Introducing Biotech Venture Pathway!
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A Collaborative Program for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
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The Biotech Venture Pathway is a multi-phase initiative funded by the European Union through the European Institute of Innovation & Technology (EIT) HEI Initiative. This key programme is specifically designed to boost the innovation and entrepreneurial capacity of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) across Europe.
Our project was born out of the recognised need to accelerate the commercialisation of deep-tech research in the biotechnology and life sciences sectors, particularly within regions with untapped potential. By strategically aligning with the EIT's mission, the Biotech Venture Pathway aims to transform groundbreaking academic research into sustainable economic and societal impact.
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The project is supported by EIT Food and Coordinated by EIT RawMaterials divided in three phases from April 2025 to December 2027 and is conceived to address critical gaps in the biotechnology and life sciences innovation landscape. Our core objective is to cultivate a robust ecosystem where scientific breakthroughs from HEIs are successfully translated into market-ready solutions. We achieve this by providing comprehensive support, from skills development and mentorship to technology transfer and venture creation, ensuring that promising research transforms into viable, impactful businesses. We are dedicated to fostering a new generation of deep-tech entrepreneurs and accelerating Europe's leadership in biotechnology.
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The journey from groundbreaking research to a market-ready product in deep-tech biotechnology is often fraught with challenges. The Biotech Venture Pathway directly confronts these by:
- Bridging the Innovation Gap: Addressing the struggle of promising research ideas to transition from the laboratory due to a lack of commercialisation expertise and insufficient links between academia and industry.
- Fostering Entrepreneurship: Cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset and providing practical skills among students and staff within HEIs, enabling them to confidently launch and scale biotech ventures.
- Strengthening Regional Ecosystems: Targeting specific regions, particularly the Azores, Calabria, and the Canary Islands, to fully leverage their research potential for economic growth and diversification in biotechnology.
- Accelerating Technology Transfer: Establishing efficient mechanisms for intellectual property (IP) management and technology transfer to speed up the process of moving innovations to the market.
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Benefits of the Project: Your Stakeholder Value
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The Biotech Venture Pathway delivers multifaceted benefits to a wide range of stakeholders, ensuring impact across the Knowledge Triangle:
- For Students and Staff: Access to specialised training, mentorship, and resources to develop entrepreneurial skills, understand IP management, and launch their own biotech start-ups.
- For Higher Education Institutions: Enhanced capacity in innovation management, improved links with industry, increased engagement in regional development, and a strengthened entrepreneurial culture.
- For Industry: Opportunities for collaboration with cutting-edge research, access to skilled talent, and potential for co-development of new technologies and products.
- For Partner Regions (Azores, Calabria, Canary Islands): Economic diversification, job creation, increased investment attraction, and the development of sustainable, innovation-driven regional ecosystems in biotechnology.
- For the European Union: Contribution to the overall competitiveness and innovation capacity of the EU, particularly in the deep-tech sector, fostering a more sustainable and resilient economy.
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The Biotech Venture Pathway project is a testament to the power of collaborative expertise, bringing together a consortium of leading Higher Education Institutions and specialised organisations from Spain, Italy and Portugal. Each partner contributes unique strengths, ensuring a comprehensive and impactful approach to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the biotechnology and life sciences sectors.
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As the Coordinating Institution, the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC) in the Canary Islands, Spain, leads the project's strategic direction and overall management. It specialises in deep-tech innovations, particularly within the blue economy, and is committed to boosting R&D&I transfer through its strong links to local and international innovation ecosystems and advanced e-learning platform.
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The University of Calabria (UNICAL) in Calabria, Italy, is crucial for enhancing innovation capacity by developing tailored training programmes and fostering an entrepreneurial culture among students and staff. Their focus is on the effective integration of the Knowledge Triangle (Education, Research, Business) within the project.
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The University of the Azores (UAc) in the Azores, Portugal, is instrumental in strengthening regional innovation ecosystems, particularly in the unique context of island economies. A key driver of socio-economic development, they leverage their expertise in marine and island-related studies to align the HEI with local industry and drive biotech advancements.
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The Science and Innovation Link Office (SILO) in Madrid, Spain, specialises in public-private collaboration for innovation. They provide critical support for Intellectual Property (IP) management and technology transfer, playing a vital role in bridging the gap between academic research and the commercialisation of promising deep-tech innovations.
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Consulta Europa (CE) based in the Canary Islands, Spain, is the leader of the Communication and Dissemination (WP5) strategy. They are experts in networking activities, cross-sector collaboration, and ensuring the strategic alignment of project outcomes with broader EU priorities, playing a key role in stakeholder engagement.
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The Scientific Park of the ULPGC (FCPCT) acts as a vital link between innovative enterprises and research centres from the Canary Islands, Spain. They manage a compendium of basic facilities for R&D&I and actively boost the creation and growth of new technological businesses, promoting self-employment among students and providing high-quality services.
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Stay tuned for what's coming next in the Biotech Venture Pathway project!
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We have engaged with over 400 students and staff members across Europe and connected with stakeholders at the national level in order to foster a more entrepreneurial ecosystem for biotech in our regions.
Follow the most recent news below:
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Biotech Venture Pathway Successfully Hosts Info Sessions, Attracting Broad European Audience
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On September 17, 2025, the Biotech Venture Pathway Project successfully held two online information sessions to provide a comprehensive overview of its free, dual-track training programme...
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EIT-Funded Biotech Programme Extends Flexible Enrolment Window Through December
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The Biotech Venture Pathway Programme, has announced an open, flexible enrolment period extending until the end of December 2025. While the training officially commenced on October...
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EU Parliament Report Validates Biotech Venture Pathway’s Mission to Boost Innovation
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A recent, pivotal report from the European Parliament on the “future of the EU biotechnology and biomanufacturing sector” (A10-0123/2025) strongly reinforces the work of the Biotech Venture...
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Biotech Venture Pathway Consortium to Meet in Gran Canaria, Connecting with Local Innovation Ecosystem
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The Biotech Venture Pathway Consortium is set to convene its partners in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria on November 5, 2025, for a key project meeting and staff...
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The EU Biotech Consortium charts next steps in Gran Canaria and targets regional innovation gaps
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The Biotech Venture Pathway Consortium, has successfully concluded a pivotal staff exchange and project meeting in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. The event, held...
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Canary Islands: ULPGC Hosts High-Level Panel to Bridge Biotech Research and Market
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The University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC) successfully hosted its Multiplier Event for the Biotech Venture Pathway Project, leveraging the regional flagship event, Patents Week...
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Kraków Gathering Lays Groundwork for European Biotech Innovation
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The Biotech Venture Pathway project marked a significant step in its journey last month, participating in the prestigious IVAP Workshop 2025. Held in Kraków, Poland from November 24th to 26th, the event served as a crucial launchpad and networking hub for projects under the European Institute of Innovation and Technology’s (EIT) Higher Education Initiative...
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Success Cases:
Turning Research into Reality
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Are you looking for ideas for your project? The expanding network of prosperous spin-offs and start-ups originating from the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the University of the Azores, and the University of Calabria is highlighted in our new Success Cases section. Examine the ways that academic achievement is being translated into regional influence.
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What's Next? Scaling Innovation (2026-2027 Phase)
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The project is set to move forward with more entrepreneurship activities and a focus on expanding our training and outreach in the next phase of the project (2026-2027). We invite you to join us for our upcoming activities and events:
Upcoming Events and Trainings
- Upcoming Webinars: Join our experts for deep dives into critical topics, including IP management strategies, securing venture capital for biotech start-ups, and achieving market access in the life sciences sector.
- Workshops: Participate in hands-on workshops focused on practical skills like prototyping, detailed business model development, and effective pitch preparation for investors.
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Join us as we pave the way for a more innovative, entrepreneurial, and impactful future in biotechnology!
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