📋 Tender Overview
DeepTechSeeds
Grant agreement ID: 101216535
DOI
10.3030/101216535
EC signature date
16 April 2025
Start date
1 October 2025
End date
30 September 2028
Description: As Europe races to lead in deep tech (AI, quantum computing, and robotics), a key challenge is how to nurture and retain top early-career researchers (ECRs) amid global competition. In this context, the EU-funded DeepTechSeeds project aims to build a vibrant talent ecosystem that links academia, industry, and public sectors. The aim is to create sustainable, attractive career paths for researchers who are starting out. By adopting a new DeepTech Framework rooted in the European Charter for Researchers, the project will train hundreds of ECRs and encourage cross-sector collaborations via its digital platform. Ultimately, DeepTechSeeds seeks to fuel innovation and secure Europe’s edge in the world’s most advanced technologies.
Objective
DeepTechSeeds addresses the critical need for a highly skilled and adaptable research workforce in Europe's deep tech sectors. As global competition intensifies in fields such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, robotics, and advanced materials, the project aims to create a dynamic and interconnected talent ecosystem that seamlessly bridges academia, industry, and the public sector.
The project's core objective is to reshape the landscape of early research careers in deep tech fields by implementing a comprehensive framework based on the new Charter for Researchers. This framework will guide participating organizations through a process of structural change, creating more attractive and sustainable career pathways for Early Career Researchers (ECRs).
DeepTechSeeds will:
1. Develop and implement a tailored DeepTech Framework for applying the Charter for Researchers in deep tech sectors.
2. Enhance ECR competencies through targeted training modules and open innovation programs, training at least 500 researchers.
3. Facilitate balanced talent circulation across sectors and regions, establishing at least 10 new cross-sector collaborations.
4. Create a digital DeepTech Talent Ecosystem Platform to facilitate networking, knowledge exchange, and career opportunities.
5. Organize open innovation challenges to foster collaboration between ECRs and industry partners.
6. Provide evidence-based policy recommendations for scaling the talent ecosystem model across the European Research Area.
DeepTechSeeds serves as a comprehensive effort to create a self-sustaining ecosystem that nurtures talent, drives innovation, and strengthens Europe's position in critical deep tech fields. By addressing the challenges faced by ECRs holistically – from working conditions and skills development to cross-sector mobility and open innovation – the project aims to transform the nature of research careers in Europe.
