From Research to "Made in Europe": The Challenge of Technological Sovereignty

2/3/26

The full podcast

Greg De Temmerman

Techleap
Director of Deep Tech and Spin-off Excellence

Europe is not short of ideas; it lacks the structures needed to turn a scientific breakthrough into a global industrial leader.

With a Ph.D. in physics and as a recognized expert in energy systems, Greg De Temmerman currently leads Deeptech Excellence at Techleap, the leading Dutch organization for startup acceleration.

A former researcher for the ITER project, he bridges the gap between basic science and industrialization. His expertise focuses on removing the structural barriers that prevent European technological breakthroughs from scaling up globally, thereby ensuring sustainable strategic autonomy.

Program Summary

The paradigm of technological sovereignty

Technological sovereignty refers to the ability of a nation or continent to master critical technologies (semiconductors, quantum computing, energy) without relying exclusively on third parties.

This concept goes beyond mere intellectual property: it encompasses control over the entire value chain, from raw materials to distribution.

The Challenge of Technology Transfer and Spin-offs

The transition from the laboratory to the marketplace—or "spin-off"—is the primary bottleneck in European innovation. The challenge lies in aligning the interests of research institutions and founders.

An effective technology transfer framework must promote entrepreneurial agility while protecting the original scientific assets.

Funding and Scaling Up: The Valley of Death

Deep tech requires significant capital over long periods of time, which is incompatible with traditional venture capital cycles. Scaling up requires synergy between strategic public funding and bold private investment.

Without this financial depth, promising European companies risk moving to more liquid markets.

"Made in Europe" industrialization

Reindustrialization through technology requires a rethinking of production infrastructure. "Made in Europe" should not be merely a geographical label, but a guarantee of high standards of sustainability and efficiency.

The emergence of "gigafactories" and agile production sites is essential to turning scientific breakthroughs into commercial successes.

Deep In Tech by Dynergie

Deep in Tech is driven by a core belief: to understand Deeptech, you have to listen to the people who are building it.

Behind every disruptive innovation lie demanding journeys, difficult trade-offs, and successes that often go unrecognized.

The podcast gives a voice to entrepreneurs, researchers, investors, and industry leaders at the intersection of science and the market.

At the heart of the Deeptech ecosystem’s challenges, Deep in Tech lifts the veil on the behind-the-scenes of a world as complex as it is strategic. Industrialization, financing, the transition from lab to market…

These journeys, often fraught with obstacles, are recounted candidly by those who experience them firsthand.

The podcast offers an authentic look at the inner workings, tensions, and collaborations that shape both the successes and failures of French Deeptech.

A space to understand the reality on the ground, from the perspective of those involved, far from formulaic narratives.

Florence Caghassi Jouni

Branch Manager
Partner at Dynergie

With Deep in Tech, I meet the people who are shaping the deep tech landscape every day. They share their journeys, struggles, challenges, and successes with me—unfiltered. I created this podcast to help everyone understand and navigate the complex and exciting ecosystem that is deep tech.

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