Gate2Start is a project supported by the European Community under the EUROPE INNOVA initiative, aiming to address a very well known problem in the European Union, namely the fact that only a small percentage of innovative research – based ideas have been able to become funded and to transform into market products. The Gate2Start model assumes that break-through innovation starts at the initial stages of market-oriented research. Business aspects, market trends and funding possibilities need to be taken into account from the birth of a research idea.
Specific objectives and activities that will take place during the implementation of the Gate2Start project (2006-2008) are:
- Identification of ICT financing specificities.
- Development of Gate2Start toolkit.
- Organization of awareness seminars (participation of 200 researchers) in 5 European countries (Germany, Greece, Czech Republic, Austria, UK)
- Provision of personal coaching to 30 researchers and entrepreneurs.
- Organisation of discussion groups and creation of local networks of key innovation actors (researchers, serial entrepreneurs, investors etc) in 5 European countries (Germany, Greece, Czech Republic, Austria, UK).
- Elaboration of a business platform that will enable the interaction of the local networks and the transition of best practices.
- Broader Dissemination of the Gate2Start model via workshops (participation of 75 researches and entrepreneurs) and the creation of liaisons with other initiatives.
