Applications open for the Deep Tech European Venture Builder Competition 2027
Researchers, graduate students and recent alumni from four European universities can apply until 4 December 2026 to accelerate the development and commercialisation of deep tech innovations.
The Deep Tech European Venture Builder (De-TECH) project has opened the call for applications for the Deep Tech European Venture Builder Competition 2027, an initiative funded by the EIT Higher Education Initiative that aims to accelerate the transition of university-based technologies from research to market.
The call opens on 2 November 2026 and invites researchers, graduate students and recent alumni (who graduated within the past five years) affiliated with Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Estonian Business School, Istanbul Technical University and Leibniz University Hannover to apply.
The competition focuses on deep tech innovations: advanced, research-driven technologies capable of addressing complex societal or industrial challenges. Eligible projects must demonstrate strong scientific foundations, potential for market transfer or social impact, and a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of at least 4. Areas of interest include artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, health and biotechnology, advanced materials, space technologies and other science- and data-driven fields.
A ten-week programme to bring innovation closer to the market
Selected teams will take part in a ten-week online training and mentoring programme, running from 15 January to 19 March 2027. Weekly sessions will cover technology commercialisation, intellectual property protection, market analysis, business model development, customer validation, financing strategies and pitching techniques.
Participants will also benefit from up to three individual mentoring sessions, connecting them with experts to support technology and market validation, business development and preparation for the final pitch.
The programme will culminate in an in-person Demo Day in Madrid on 8–9 April 2027. Teams that successfully complete the programme will be eligible to present their innovations and compete for one of four prizes of €15,000 each, awarded on a competitive basis across the four partner universities. The funding will support further technology development or commercialisation. Travel and accommodation for one team member per project will be covered by the programme.
Key dates for the 2027 call
- Launch of the call: 2 November 2026
- Application deadline: 4 December 2026
- Notification of applicants: 15 December 2026
- Start of training: 15 January 2027
- End of training: 19 March 2027
- Demo Day: 8–9 April 2027, in Madrid
Applications must be submitted by email, together with the supporting documentation, to de-tech@ebs.ee by 4 December 2026.
Further information about the eligibility criteria, programme and application process is available in the call documents.
What is the Deep Tech European Venture Builder Consortium?
The Deep Tech European Venture Builder Consortium is coordinated by the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM) and includes the Estonian Business School, Istanbul Technical University, and Leibniz University Hannover. The consortium also includes two industrial partners: Technoport, a high-tech incubator based in Luxembourg, and Effectia, an innovation consultancy from Spain. Additionally, the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality participates as a public sector partner.
The European Union funds the Deep Tech European Venture Builder Competition 2025 through the EIT HEI Initiative. It is structured around four key pillars to bring university-based innovations to market:
- Identify promising technologies developed at the partner universities through collaboration with their Technology Transfer Offices (TTOs), and assess their market potential.
- Launch innovation challenges that connect universities and companies with real-world needs, promoting creative and entrepreneurial thinking among students and researchers.
- Run the De-TECH competition, supported by an intensive start-up acceleration programme that includes training, mentoring, and financial assistance. Winning projects will receive funding and present their ideas to investors at DemoDay events.
- Deliver training in entrepreneurial and technological skills for students, researchers, and university staff, aiming to foster an entrepreneurial mindset and equip participants with the tools they need to lead innovation.