Zagreb conquers the deep tech world: lift fabric event inspires investors!

Zagreb conquers the deep tech world: lift fabric event inspires investors!

Zagreb, Croatia - in Zagreb, Croatia, the Nuqleus Liftoff Event recently took place, a significant meeting of experts, investors and innovators from the deep tech industry. From 2nd to July 3, 2025, the event focused on the latest developments in the European deep-tech innovation and attracted around 500 stakeholders, including important investors and political decision-makers. The occasion was the final conference of the Nuqleus program, which was committed to the academic company foundation and is supported by the Croatian Ministry of Science, Education and Youth (MZOM).

like YECURUURSIVE, Nuqleus attaches great importance to supporting scientists in marketing their discoveries through education, mentoring and access to experts. It is interesting to see that the MZOM already provides funding for the early development phase of young researchers. High-quality risk projects are used, which is expressed, among other things, through specialized venture capital funds such as Vesna Capital.

networking and innovation in focus

As part of the lift fleet event, not only investment companies such as flagship pioneering, vsquared venture and sofinnova partners came together, but also important discussions about trends in the deep tech sector that are crucial for growth and future competitiveness. Over 20 billion euros in capital were represented by the VC funds involved. The event was an excellent springboard for Deep Tech startups to attract attention from investors and industry.

The event included dynamic panels, networking opportunities and presentations from the deep tech startup scene. Prominent speakers like Michiel Scheffer from the European Innovation Council and Nicole Irvin von Goldman Sachs shared their insights, while the Nuqleus Demo Day presented promising startups from the academic community that focused on topics such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology and sustainable energies.

The managing director of the Nuqleus Innovation Center, Matija Srbić, and Vedran Bilas, Dean of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, held the welcoming speeches. Robin Wauters, the founder of the Profoundo Fund, emphasized the importance of deep-tech startups for innovation in Europe in his keynote lecture.

trend reports and challenges

Another important aspect, which was addressed at ITBIZCRunch Link. As part of lively discussions, the challenges in biotechnology were also pointed out, especially with regard to the role of generative AI in developing new medication. Experts like Lana Dinić from Flagship Pioneering emphasized the importance of a solid team and understanding for the market launch process.

In a further look at the European Deep Tech landscape, the Waldecatalyst determines that the sector acts as a stabilizing force in a volatile global environment. In 2024, an incredible 15 billion euros were invested in Deep Tech, which is almost a third of the entire risk capital. The sector shows great growth, especially in the areas of artificial intelligence, energy technology and space travel. Nevertheless, there are financing gaps, especially since half of the growth capital in Europe continue to come from abroad.