S3E Start: Meet the research teams selected to join the 2024 cohort
After a very competitive and thorough selection process, and thanks to the expert help of the S3E Evaluators, we are very excited to announce the research teams and technology transfer offices (TTOs) that have been selected to join the second edition of S3E Start!
During the second Open Call for S3E Start— which launched on 18 September 2023 and closed on 15 January 2024 — we received a total of 65 applications from research teams and TTOs from all across Southern Europe. From those, 14 research teams and 11 TTOs have been selected to conform the new cohort of S3E Start, welcoming a total of 80 researchers in this year's edition. Keep on reading to find out who they are!
Meet the 14 research teams selected for S3E Start 2024
BioScreen 🇷🇴
- Research team: Ioana Silvia Hosu and Luminita Dimitriu
- TTO: Mihaela Frincu
- Institution: National Institute for Research & Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry - ICECHIM
- Technology: A portable device that uses electrochemical quantification for real-time monitoring of plant oxidative stress, providing cost-effective screening of agrochemicals.
Blood2Power 🇵🇹
- Research Team: Andreia Trindade Pereira, Daniela Sousa, Herbert Middleton, Inês Gonçalves and Salomé Luís
- Institution: i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde
- Technology: A pioneering power-generating system that harnesses electrical energy from the movement of body fluids, like blood, to power medical devices.
BreastScreening-AI 🇵🇹
- Research Team: André Fadiga, Carlos Santiago and Francisco Maria Calisto
- Institutions: Instituto Superior Técnico Lisboa, Universidade de Coimbra and Universidade da Maia
- Technology: An advanced AI-driven diagnostic tool that integrates mammography, ultrasound and MRI data to enhance breast cancer detection accuracy, reducing diagnostic times and minimizing false positives and negatives.
C-Anal View 🇮🇹
- Research Team: Ilaria Toniolo, Francesca Rizzi and Lino Polese
- TTO: Francesca Rizzi
- Institution: Università di Padova
- Technology: A fenestrated anoscope and colonoscopy-compatible tool that improves tissue sampling, detects anal neoplastic lesions, and minimizes procedural risks. Its primary function is to enable precise visualization of the anal canal and rectum.
Comprehensive Pathogen Surveillance Ecosystem (CPSE) 🇹🇷
- Research Team: Cihan İspanoğlu, Ege Dedeoğlu, Gültekin Ünal and Hamza Yusuf Altun
- Institution: Faculty of Veterinary Medicine - Ankara University
- Technology: A comprehensive service suite for pathogen monitoring, delivering detailed reports via a customized database. It securely centralizes monitoring data, offers customizable diagnostics and optimizes action efficiency.
DOPANTS 🇬🇷
- Research Team: Anna Mastrogiorgi, Eleftheria Perivola, Marios Fragkioglou, Minas M. Stylianakis and Vasileios Tzatzadakis
- Institution: Hellenic Mediterranean University
- Technology: DOPANTS uses polymer nanocomposites to enhance safety and sustainability in medical consumables, offering infection resistance, customization via 3D printing, durability and reduction of environmental impact.
ECOPLAN 🇱🇹
- Research Team: Aurelijus Rinkevičius, Marius Kriukovas, Greta Čerškutė, Saulė Mačiukaitė-Žvienienė and Vytenis Mockus
- Institution: Vilnius University
- Technology: An AI-powered platform for construction material selection and recommendation. It analyzes projects from Building Information Models (BIM), suggests optimal materials, increasing selection accuracy by 60% and saving 20% project time.
GENESIS 🇵🇹
- Research Team: Alexandra Pinto, Diogo Silva, Helder Nunes and Lucas Marcon
- Institutions: Faculdade de Engenharia da Universidade do Porto, Universal H2 and INEGI
- Technology: A plug-and-play off-grid production system providing clean fuel for boat owners and sodium borates for chemical industries. It offers hydrogen and power production, IP-protected borate, and promotes circular economy.
miRALS 129 🇮🇹
- Research Team: Linda Ottoboni, Mafalda Rizzuti and Stefania Corti
- TTO: Alessandro Cervi and Margherita Chierici
- Institutions: Fondazione IRCCS Ca'Granda Policlinico Maggiore Hospital and Università di Milano
- Technology: miRSEN is an active pharmaceutical ingredient that inhibits microRNA-129, an upregulated miRNA found in Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients, slowing down the progression of the disease.
NEMATEAM 🇵🇹
- Research Team: Cláudia Letras, Madalena Mendonça, Margarida Espada and Pedro Barbosa
- Institution: Universidade de Évora
- Technology: NemAway is a fast and efficient bionematicide, targeting a broad spectrum of plant-parasitic nematodes. It is environmentally friendly and can be easily applied to crops through contact or soil fumigation.
OncoMagnetoSweep 🇵🇹
- Research Team: Diana Fonseca, Luísa Fialho and Marta Laranjeira
- TTO: Natacha Rosa
- Institution: i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde
- Technology: A magnetic extracorporeal device removing cancer cells from blood, enhancing treatment by reducing side effects, treatment time, and sessions, with a global cost reduction.
OncoMets 🇵🇹
- Research Team: Ana Sofia Ribeiro, Bruno Freitas, Inês Conde, Joana Paredes and Rita Carvalho
- TTO: Bárbara Macedo
- Institutions: LEPABE-FEUP and i3S - Instituto de Investigação e inovação em Saúde
- Technology: A blood-based In vitro diagnostics (IVD) tool providing real-time monitoring for breast cancer. It offers accurate, non-invasive detection of recurrent cancer earlier than traditional methods, enabling timely interventions and improving patient outcomes while reducing healthcare costs.
THYMI 🇵🇹
- Research Team: Rute Pinto and Pedro Ferreirinha
- Institution: i3S - Instituto de Investigação e inovação em Saúde
- Technology: THYMI offers for the first time the possibility to produce in laboratory patient-specific T cells that can be ready use to supplement patient immunity with no risk of transplanted cell rejection or side-effects.
UPWIND 🇵🇹
- Research Team: Luís Tiago Paiva, Fernando Fontes, Gabriel Fernandes, Manuel Fernandes, Rui Costa and Sérgio Vinha
- Institutions: Universidade do Porto and Instituto de Sistemas e Robótica (Universidade de Coimbra)
- Technology: ZEPHYRUS is a transportable airborne device that converts wind energy into electricity, ensuring access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable power in remote locations lacking access to the electricity grid.
S3E START is a program designed to help 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.
The 18-week immersive experience 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 intellectual property, technology commercialisation, how to pitch for funding, etc. Each team will be paired with a dedicated mentor who will guide them through the market validation for their deep tech research project, thus receiving 1-1 support for the development of their business case.
The whole South3E consortium is very proud to welcome these 14 research teams into the S3E Start program. Stay tuned for more updates on their journey with S3E!
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S3E Start recognised by the prestigious EIT Deep Tech Talent Initiative
The South3E consortium is thrilled to announce that S3E Start has been recognised by the prestigious EIT Deep Tech Talent Initiative as one of the top training programmes pushing the boundaries of deep tech in Europe. Thanks to this acknowledgement, S3E Start now features proudly on the Courses section of the EIT’s website, alongside other expert-led programs focused on cultivating innovation and economic growth across the EU.
“This recognition is a testament to the quality and value of our program, and it further underscores the value and impact of our S3E Project as a whole. To be chosen for inclusion S3E Start underwent a rigorous quality check and we are proud to have met the high standards set by the EIT Deep Tech Talent Initiative,” says Claudia Barbosa, Chief Operating Officer at HiSeedTech and Leader of S3E Start.
The Deep Tech Talent Initiative is a pioneering programme led by the European Institute of Technology and Innovation (EIT) whose mission is to upskill one million people within deep tech fields over the next three years. Shaped by the same ethos that drives South3E, the EIT also believes deep tech innovations are indispensable to address the most pressing global challenges.
Through the second Open Call for the S3E Program, South3E will continue supporting researchers and startups developing innovative deep tech solutions with social and sustainable impact at their core. Research teams and technology transfer offices interested in applying to the S3E Start Program can find all the information here. Applications close on 12 January 2024.
We look forward to creating long-lasting collaborations!
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S3E 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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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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