This ESIL masterclass supports researchers and research teams in transforming breakthrough STEM research results into credible deep-tech ventures. Through practical guidance on EIC Pathfinder and Transition proposals, venture design and investor engagement, participants learn how to move from laboratory results to market and investment readiness.
The masterclass in Poland is supported by:
Who is this masterclass for?
- STEM students, researchers, PhD candidates and post-doctoral fellows
- Teams developing breakthrough deep-tech technologies (TRL 1–6)
- Researchers interested in applying to EIC Pathfinder or EIC Transition
- Innovation teams considering spin-off creation or private investment
What is the aim?
- Help you translate your research into a clear deep-tech innovation pathway
- Support you in preparing stronger EIC Pathfinder or Transition proposals
- Equip you with the tools to integrate impact, exploitation and IP strategy from the start
- Connect you with Business Angels and innovation actors early in your journey
- Prepare you for spin-off creation and future private investment
What will you gain?
- A clear roadmap from research idea to market opportunity
- Guidance for impact design, exploitation strategy, and IP positioning
- Insights on how to set up a spin-off, with suggestions for the initial steps.
- How to engage with and pitch to Business Angels
- Real case testimonials
- Opportunity to pitch to experienced Business Angels (only for selected participants).
Agenda
| 08:30 - 09:00 |
Registration and morning coffee
Arrival of participants, registration and informal networking.
|
| 09:00 - 09:30 |
Introduction
Welcome to the ESIL Poland Deep Tech Masterclass and introduction to the
objectives of the day.
Speakers:
|
| 09:30 - 10:30 |
Block 1
Framing research into an innovation journey (30 mins)
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 address key questions:
Speaker/presentation:
Discussion on best practice (30 mins.)
The session will cover best practice and recommendations on how to embed
exploitation and commercialisation already at the research proposal stage.
Discussants:
Moderator:
|
| 10:30 - 11:45 |
Block 2 Writing a proposal with execution in mind (40 mins.)
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 address:
Speaker/presentation:
Discussion on cases (35 mins.)
Focus on IP strategy, technology transfer and spin-off creation.
Discussants:
Moderator:
|
| 11:45 - 12:10 |
Morning coffee break
|
| 12:10 - 13:15 |
Block 3 Building the foundations of the spin-off (30 mins.)
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 deeptech 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:
Speaker/presentation:
Discussion on cases (35 mins.)
Discussants will present how research teams can structure
investor-ready narratives, what milestones and KPIs investors look for, and when founders should start
engaging with venture capital investors and business angels.
Discussants:
Moderator:
|
| 13:15 - 14:15 |
Networking lunch & open coaching session
An opportunity for informal networking and discussion among researchers, founders, investors, and ecosystem stakeholders, accompanied by a light lunch. In parallel, in a dedicated room, an open coaching session with Andrea Di Anselmo will be available for masterclass participants. Researchers and students are invited to join freely, ask targeted questions, and receive practical feedback on their ideas, projects, and entrepreneurial paths. This parallel session is designed as an interactive and accessible coaching moment, offering tailored guidance in a more focused setting, while the broader networking lunch continues. Coach:
|
| 14:15 - 15:15 |
Block 4 Presenting a deep tech investment opportunity (30 mins.)
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.
Speakers/presentation:
Discussion on cases (30 mins.) Discussants will present challenges on building a team,
validating technology, raising initial capital and navigating the path from research project to venture-backed
company.
Discussants:
Moderator:
|
| 15:15 - 15:30 |
Afternoon coffee break
|
| 15:30 - 16:30 |
Startup and research team pitch session
Selected research teams and early-stage startups will present their projects and
receive structured feedback from investors and ecosystem experts. The goal of this session is to provide
practical guidance on technology positioning, market validation and investment readiness. Format:
Feedback panel:
|
| 16:30 - 17:15 |
Block 5 What tools/programs are available in the Polish deep tech ecosystem
and how to use them?
The module will introduce participants on concrete steps to strengthen
collaboration between universities, research institutes, venture builders and investors in Poland as well as
tools and programs that can facilitate easier commercialization and collaboration.
Presentations and short discussion Presenters and Discussants:
Moderators:
|
| 17:15 - 17:30 |
Closing remarks
Summary of key takeaways from the Masterclass and next steps for strengthening
the research-to-venture pipeline in Poland.
|
Practical
Warsaw Institute of Aviation
Aleja Krakowska 110/114, 02-256 Warsaw, Poland
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Monday, 18 May 2026
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