Excelling deep tech through place-based innovation and connected ecosystems for women-led start-ups

ongoing

EPIC-X aims to accelerate and unlock excellence by connecting regional innovation ecosystems across the EU, building on strategic areas of regional strength and specialisation, and addressing the innovation divide and underrepresentation of talents within the European Union. The project enlists a diverse and strong multi-actor interregional ecosystem network that resonates in a Pan-European alliance of interconnected ecosystems. Comprising 16 ecosystem builders hailing from the16 moderate and innovator countries, the basis of this network is set to widely expand to all regions and engage quadruple helix players in collaborative efforts of co-creation, co-implementation, and co-assessment of pioneering acceleration+ programme, which encompasses a FSTP scheme to support deep tech women-led start-ups. Embedded within this comprehensive programme are cross-fertilisation activities and an innovative mobility scheme aimed at the selected start-ups. Ecosystem builders and members of the network will have dedicated opportunities for collaboration and knowledge exchange through tailored actions. With a wealth of experience, the consortium, comprising 13 entities, will spearhead efforts to develop and disseminate materials that underpin a comprehensive communication, dissemination, and exploitation strategy aimed at amplifying the impact of the EPIC-X. This includes the production of a white paper containing policy recommendations and an article/paper to highlight key insights. Built around the three pillars of deep tech, women-led start-ups, and smart specialisation strategies, the project activities and synergies fostered by a multi-layer glocal approach will create a favourable environment for local-placed innovation and sustainable and inclusive growth.