EPIC-X
Excelling deep tech through placed-based innovation and connection ecosystems for women-led start-ups
Epic-X is a pioneering Accelerator and Programme designed to drive inclusive innovation and growth in the European innovation ecosystem by empowering women- led deep tech start-ups.
The project will support 20 female-led deep tech start-ups from countries classified as “moderate” and “emerging” innovators, distributing a total of €1.2M to accelerate their growth and impact.
Objectives
- 1
Activate and expand an interregional interconnected ecosystem to support local-placed innovations and accelerate women-led deep tech start-ups.
- 2
Increase the market footprint of European women-led start-ups in strategic digital technologies and deep tech innovation in ‘moderate’ and ‘emerging’ innovator countries.
- 3
Improve connectivity within and between deep tech innovation ecosystems, encouraging less well-represented stakeholders and less advanced innovation territories
- 4
Strengthen and expand cooperation to support the next generation of deep tech innovators leading the shift towards a more competitive EU and a more inclusive, and resilient world.
EPIC-X will include a Financial Support to Third Parties (FSTP) scheme to directly fund and support
women-led deep tech start-ups using the following methods:
Mobility
Scheme
Supporting start-up founders with
access to new markets and networks
across Europe
Quadruple Helix
Engagement
Bringing together academia, industry, policymakers, and civil society to co-create, implement, and assess high-impact innovation strategies.
Cross-fertilisation &
Knowledge Exchange
Facilitating interregional learning and collaboration among start-ups and innovation leaders
EPIC-X will bring together a pan-European alliance of innovation ecosystem builders in order to connect regional innovation hubs, nurture collaboration, and create excellence by addressing the underrepresentation of talent across Europe. We’re proud to be working with:
EPIC-X is an initiative of the European Union, implemented through EISMEA, the European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency.