of Operational Efficiency and Industry 4.0 Adoption
Challenge organisation: SOLIMPEKS
Solution needed: SOLIMPEKS faces challenges in various operational aspects, including investment planning, plant commissioning, facility layout, digital marketing and Industry 4.0 implementation. These challenges result in increased costs, reduced productivity, and decreased competitiveness. Addressing these issues requires adoption of advanced project management methodologies for investment commissioning, lean manufacturing principles for facility optimization, investment in digital marketing training and tools, and implementation of Industry 4.0
Solve this challenge: Apply here.
11. Reduction of Food Waste in Aquaculture
Challenge organisation: Strategis Maritime
Solution needed: Incorporate bioprocessing and extraction technologies, green chemistry, materials science for biomaterial development, and AI for waste characterization and process optimization to tackle food waste effectively.
Solve this challenge: Apply here.
12. c-BEMS + CO2 Emissions Calculator
Challenge organisation: Inteligg
Solution needed: Advanced AI/ML algorithms for real-time energy management and emissions calculation, integration of IoT platforms for device and protocol management, and development of user-friendly interfaces for global remote monitoring.
Solve this challenge: Apply here.
13. Internationalization of R&D
Challenge organisation: Innorma
Solution needed: A system capable of streamlining regulatory compliance, optimizing budget, ensuring technical scalability, minimizing environmental impact, and attracting skilled labor. There needs to be an emphasis on developing unique selling propositions and setting realistic development and market entry timelines.
Solve this challenge: Apply here.
14. Predict route risks in the supply chain
Challenge organisation: Brisa
Solution needed: A predictative system to ensure the continuity of supply chain so that we can continue to our sustainable supply chain practices. When there is an interruption in the supply chain due to unexpected problems in the routes, our operations are interrupted and emergency scenarios are applied which can be out of our sustainability scope. Currently, this issue is addressed by manually tracking the news.
Solve this challenge: Apply here.
How to apply
Startups and SMEs interested in becoming a Solver to tackle one of the listed challenges will need to complete this online application form as soon as possible, considering the matching process is done on a first come - first serve basis. We advise all applicants to download and carefully read our Application Guidelines for further information about the program and the selection process.
The S3E Reverse Open Call for Solvers welcomes applications from startups and SMEs based in:
- 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.
Please note: Solver organisations may apply for more than one Challenge, with different applications. The matching between challenge organisations and solvers will be kept confidential; all SMEs and startups will be notified regardless of the result of the selection process.
Key info to keep in mind
- We will update the list of challenges on a monthly basis.
- The final deadline to apply to the Call is 31 October 2024.
- The matching process between the challenge organizations and solution providers will be on a first come – first serve basis, so the faster you submit your proposal the more chances you have to be selected for a suitable match.
