The DT Launch Pad training programme has officially begun, with kick-off events rolling out both online and in person from September 30th across seven European countries.
In total, 90 participants from 15 countries have joined the programme, which runs in Austria, Ireland, France, Slovenia, Turkey, the Netherlands, and Finland. Each partner country is hosting a kick-off meeting to welcome participants, introduce the 8-week training journey, and set the scene for what lies ahead. The programme focuses on both pre-incubation and incubation stages, helping deep tech innovators take their first steps or their next big leap towards market readiness.
Participants can choose from two training tracks:
- Deep Spark (58.5%): This entry-level track is designed to ignite new ideas and introduce the fundamentals of commercialisation and entrepreneurship. It supports participants in assessing the potential of their research-based innovations and equips them with the knowledge to begin moving from lab to market.
- Deep Catalyst (41.5%): Is a more advanced track offering tailored coaching and deeper support for teams already working on their technologies. The focus is on refining business strategies, overcoming specific challenges, and preparing to scale through engagement with investors, partners, and markets.
An International kick-off was hosted by Institut Mines-Télécom Business School (IMTBS) in Paris on September 30th. The event was facilitated by Assoc. Prof. Todd Davey and researcher Medisa Focic-Asipi. The guest speaker was Lucas Quiononero, CEO and cofounder of Mobeelity. He shared his entrepreneurial story, from research to scaling up technology, and engaged with participants in the inspiring Q&A session.
Medisa reflected on the launch:
“Our team successfully delivered the kick-off event for the international participants, which was well attended and very interactive. Over the next period, we look forward to growing, learning, and innovating together to realise our participants’ deep tech ambitions.”
Each partner country created a dynamic agenda to inspire, connect, and energise participants. The kick-off sessions introduced the training structure but also offered opportunities to:
- Start building connections
- Explore the route from research to start-up
- Engage in a hands-on Needs, Approach, Benefits, Competition workshop to map entrepreneurial pathways
- Hear real-life stories from guest entrepreneurs
- Gain practical tips and insights in preparation for the upcoming training sessions
The energy and enthusiasm from these first meetings mark a promising start to the DT Launch Pad programme. Over the coming eight weeks, participants will continue learning, experimenting, and collaborating as they bring their deep tech ideas closer to real-world impact.
