Project Information :
Project Overview
The EIC Tech to Market Entrepreneurship Programme is an initiative supported by the European Innovation Council (EIC) aimed at strengthening the commercialisation capacity of European research and innovation projects.
The programme supports researchers, innovators, startups, and technology transfer actors in transforming breakthrough technologies and scientific results into market-ready innovations and scalable ventures.
The initiative focuses on:
- accelerating the journey from research to market,
- strengthening entrepreneurial and business development capabilities,
- supporting innovation valorisation and commercialisation pathways,
- connecting innovators with investors, industry stakeholders, and innovation ecosystems,
- fostering collaboration between research institutions, startups, corporates, and public actors across Europe.
Through dedicated workshops, peer-learning activities, mentoring, and capacity-building actions, the programme contributes to building a stronger European deep-tech entrepreneurship ecosystem.
Our Role & Contribution
INNOVA contributed to the implementation and ecosystem engagement activities of the EIC Tech to Market Entrepreneurship Programme, supporting entrepreneurship development and innovation capacity building across the European innovation ecosystem.
Leveraging its expertise in:
- startup acceleration,
- innovation management,
- technology transfer,
- EU-funded innovation projects,
- business development and commercialization strategies,
INNOVA supported activities related to:
- stakeholder engagement and innovation ecosystem collaboration,
- entrepreneurial training and mentoring initiatives,
- dissemination and communication activities,
- startup and innovation ecosystem networking,
- promotion of technology commercialization opportunities.
INNOVA’s contribution helped strengthen collaboration among innovators, researchers, entrepreneurs, and technology transfer stakeholders at European level.
The Challenge
Europe produces world-class scientific research and breakthrough technologies, yet many innovations face significant barriers in reaching the market, including:
- limited entrepreneurial skills among researchers and innovators,
- insufficient commercialization support structures,
- fragmented innovation ecosystems,
- challenges in accessing investors and industrial partners,
- gaps between research outcomes and market needs,
- limited collaboration between academia, startups, and industry.
The EIC Tech to Market Entrepreneurship Programme was designed to bridge these gaps by empowering innovators with entrepreneurial skills, market-oriented strategies, and ecosystem connections necessary for successful commercialization.
Consultation Process
Impact & Results
The EIC Tech to Market Entrepreneurship Programme contributed to:
- strengthening Europe’s technology transfer and commercialization ecosystem,
- empowering innovators and researchers with entrepreneurial capabilities,
- increasing collaboration between research institutions and market actors,
- supporting the development of scalable deep-tech ventures,
- fostering cross-border innovation partnerships and ecosystem integration.
The programme also facilitated:
- networking opportunities between innovators and investors,
- access to commercialization expertise and mentoring,
- increased awareness of innovation valorisation pathways,
- stronger connections between research excellence and market impact.
Through collaborative European initiatives such as this programme, INNOVA continues to contribute to the growth of Europe’s deep-tech entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem.
