Scaling up deep tech ecosystems

• Enhanced development of deep-tech ecosystems around pan-European research infrastructures, accelerating the generation, scaling and deployment of breakthrough technologies with clear market and societal benefits

• Increased collaboration and involvement of industry (including SMEs), leading to higher technology readiness, competitiveness, new market opportunities and creation of start-ups or spin-offs

• Improved valorisation of socio-economic impacts from previous European Structural and Investment Funds investments in pan-European RIs

• Strengthened role of pan-European RIs in innovation training and education, fostering skills development and knowledge transfer

1. Target pan-European research infrastructures as defined by ESFRI; leverage existing RI facilities and services
2. Focus on deep-tech innovations (see footnote 18 definition) with breakthrough potential in at least three and up to five different technological domains
3. Demonstrate strong industry engagement, including SMEs and start-ups, throughout co-development activities
4. Proposals must include:

• A systematic process to identify and prioritize deep-tech innovations linked to RIs

• Clear methodology for feasibility and scalability studies

• Criteria and rationale for clustering and selecting innovations for pilot funding

• Detailed plan for running, evaluating and managing open calls for pilot projects

• Governance and monitoring framework for awarded pilots

• Evaluation plan to assess pilot outcomes against industrial implementation and societal impact metrics
5. Ensure valorisation of past ESIF investments in RIs by documenting socio-economic benefits