What’s the difference between the 3 tracks?

• S3E Start: helps research teams and tech transfer officers to explore the commercial viability of their deep tech projects. Through an 18-week online training & mentorship program, the selected research teams will learn first-hand about the processes required to develop a business case for science-based products or services.
• S3E Charge: supports deep tech startups in their growing phase that want to improve their business model and learn how to access dilutive and non-dilutive funding. Over 14 weeks, the selected startups will receive tailored mentorship to guide them through the validation process of their product or service, and the creation of an investment-ready business plan. 
• S3E Reverse: connects corporate challenges with solutions developed by scaleups and SMEs thanks to the Brokerage Program, based on a successful open innovation methodology. To access the first phase of this track, large companies and public organisations have to submit a deep tech challenge.

You can find all the relevant information about each track on the Apply Now section on this website.

How to apply

Those interested in joining the S3E Program need to follow these steps:

1. Read all information about the S3E Program on this website to decide which track best suits you
2. Once you know which track you want to apply to, download the relevant track Guidelines for Applicants and the Open Call Text via Zenodo: click here to download Start documents + click here to download Charge documents
3. After carefully reading the mandatory documents, you can now complete your application via the F6S online platform: S3E Charge application for Startups + S3E Start application for Researchers + S3E Start application for Tech Transfer Offices

The S3E Open Call #2 welcomes applications from the following countries:

• South European countries: Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Greece, Italy, Malta, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia and Spain. 
• Associated countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Kosovo and Turkey.

Key dates to keep in mind

• 18 September 2023 (12pm CET):  The S3E Open call officially launches for the 3 tracks: S3E Start, S3E Charge and S3E Reverse
• 15 December 2023 (5pm CET): Deadline for applying to S3E Charge (startups) and S3E Reverse (large organisations acting as ‘Challengers’)
• 12 January 2024 (5pm CET): Deadline for applying to S3E Start (research teams & tech transfer officers)

Join the upcoming S3E Info Webinars!

To help this year’s applicants prepare for their submissions, the teams behind S3E Start & S3E Charge will host a series of Q&A Webinars. These sessions provide an open space for everyone interested in applying to ask any questions they may have about the S3E Program — future participants are highly encouraged to come along!

Check the available dates for S3E Start and S3E Charge and book your preferred session via Eventbrite. The earlier you join one of the Info Webinars, the more time you and your team will have to prepare before submitting your application.

Got any questions?

Check the FAQs section where you will find an extensive list of answers regarding the S3E Program. If you would like to speak directly to someone from the S3E team, you can get in touch via email at info@south3e.eu