Webinar: Looking for South European Startups to Solve Deep Tech Corporate Challenges
Are you a startup or an SME from Southern Europe seeking for new business opportunities?
We invite you to participate in our upcoming webinar ''Looking for South European Startups to Solve Deep Tech Corporate Challenges'', which is taking place next Wednesday, 9th of October, 2024, at 13:00 CET.
South3E organises this online session in the frame of the 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.
The webinar is a perfect opportunity for you to get a deeper knowledge of the available corporate challenges and check if your startup can bring a potential solution.
| 13:00-13:10 | Welcome & Program Presentation by Odysseas Spyroglou, from International Development Ireland |
| 13:10-13:55 | Presentation of challenges by the corporates’ representatives |
| 13:55-14:05 | EIT opportunities and how Tech Brokers could help Solvers by EIT Digital Greece |
| 14:05-14:20 | How to apply? Guidelines for Solvers by Odysseas Spyroglou, from International Development Ireland |
| 14:20 – 14:30 | Q&A |
Don’t miss this opportunity to address specific problems of businesses and expand your commercial network!
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.
We look forward to creating long-lasting collaborations!
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S3E Reverse for Solvers: join our Info Webinar!
As part of our second Open Call for Solvers, we have organised an Info Webinar for scale-ups and SMEs interested in joining S3E Reverse — the brokerage program that connects corporate challenges with deep tech solutions developed by startups.
Thanks to this webinar, hosted on Friday 26 April at 12:00 CET, SMEs and scaleups will learn more about this exciting opportunity to become Solvers and work hand-in-hand with a larger corporation while growing their business. The session will be delivered by Odysseas Spyroglou, R&I Projects Lead at International Development Ireland and Coordinator of S3E Reverse.
Register to attend the Info Webinar for Solvers
Time and date: Friday 26th April, 12:00 - 13:30 (CET)
Objectives of the session:
- Introduce the S3E Reverse Track and its significance.
- Explain the application process and criteria for participation.
- Highlight the support and resources available to participants.
- Showcase successful case studies or testimonials from past participants.
- Answer potential questions from attendees to clarify any doubts regarding the open call.
Target Audience: Entrepreneurs and start-ups in Southern Europe specialising in deep tech.
Benefits of Participating in Reverse:
- Access to a broad network of industry leaders and expert mentors.
- Opportunities for finding new clients and business partnerships.
- Increased visibility within the Southern European innovation ecosystem.
Want to become a Solver for S3E Reverse? ➡️ Check the corporate challenges and apply to solve one!
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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 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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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!















