S3E Start Open Call 2: all you need to know!
After wrapping up a very successful first edition of the S3E Program, the South3E consortium has launched the Open Call 2 to continue supporting deep tech innovation in Southern Europe and contribute to bridge the lab-to-market gap. As you may have heard by now, the S3E Program is built around three tracks of bespoke services, tailored to the needs of different groups; in this article, we hear from Claudia Barbosa and Cristina Simoes from HiSeedTech, the team behind the S3E Start track, on how this program can help research teams and technology transfer offices (TTOs) turn their deep tech solutions into commercially viable products or services.
https://youtu.be/0ku1o-xZ9LM?feature=shared
Hi Claudia! Tell us, what is the mission behind S3E?
We set up this project between the four partners with a clear mission — to boost deep tech innovation coming from Southern Europe.
To reach this, the S3E consortium designed three clearly defined tracks: S3E Start, a hands-on training program on technology commercialisation for research teams and tech transfer offices (TTOs); we also have S3E Charge, which is a mentoring and networking program for growth startups to help them develop an investment-ready business plan; and last, but not least, S3E Reverse is our brokering program that matches corporate challenges with SMEs as solution providers.
Who is the S3E Start track for?
For S3E Start specifically, we’re looking for research teams based in Southern Europe, with 2 to 5 members, currently working on a deep tech project that tackles one or more of the Sustainable Development Goals set by the United Nations.
To comply with the S3E Start criteria, these deep tech products, processes or services must be rooted on scientific discovery or meaningful engineering innovation and be capable of fulfilling market needs across any sector or industry.
For the first open call, we selected 14 research teams and 12 TTOs from different countries, including: Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Romania and Turkey. To learn more about the type of projects we support, I'd encourage anyone interested in applying to download the that features all the participants form the first cohort.
Cristina, as the head of training for S3E Start, can you explain what participants can expect from this program?
We offer an 18-week immersive experience that involves weekly online tutorials to guide the research teams in the development of a strong business case for their technology, and a series of webinars on diverse topics to help them build up relevant skills in key topics such as intellectual property, technology commercialisation, how to pitch for funding, etc.
Each team will have a dedicated mentor who will guide them through the market validation for their deep tech research project, offering 1-1 support for the development of their business case. The participating researchers will also receive bespoke advice to fine tune their final presentations for the S3E Start Open Day, an online pitching session with international investors to mark the end of the program.
What is the application process to join the S3E Start Program?
For those research teams and TTOs interested in applying, the first step is to check all the information about the Program available on the Apply Now section of the S3E website. Then, they need to and make sure to read them carefully before starting filling up their application on the F6S online platform, using this link for research teams and this link for TTOs.
Once we receive all applications, our panel of experts will review them; the selected teams will be publicly announced at the end of January 2024 and the program will officially start on 6 February.
If you and your research team believe your innovation can contribute towards building a better and more sustainable future for all, we’d love to welcome you into the S3E Start Program. Apply before the 12 January 2024 and join the Southern European Deep Tech revolution!
Do you have any questions you’d like to ask Claudia or Cristina directly? Come along to one of our Info Webinars! Check all the upcoming sessions and register via Eventbrite.
We look forward to creating long-lasting collaborations!
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S3E Charge Open Call 2: everything you need to know!
Now that the South3E consortium has officially announced , you may be wondering which of the 3 available tracks is the right one for you. We spoke with Christina Deligianni, Policy and Programmes Director at Institute for Sustainable Development at EPLO and leader of S3E Charge, to share all the key insights about this accelerator program created to support Southern European startups at their growth stage.
https://youtu.be/bTghkt-nhHU
Hi Christina! Tell us, what is the ethos behind S3E?
Our mission is to foster innovation and an entrepreneurship mindset in the South of Europe.
We want to do this by accelerating and incubating research teams and startups, and brokering deals and agreements between big corporations and SMEs. We focus on technologies that are grounded on either scientific discovery or meaningful innovation, so we can contribute towards deploying all those deep tech solutions that come from Southern European countries.
Social impact and economic growth are also two very important factors for us — all the nurturing we do within the European innovation ecosystem aims to build a more sustainable future. Therefore, all the projects, all the startups that are part of the S3E Program also have to be aligned with at least one of the Sustainable Development Goals defined by the United Nations.
What does the S3E Charge track offer to startups?
This is an acceleration program, so we’re looking for startups that have a product or a solution based on deep tech research and sustainability, and that wish to be accelerated.
The S3E Charge track is 14-weeks long, which requires a big commitment from the participants; in return, each startup is paired up with their own mentor - someone chosen from a pool of experts in their sector - and they get to attend our series of tailor-made webinars where they learn about a variety of topics: from marketing and sales, all the way to sustainable business models and strategies.
We also bring the selected statups closer to dilutive and non-dilutive funding opportunities, as well as networking with industry leaders and other innovators and entrepreneurs.
The participating startups will work on two deliverables: a business-ready plan and a professional pitch deck, which they will get to use when they pitch in front of potential investors at the celebratory open day that marks the end of the program.
How can startups apply to join the S3E Charge Program?
The first step would be to read all the information about the Program available on the Apply Now section of the S3E website. Those interested in applying need to and make sure to read them carefully before starting filling up their application on the F6S online platform.
Once we receive all applications, our panel of experts will review them; the selected startups will be publicly announced on 12 January and the program will officially start on 18 January.
If you are a startup in the growth stage and are looking for new opportunities to learn how to pitch your business to investors and access networking opportunities, I strongly encourage you apply for the S3E Charge Program. Remember, the application deadline is 15 December 2023. We look forward to, hopefully, welcoming you into the S3E Charge cohort of 2024!
Do you have any questions you’d like to ask Christina and the S3E team directly? Come along to one of our Info Webinars! Check all the upcoming sessions and register via Eventbrite.
We look forward to creating long-lasting collaborations!
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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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Sumatrix: the plant-based alternative to leather made out of fermented fruit waste
Sumatrix, led by researchers from Sumatrix Biotech (Turkey), is one of the supported research teams in the first S3E Start Programme.
Sumatrix® technology produces an alternative to leather made by bacterial fermentation of locally produced agro-industrial fruit waste. The biocellulose-based leather material is biodegradable, recyclable, “cruelty- free”, has no harmful effect on humans or the environment and is entirely non-toxic at every stage of its production. The natural metabolic processes of bacteria result in the production of useful substances like biocellulose, making them simple, single-celled yet powerful and efficient tools in the bioindustry.
Sumatrix aims to take advantage of these microscopic powerhouses by accelerating bacteria’s life cycle to increase the efficiency of its metabolic output, which is biocellulose. After the biocellulose surface modification and coloring stages obtained after the biofabrication process, the final product becomes BacTexture.
Learn more about Sumatrix by watching the pitch done by their CTO, Rumeysa Saglam, during the Start Open Day on 20th July 2023.
https://youtu.be/oD1Z555Ldg8
Would you like to get in touch with them? Let us know! Email us at info@south3e.eu
Looking forward to exploring synergies and creating a long-lasting collaboration.
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DVS@FunNanoSurf: Portable 'Plug and Play' sublimation technologies
DVS@FunNanoSurf, led by researchers from ICMAB-CSIC (Spain), is one of the supported research teams in the first S3E Start Programme.
Their project Sublimat aims at providing portable 'Plug and Play' sublimation instruments dimensioned for small scale testing, as well as pre-prototyping essays of organic and inorganic materials thin-film coating of surfaces. Sublimat is particularly relevant for the expanding field of organic electronics as it will introduce an affordable and flexible solution. This will be valuable for all R&D departments across both industry and academia that share the need for fast screening of new organic-based, thin-film surface coatings. This can help improve their properties to meet the target of developing smarter and sustainable technological applications while lowering overall production cost and environmental impact.
SubliMat is a streamlined sublimation methodology for the direct integration of purified molecules on substrates designed to improve the processing efficiency towards achieving functionalized surfaces for different applications. Unlike other vacuum-based systems currently used in the field of thin film coatings, this solution optimises testing time, material and resource residues through the introduction of compact, custom-made devices adapted to the experimental needs of smart/functional materials R&D.
Learn more about DVS@FunNanoSurf by watching the pitch done by researcher Rosa L. Zaffino during the Start Open Day on 20th July 2023.
https://youtu.be/TB0lEo99bIs
Would you like to get in touch with them? Let us know! Email us at info@south3e.eu
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Nano-ink: Nanoparticle enhanced inks for energy applications
Nano-ink, led by researchers from Eskisehir Technical University, Izmir Katip Celebi University and Eskisehir Osmangazi University (Turkey), is one of the supported research teams in the first S3E Start Programme.
This project is based on the development of innovative nanoparticle-enhanced printing inks (nano-inks) to facilitate energy efficiency indoors. Advancements in nanotechnology have enabled the manufacturing of materials at nanometre scale, leading to much better solutions to society's problems. Once such solutions are highly accessible, more people can experience improvements in their lives.
With the depletion of conventional energy sources and global warming, sustaining thermal comfort indoors has become an essential engineering problem. The Nano-ink team, consisting of two engineers and one ethicist, aims at developing novel materials for the fabrication of smart windows via the efficient and easy-to-be-scaled-up inkjet printing. Smart glasses exhibit switchable optical properties and can block the heat and radiation coming from the sun. Their implementation in buildings can reduce the cooling expenses by 30%. Their nano-ink makes the functional layer of the smart window to operate upon demand and have it exhibit the necessary optical response. One other innovative aspect is the versatility of the ink so that it is to be customised to users printing process and printhead. Nano-ink's goal is to develop the nano-ink with peaking characteristics in accordance with responsible innovation aspects, targeting smart window producers who aim at tackling high costs of cooling and/or heating of indoors. They take sustainability seriously and are motivated in providing solutions that contribute to a more sustainable future.
Learn more about Nano-ink by watching the pitch done by researcher Elif Begum Elcioglu during the Start Open Day on 20th July 2023.
https://youtu.be/vQi0jT59xVw
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MET Lab: Microbial enzymes for lignin valorization technology
MET Lab, led by researchers from ITQB-NOVA at NOVA University Lisbon (Portugal), is one of the supported research teams in the first S3E Start Programme.
Through the LignOx Project, the MET Lab team is revolutionising lignin valorization for biorefineries and fine chemical producers. Their mission is to unlock the full potential of lignin and contribute to a sustainable, circular economy. The LignOx Package, an enzyme cocktail tailored for residue valorization, offers an efficient solution for producing high-value compounds from lignin monomers. Vanillin, a sought-after compound derived from lignin, exemplifies the added value their enzymes can generate in industries like food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. By optimising lignin utilisation and reducing reliance on traditional processes, the LignOx Package drives sustainability and fosters a circular economy. MET Lab enzymes maximise yield, minimise waste, and reduce environmental impact.
MET Lab research teams invite you to join them on this transformative journey towards a greener future. Explore the potential of the LignOx Project, witness how their enzymes revolutionise lignin valorization, and unlock valuable compounds like vanillin. Together, let's shape the biorefinery and fine chemical industries, promote sustainability, and maximise valuable resources while minimising waste.
Learn more about MET Lab by watching the pitch done by their project manager Diogo Silva during the Start Open Day on 20th July 2023.
https://youtu.be/5rZ6nJs2OwA
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MARCIA: the research team that worries about metastasis so patients don't have to
MARCIA, led by researchers from Institute of Sanitary Investigation of Santiago de Compostela (Spain), is one of the supported research teams in the first S3E Start Programme.
Their project aims to obtain a BLOCK test from a blood sample, as a follow-up, non-invasive tool for patients with breast cancer to help diagnose metastasis in an earlier stage. They're working to develop a tool based on an immunoassay to detect a blood biomarker, and a software with an easy interface that integrates this measurement with two additional blood parameters to assess the risk of metastasis. The target population are women previously diagnosed with a primary breast tumour who are under follow-up (2-5 years from the primary diagnosis).
During this period, an imaging examination (mammogram) is recommended annually. With MARCIA's product, they'd measure a biomarker which reports systemic tumour disease and two blood parameters at intervals when image analysis is not scheduled. This will allow these patients to be monitored more frequently. If the test is positive, the appointment for the image analysis can be advanced. End-users are healthcare professionals (physicians, nurses and technicians) and potential customers of the kit are health systems, public and private clinics and hospitals. The beneficiaries are patients diagnosed with breast cancer, of which about 30% will eventually develop metastases. Furthermore, oncologists will benefit indirectly by having a tool to improve clinical management. The ability to anticipate this progression is crucial for the patient (quality and life expectancy) and the system (savings).
Learn more about MARCIA by watching the pitch done by researcher Clotilde Costa during the Start Open Day on 20th July 2023.
https://youtu.be/9brF4utVZ-Y
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HTS-INKS: Go green, go to superconductors!
HTS-INKS, led by researchers from ICMAB-CSIC (Spain), is one of the supported research teams in the first S3E Start Programme.
Coated Conductors (CCs) have big potential in the development of High Temperature Superconductor (HTS) power systems. This research team proposes a high throughput HTS technology which will have a huge impact on the industrial scale-up of CCs. It is based on their Transient Liquid Assisted Growth process combined with Chemical Solution Deposition (TLAG-CSD). It is disruptive and enables ultrafast growth of Yttrium Barium Copper Oxide (YBCO) films (~100 times faster than state of the art) by using printing deposition methods (inkjet printing, slot-die coating) and nanocomposites obtained by stabilising preformed nanoparticles in the initial precursor solution. TLAG-CSD is low cost (uses simple reactors), has high growth rates and is environmentally friendly. A key component for the industrial manufacturing of TLAG-CSD nanocomposite CCs is the colloidal inks. This requires the supply of robust, stable and reproducible colloidal inks in large quantities (several litres) compatible with the TLAG-CSD process.
HTS-INKS proposes a new generation of large volume colloidal inks with stabilising agents, which leads to an increase in the solubility of salts and stabilisation of nanoparticles which can be customised for different industrial metallic substrates, and could be further expanded to other CSD growth processes. While main end users of this technology are companies manufacturing superconducting tapes, the benefits extend to the society as a whole. Superconductivity will have a strong impact in advancing energetic sustainability.
Learn more about HTS-INKS by watching the pitch done by project manager Mar Tristany during the Start Open Day last 20 July 2023.
https://youtu.be/x7uPN-iDX8s
Would you like to get in touch with them? Let us know! Email us at info@south3e.eu