Masterclass – Bulgaria

This module will introduce foundations on how to translate research results stemming out from publicly funded research into innovation projects and ultimately into deep tech ventures. At the earliest stage, STEM researchers often struggle to visualise the innovation journey and translate their research activities into a credible innovation narrative. This session will help them to address key questions such as:

• Why am I doing this research?
• Is there a need I would like to fulfil outside the lab?
• Who else do I need to involve to address this need?
• What are the key elements to be considered in an EIC and similar projects?
• Excellence vs impact vs implementation.

Q&A

The session will present cases and recommendations on how to embed exploitation and commercialisation already at the research proposal stage and how to address them during the project lifetime of research projects.

The module addresses how to embed the innovation journey directly into the proposal-writing phase, ensuring that impact, market orientation and long-term exploitation are integral parts of project design. While proposals are rich in technical content, they frequently lack a clear articulation of market relevance, impact pathways and exploitation logic. This gap results in missed opportunities within Pathfinder and Transition schemes and weak foundations for future venture creation.

The session will present cases and recommendations on integrating impact, market relevance and exploitation pathways into proposal design, with a focus on TRL positioning and aligning scientific results with future market opportunities.

The module will present how to approach investors, how to build long-term relationships, and how to transform scientific narratives into compelling business opportunity stories. Once funding is secured and execution is almost completed, the innovation teams prepare themselves for the next steps needed to increase TRL and enter the market. A major bottleneck arises when public funding ends and private capital becomes essential to fuel the deep tech venture. Researchers often lack exposure to investor logic, have limited knowledge and access to Business Angel networks, and are unprepared to present their projects as investable business opportunities. This step will address:

• Preparing for post-grant funding
• The role of BA (expertise, network and funding)
• Angel group (working with the “spin-off” from the first formal funding round) transition

This session will focus on the practical aspects of intellectual property strategy, technology transfer and the creation of spin-off companies from research institutions.

Up to 6 research teams (5 min pitch + 5 min Q&A each)

This module will introduce how to pitch a research result. This session will explain how to prepare for a pitch, considering what investors think, which questions they ask, and how they assess opportunities in practice.

Discussants will present challenges on building a team, validating technology, raising initial capital and navigating the path from research project to venture-backed company.