Application period opens for the Deep Tech European Venture Builder Competition 2026

Researchers, graduate students and recent alumni from four European universities can apply until April 3, to transform deep tech innovations into market-ready ventures.

The Deep Tech European Venture Builder (De-TECH) project has opened the call for applications for the Deep Tech European Venture Builder Competition 2026, an initiative supported by the EIT Higher Education Initiative that aims to accelerate the transition of university-based technologies from research to market.

The call opens on 16 March 2026 and will remain open until 3 April 2026. It invites researchers, graduate students and recent alumni (within five years of graduation) affiliated with the universities participating in the De-TECH consortium (Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Estonian Business School, Istanbul Technical University and Leibniz University Hannover) to submit their applications.

The programme focuses on deep tech innovations, meaning advanced, research-driven technologies capable of addressing complex societal or industrial challenges. The competition is designed to help promising innovations move beyond the laboratory by providing participants with training, mentoring and access to a European innovation ecosystem.

Eligible projects must demonstrate both strong scientific foundations and clear market or social impact potential. Technologies should also have reached at least Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4, indicating that they have been validated in a laboratory or equivalent research environment. Areas of interest include artificial intelligence, biotechnology and health technologies, advanced materials, quantum technologies, space technologies and other science-based innovations.

A ten-week programme to bring innovation closer to the market

Following the application period, the selection and notification of participants will take place between 8 and 10 April 2026. The selected teams will then participate in a ten-week training and mentoring programme, beginning in mid-April 2026 and running until June 2026.

The programme will provide participants with practical knowledge and tools to advance the commercialisation of their technologies. Weekly training sessions will cover topics such as technology valorisation, intellectual property protection, market analysis, business model development, startup financing and investor relations, complemented by personalised mentoring sessions with experts from the innovation ecosystem.

Participation in the programme will prepare teams for the final stage of the competition, where they will have the opportunity to present their innovations to experts, entrepreneurs and investors. Teams that successfully complete the programme will be eligible to compete for monetary prizes of €15,000 each, aimed at supporting the further development of their technologies or advancing their path towards market entry.

Key dates for the 2026 call:

• Launch of the call: March 16, 2026
• Application deadline: April 3, 2026
• Selection and notification of participants: ~ April 10, 2026
• Start of trainings: April 17, 2026
• End of trainings: June 19, 2026

Further information about the programme and the application process is available through the De-TECH project channels.

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.