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Strong ecosystems to support deep technology ideas, from the laboratory and research to the market, are needed by European Regions, as highlighted during the recent activities of the partners of the project “DeepTechValleys – Deep Tech Ecosystem Empowerment for Regional Transformation,” which took place in Thessaloniki and Craiova. The activities, organized within the framework of the European Interregional Cooperation Program Interreg Europe 2021-2027, involved representatives from the Regional Development Fund of Central Macedonia, as the lead partner of the project, and the Central Macedonia Region as a collaborating policy-making authority, as well as local entrepreneurs.
The “DeepTechValleys” is an innovative project for technological innovation across the EU, co-financed by the “Interreg Europe” program, and its duration is 51 months (until 30/06/2028). The partnership includes ten entities from nine EU countries (Greece, Sweden, Romania, Austria, Slovakia, Lithuania, Spain, Portugal, and France).
“The consortium of ten partners, led by the Regional Development Fund of Central Macedonia, has joined forces to develop an ambitious plan that includes nine regional policies for technological innovation, which is a priority in the European Union. The project promotes regional and interregional exchange of experiences and knowledge, as well as skill development aimed at improving policy-making tools in this specific sector. Through the project’s activities, partners have the opportunity to transfer and utilize good practices and their deep technological potential, significantly enhancing regional competitiveness and cohesion,” it is emphasized in a statement today, clarifying that the project partners have renewed their appointment for the 5th interregional meeting, which will take place on November 17 and 18, 2025, in the city of Graz, Austria.
The meetings in Thessaloniki and Craiova
Specifically, at the third meeting of the regional support group of the project, held at the facilities of the Alexandria Innovation Zone (Thessinnozone), representatives from key entities in Central Macedonia participated, such as the Municipality of Thessaloniki, the University of Macedonia, Walk_AUTh of AUTH, ANATOLIKI S.A., the Hellenic-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Center for Business and Cultural Development – KEPA-ANEM, the Technical Chamber of Greece/ Central Macedonia Department, ThessINTEC, OK!Thess, IdeasForward P.C., the Grevena-Kozani Geopark, +PRAXIS, MEDIACAST, and PlanO2 Consulting PC.
During their introductory remarks, representatives of the lead partner of the DeepTechValleys project, the Regional Development Fund of Central Macedonia, presented the progress made so far in the implementation of the project, emphasizing the need for targeted calls that align with the Smart Specialization Strategy (RIS3) of the Central Macedonia Region, with clear criteria and measurable results.
As part of the meeting, the representative of KEPA-ANEM Athanasios Kakoudis presented the actions “Innovation & Export Start” and “Key to Progress” in the Central Macedonia Region, referring to the support framework (e.g., de minimis), the publicity plan, and the need for evaluation criteria to take into account the particularities of startups and the maturity level of investment plans, including support for intellectual property rights with clear rules. The Regional Support Group is planning the next meeting in the fourth semester of the project, aiming for further exploration and documentation of good practices as well as their alignment with appropriate policy tools.
Representatives of the Region and the Regional Development Fund also participated in the fourth interregional meeting of the partners of the DeepTechValleys project, hosted in the city of Craiova by the Regional Development Agency of South-West Oltenia in Romania. The interregional meeting involved representatives from universities, research institutes, policy-making bodies, and other technology innovation entities from all partner countries of the DeepTechValleys project, aiming to exchange knowledge, good practices, and explore new ways to strengthen the regional ecosystems of startups. During the meeting, the dynamics of the regional research and innovation ecosystem were highlighted, with participation from the universities of Craiova, Târgu Jiu, and Medicine and Pharmacy, as well as leading research institutes in Romania, such as ICMET and ICSI Vâlcea. Of particular importance was the online intervention of a representative of the European Commission, who emphasized the European perspective and dimension for the development and scaling of deep technology capabilities. Subsequently, partners presented their experiences and practices in developing skills in Deep Tech Start-ups, opening the dialogue on challenges and opportunities in the partner Regions of the project.
On the second day of the meeting, participants visited the National Institute for Aerospace Research (INCAS), where they had the opportunity to closely observe advanced technologies in a special exhibition. Discussions followed, focusing on enhancing skills in deep technology startups, where the common goal of strengthening innovation and supporting startups as levers of development and transformation was emphasized. (22/10/25)