Breaking barriers: How the INVEST project is transforming innovation funding in Europe

In a world where breakthrough innovations often falter due to a lack of funding or market readiness, the EU-funded INVEST project is stepping up to rewrite the narrative. By addressing the critical gap between researchers and investors, INVEST is paving the way for Europe’s most promising research-driven innovations to scale up and make a global impact.

Closing the gap between innovators and investors 

The core challenge lies in a mutual lack of understanding: researchers often lack the knowledge and networks to pitch their ideas effectively, while investors struggle to find and assess cutting-edge innovations coming out of research labs. With Innovation Radar already identifying high-potential innovations, INVEST takes it a step further by combining its data with external insights and deploying due diligence practices. This enriched approach ensures that both parties—investors and innovators—have the tools they need to connect effectively. 

INVEST’s approach isn’t just about matchmaking; it’s about preparing researchers to be investor-ready. Through venture-building programmes, tech due diligence activities, and curated pitching events, the project has already helped bring many innovations to market.

The INVEST project’s success is reflected in its remarkable impact on Europe’s innovation landscape. To date, 312 companies have received dedicated support, enabling them to refine their business models, connect with investors, and scale effectively. Through the Discover.dealflow.eu platform, the project has facilitated 241 strategic introductions, bridging the gap between research-driven startups and potential investors. These efforts have culminated in a staggering €930 million raised since 2020, with an impressive €2.98 million average funding per transaction. These figures underscore INVEST’s pivotal role in turning high-potential research into market-ready innovations.

Success stories: where innovation meets investment 

1. Brite Solar: revolutionising glass for the future of construction
   Greek startup Brite Solar is leading the charge in nanomaterials, delivering a new class of glass materials for building construction. The company has pioneered Solar Glass technology, with innovations like Dynamic Glass, a low-cost, thermally insulating electrochromic glass. 

   Support from INVEST: Venture-building assistance by Dealflow.eu.
   Funding milestones: €8.6M raised in January 2024, building on prior EU funding of €700k.
   Today, Brite Solar’s advancements are transforming how we think about energy-efficient construction, making them a true example of EU-funded innovation scaling globally.
   

2. NVISION Imagine: quantum MRI for early medical interventions
   Medical diagnostics are being revolutionised by NVISION Imagine, a startup leveraging quantum technology to create advanced MRI agents and polarisation devices. These innovations enable the detection of early metabolic responses to treatment, offering hope for better patient outcomes. 

   Support from INVEST: Winner of the Innovation Radar Prize 2022, along with material refinement and investor introductions.
   Funding milestones: €30M Series A round in June 2023, following €6.6M in EU funding.
   NVISION Imagine is setting the stage for a healthcare revolution, with its innovations now attracting significant global interest and investment. 

3. NextSense: accelerating renewable energy adoption
   Dutch startup NextSense is making waves in renewable energy innovation. After participating in Dealflow.eu’s Renewable Energy E-Pitching Event, NextSense secured a pivotal introduction to ETF Partners, who, along with Pensioenfonds ABP, co-led their €11.5M Series A funding round. 

   Support from INVEST: Introductions facilitated during curated pitching events. Funding milestones: €11.5M Series A round in 2024.
   NextSense exemplifies how strategic matchmaking and expert guidance can translate cutting-edge ideas into market-ready solutions. 

Thijs Povel, CEO & Founder at Dealflow.eu, highlights the transformative role of the project, “INVEST has been instrumental in bridging the gap between groundbreaking research and real-world investment opportunities. By leveraging tools like the Innovation Radar to identify high-potential innovations and complementing this with venture-building support and rigorous due diligence, we’ve been able to accelerate the journey of research-driven startups toward market success. This holistic approach ensures that European innovators not only secure funding but are also equipped to scale globally and drive meaningful impact.” 

A bright future for EU-funded innovation 

The success of the INVEST project highlights the critical role of public funding in empowering European research to solve real-world problems. By connecting researchers with the financial resources and expertise they need, projects like INVEST not only foster growth but also contribute to Europe’s leadership in innovation on the global stage. 

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