Deep tech in Europe: projects driving innovation and science-based startups

Deep tech refers to companies and startups whose innovations are based on scientific discoveries arising from basic research or significant engineering breakthroughs. Unlike technology startups that use technologies that have already been developed — such as a new food-delivery app — deep tech seeks to solve complex global challenges through scientific advances. Its main characteristics include:

• High technological risk: this is often compounded by regulatory and market risks.
• Long development timelines: the journey from laboratory to market often takes between 5 and 15 years because of the intensive R&D and validation required. As a result, these projects are not always suited to conventional venture capital investors, whose average investment cycles are shorter than eight years. In some cases, a new regulatory framework must also be developed before the product can be commercialised.
• High capital requirements: substantial upfront funding is required before any revenue is generated — between 10 and 100 times more than a conventional technology startup may need.
• Strong intellectual property: advances are often protected by patents that are difficult to replicate, creating a natural competitive moat.

These factors mean that Europe’s deep tech ecosystem requires specific funding, support and knowledge-transfer strategies.

In this context, the project also promotes communities of practice and collaborative networks between institutions to improve mobility, continuous training and professional recognition for research managers.