Europe strengthens funding for startups and scaleups
Óscar Salazar es Managing Director en la unidad de Fondos Europeos en Euro-Funding, donde lidera un equipo multidisciplinar de más de 30 profesionales internacionales, incluido el equipo de la oficina de Bruselas. Con casi tres décadas de trayectoria profesional, ha desarrollado una sólida carrera en la gestión de fondos europeos, la coordinación de proyectos de I+D+i y la evaluación externa de programas internacionales de innovación. Antes de su actual responsabilidad, desempeñó roles como Technical Manager y Senior Project Manager en Euro-Funding, además de haber trabajado como gestor de proyectos en organismos como el Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación, el CSIC, y como evaluador externo en iniciativas europeas de financiación. Asimismo Óscar aporta una sólida experiencia en investigación básica y desarrollo en compañías de referencia en biotecnología, desarrollo de fármacos, y diagnóstico molecular como MSD, Genómica-Pharmamar y Biotools, Su formación académica integra un Executive MBA por EAE Business School y la Universidad de Barcelona, un posgrado en European Research Management por la Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, un doctorado y máster en Biología Molecular y Bioquímica por la Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, donde también obtuvo su licenciatura. Este recorrido le ha permitido consolidar un perfil que combina la excelencia científica con la visión estratégica en financiación y gestión de proyectos europeos, contribuyendo al crecimiento y posicionamiento internacional de empresas, universidades y centros de investigación.
The EU Startup and Scale Strategy is the initiative launched by the European Commission to position Europe as the ideal place for the creation and development of technology startups and scaleups. Although Europe has experienced significant growth in venture capital (VC) investment in recent years, it still faces a number of challenges. Among them, the fragmentation of the financial market, the low participation of institutional investments and the lack of a common technological index at European level. A situation that limits the financing possibilities for emerging companies, in particular for those in need of high-risk and capital-intensive investments.
In this way, Europe has set itself the priority of promoting innovation, competitiveness and sustainability within the European single market. To this end, the key lines that will guide European funding for startups are:
- Disruptive technologies and digital innovation: Support for startups working in artificial intelligence, blockchain, big data, internet of things (IoT), cybersecurity, and other emerging technologies.
- Sustainability and green economy: Projects that promote circular economy, renewable energies, carbon emissions reduction, and innovative environmental solutions.
- Health and biotechnology: Startups that develop new therapies, diagnostics, biotechnology, and advanced medical technologies.
- Inclusion and social cohesion: Support for companies that generate employment, promote gender equality and social inclusion.
- Digitalization and industrial transformation: Facilitating the modernization of European industry through digitalization and the adoption of advanced technologies.
Key EC measures to address the financing gap
The European Commission has proposed several key initiatives to address this gap and improve conditions for startups and scaleups:
- Enlargement of the European Innovation Council (EIC)The Commission plans to expand and simplify the rules of the EIC. EIC to support high-risk innovations high-riskby expanding its network of trusted investors (planned for 2025).
- Scaleup Europe Fund: A fund will be set up to cover the financing of deep tech and other emerging technologies requiring investments of more than EUR 100 million (2026).
- European Innovation Investment Pact: The Commission will work with institutional investors to encourage investment in startups and scaleups in strategic sectors such as biotechnology, semiconductors and clean technologies (2026).
- Valuation of Intellectual Property (IP)The following will be addressed IP valuation as a tool for intangible asset-backed financing, facilitating access to more resources for startups (Q2 2027).facilitating access to more resources for startups (Q2 2027).
- Support for Business Angels: The Commission will also support business angels. business angels and their networks to facilitate young startups’ access to seed funding (2026).
One of the main challenges for startups startups European startups is the global competition for qualified talent. The lack of cross-border mobility and the differences in legal frameworks frameworks hinder the attraction of key key employees. To address this problem, the European Commission will launch the Blue Carpet Initiative (2025-2026), which will simplify visa and residency processes for highly skilled entrepreneurs and researchers.
Access to research and technology infrastructures is crucial for startups that need to validate and scale their products. The European Commission is proposing an Access Charter to simplify contracts and facilitate access to these infrastructures. In addition, an EU Innovation Platform to help startups access funding, acceleration services and talent.
What will be the future of start-ups in Europe?
The EU Strategy for Startups and Scaleups is a comprehensive response to the challenges faced by these companies. With measures including regulatory simplification, increased access to finance and talent attraction, the EU seeks to create a more favorable environment for technology startups. Successful implementation of these proposals will enable Europe to compete more effectively in the global marketplace, fostering a dynamic and sustainableecosystem that strengthens the continent ‘ s competitiveness and technological sovereignty .
The future of startups and scaleups in Europe depends on the implementation of this strategy, which will ensure that Europe remains a leader in innovation and a reference point for entrepreneurs and investors worldwide.It will ensure that Europe remains a leader in innovation and a reference point for entrepreneurs and investors from all over the world.
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