Scaling European Deeptech Through Startup-Corporate Collaboration: Interview with Stéphane Ouaki

• The EIC has a €10.1 billion budget boosting deeptech innovation.
• Over 1,500 startups are linked to major firms through the CPP.
• More than 100 successful deals have resulted from the CPP.
• Unlocking Innovation with Corporate Venturing details seven years of CPP activities.
• Holcim and Nanolike showcase the power of corporate partnerships.

EIC’s Funding Revolutionizes European Deeptech Startups

European deeptech is experiencing a transformative moment, thanks predominantly to the European Innovation Council (EIC). With a staggering €10.1 billion in funding from Horizon Europe, the EIC has positioned itself as a vital force backing startups and SMEs. This funding has already led to over 150 investment rounds just this year, including an impressive 60 in 2024 alone, showcasing the EIC’s powerful influence in the innovation scene across Europe.

Corporate Partnerships Streamline Innovation and Growth

A significant aspect of the EIC’s success is due to its Corporate Partnership Programme (CPP), which has linked over 1,500 startups with more than 120 major corporations like Airbus and Ikea. Thanks to efforts by the CPP, numerous partnerships have yielded over 100 deals and hundreds of follow-ups. This structured program not only boosts individual startups but also fortifies Europe’s entire innovation ecosystem by ensuring that companies possess the resources critical for scaling and competing on a global level.

Addressing the Challenge of Corporate-Startup Collaboration

In our recent conversation, Stéphane Ouaki of EISMEA elaborated on the CPP’s strategic importance. He emphasized the need for greater alignment and engagement from both startups and large companies as a path to minimizing growth hurdles. The CPP’s multi-phase framework allows for a tailored approach to each partnership, addressing the unique needs and shared goals of both parties involved. By creating pathways for executive buy-in, the EIC fosters a long-term vision that ultimately helps startups scale successfully, competing effectively in an evolving market landscape.

In summary, the European Innovation Council is paving the way for deeptech startups through its robust funding and innovative Corporate Partnership Programme. With a structured approach that fosters successful collaborations, the EIC is not just fueling growth for individual startups, but also revitalizing the entire European innovation landscape. The insights from Stéphane Ouaki underline a clear pathway forward for nurturing innovation as Europe seeks to establish itself as a leader in the global startup ecosystem.