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25 June 2026

Deep tech scaling in europe: non-dilutive grants and corporate co-development

Scaling deep tech in europe requires innovative funding and talent strategies, including non-dilutive grants and corporate co-development

Deep tech scaling in europe: non-dilutive grants and corporate co-development

Deep tech scaling in europe is a complex process that requires careful consideration of funding and talent acquisition strategies. Non-dilutive grants and corporate co-development models are becoming increasingly popular as a means of supporting deep tech startups. These models allow companies to access funding and expertise without sacrificing equity or control.

In europe, deep tech startups often face significant challenges in accessing funding and talent. However, innovative funding models such as non-dilutive grants and corporate co-development can help to address these challenges. By leveraging these models, startups can access the resources they need to scale and grow.

Non-dilutive grants

Non-dilutive grants are a type of funding that does not require startups to sacrifice equity or control. These grants are typically provided by government agencies or foundations and can be used to support a wide range of activities, including research and development, prototyping, and testing. In europe, non-dilutive grants are often used to support deep tech startups in areas such as artificial intelligencebiotechnology and clean energy.

Corporate co-development

Corporate co-development models involve partnerships between startups and established companies. These partnerships can provide startups with access to funding, expertise, and resources, while also allowing established companies to tap into the innovation and agility of startups. In europe, corporate co-development models are often used to support deep tech startups in areas such as internet of thingscybersecurity and data analytics.

Talent acquisition

Talent acquisition is a critical component of deep tech scaling in europe. Startups need to be able to attract and retain top talent in order to drive innovation and growth. Lab-to-market hiring profiles and academia spin-out structures can help to support talent acquisition by providing a pipeline of skilled and experienced professionals. Additionally, ip pooling can help to facilitate collaboration and knowledge-sharing between startups and established companies.

Milestone-based financing

Milestone-based financing is a funding model that involves providing financing in tranches, with each tranche tied to specific milestones or achievements. This model can help to support deep tech startups by providing funding that is tied to specific goals and objectives. In europe, milestone-based financing is often used to support deep tech startups in areas such as hardware development and manufacturing.

Author

Florence Wright

Florence Wright, Glasgow native with an editorial-minimal aesthetic, rerouted a social feed to live-cover a Pollok Park remembrance event, prioritising human detail over algorithmic reach. Promotes clarity, humane framing and local resonance; keeps an archive of Polaroids from neighbourhood gatherings as a personal emblem.