Scale2Connect

Expanding the Skills2Scale alliance to boost academia–industry collaboration, deep tech skills and startup acceleration across diverse innovation ecosystems.

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European Union

Scale2Connect

Scale2Connect is a Horizon Europe project (Grant No. 101214553) designed to strengthen collaboration between academia and industry and drive Deep Tech innovation across emerging and established ecosystems.

Running from September 2025 to August 2027, the project builds on the achievements of Skills2Scale, a successful European initiative that empowered Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to enhance innovation capacity and foster entrepreneurial excellence.

By expanding this model to new regions — including Greece, Portugal, Spain, Norway, and the Dominican Republic — Scale2Connect aims to bridge the gap between well-connected innovation hubs and developing ecosystems. Through this approach, the project fosters a more balanced and inclusive innovation landscape that supports digital transformation, deep tech development, and sustainable economic growth.

By 2027, Scale2Connect is expected to empower hundreds of students, researchers, and entrepreneurs, strengthen the innovation capacity of partner HEIs, and establish a vibrant cross-regional network that connects emerging and established ecosystems. Its legacy will be a stronger, more collaborative, and future-ready European innovation landscape — one that advances Deep Tech entrepreneurship, skills development, and sustainable regional transformation.

Objectives

  • Strengthen academia–enterprise collaboration for Deep Tech innovation.
  • Improve the integration of HEIs into innovation ecosystems.
  • Enhance Deep Tech skills, knowledge transfer, and talent mobility.
  • Foster entrepreneurial competence and startup acceleration in emerging regions.
  • Promote inclusive, gender-balanced, and sustainable innovation aligned with EU policies.

Key activities

  • Ecosystem Analysis & Model Replication – mapping innovation ecosystems and tailoring the Skills2Scale model to local contexts.
  • Curriculum Development & Industry Integration – co-creating Deep Tech training for HEI staff and students.
  • Networking & Matchmaking Events – connecting startups, investors, and academia through peer learning and cross-regional workshops.
  • Startup Support & Acceleration – implementing tailored accelerator programs and alumni networks. Subscribe to the project’s newsletter to stay tuned!
  • Communication & Sustainability – ensuring project visibility, long-term partnerships, and ongoing knowledge sharing.

Geographic Scope

Scale2Connect operates across five countries:

  • Greece Coordinator: Envolve Entrepreneurship
  • Portugal Universidade Católica Portuguesa
  • Spain Universidad de Málaga
  • Dominican Republic Universidad Abierta Para Adultos – UAPA
  • Norway Octa Insight AS

Research Team

Greece

Envolve Entrepreneurship

Project Coordinator. Leading startup ecosystem development with extensive European project management experience and strong connections to innovation networks.

Portugal

Catholic University of Portugal

Ecosystem Analysis. Expertise in innovation strategy development, stakeholder engagement, and business model innovation for sustainability.

Spain

University of Málaga

Deep Tech Expertise. Advanced research capabilities in AI and Beyond 5G, with state-of-the-art testing facilities and curriculum development experience.

Norway

Octa Insight

Established Hub Insights. Strong connections to mature innovation ecosystems, providing mentorship and industry networks.

Dominican Republic

Universidad Abierta para Adultos

Global Perspective. Adult education expertise and unique insights from an emerging ecosystem outside the EU.

News

4 March 2026

Santiago Workshop

With the participation of startups, SMEs, accelerators, incubators, public authorities and HEIs, a workshop was held in Santiago to validate findings from the entrepreneurial ecosystem analysis and adapt the Skills2Scale model to local needs.

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4 March 2026

Workshops in Málaga: Mapping the Ecosystem and Co-Creating Solutions

Scale2Connect hosted two interactive workshops at the Ada Byron Research Building in Málaga, bringing together academia, companies, and ecosystem stakeholders.

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3 March 2026

Co-Creation Workshop in Lisbon – Scale2Connect

The Co-Creation Workshop took place on 3 March 2026 at Católica Lisbon School of Business & Economics, bringing together stakeholders to validate the regional innovation ecosystem.

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Activity

Scale2Connect Consortium Meets in Tromsø

The Scale2Connect consortium gathered in Norway to strengthen collaboration and shape the future of deep tech innovation.

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News visual

Publications & Resources

Tools

Resources visual

Events

Workshop

August 22

Institutional technological event by UAPA

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Industry Expert Lecture Series

3 virtual sessions

Talks from deep-tech practitioners across Europe.

Coming Soon

Demo Day

March 2027

Showcase of accelerator startups to stakeholders.

Coming Soon

Visits

Unique visits from around the world — 3804 total.

Contact

Social Media