The atTRACTION project has submitted an evidence-based contribution to the European Commission’s call for input on the European Innovation Act. Drawing on insights from deep-tech startups and investors in Lithuania, Wielkopolska (Poland), and Andalusia (Spain), the report highlights the structural barriers that limit the growth of promising ventures in less connected regions.
Findings show that many deep-tech companies require seven to ten years to reach the market but lose access to EU support after only five years. Other challenges include limited access to scale-up finance, fragmented investor networks, and the specific needs of migrant-founded deep-tech startups.
The submission recommends extending the EU startup definition to 10 years for deep-tech ventures, harmonising cross-border investment processes, expanding EU-level co-investment tools, standardising due diligence and investment documentation, strengthening innovation procurement, and improving support for migrant and underrepresented founders.
These steps would help unlock Europe’s deep-tech potential and enable strong companies to scale without relocating.
Read the full report submitted to the European Commission: Feedback to the EC Call for Evidence