“What began as a bold ambition and has now evolved into a transformative European success story.”
One year ago, at the Deep Tech Skills Days in Warsaw, the EIT Deep Tech Talent Initiative had reached its halfway point with 500,000 learners trained. Fast forward to today, and more than 1.3 million individuals across Europe have been equipped with deep tech skills, far exceeding the original target of one million.
The initiative now counts over 600+ pledging partners, up from just 60 two years ago, and offers 235+ courses on its platform. Notably, 36% of talents reported by Pledgers (when asked to report on gender) are women, marking significant progress toward gender inclusion in STEM and deep tech fields.
The top training areas mirror Europe’s current and future priorities:
- Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, Machine Learning
- Quantum Technologies – a particularly timely focus in this International Year of Quantum
- Cybersecurity and Data Protection
- Robotics, intersecting with AI and advanced manufacturing
- Innovation and Entrepreneurship
And surprising insights also emerged: the top five countries in terms of talent trained were Norway, Poland, Greece, Austria, and Germany, highlighting both geographic diversity and regional commitment.
However, the key driver of the Initiative is not just the numbers, it’s the impact, because behind these numbers are real people and real stories. Since its launch, the Initiative has helped with:
- Career transformation for learners
- Cross-border partnerships formed between previously disconnected institutions
- Support for training providers, enabling them to scale and launch in-demand programs
And what has made the Initiative such a success is one core value: trust.
“Our Pledgers commit with a handshake. They’re not legally bound, yet they deliver. That’s powerful.”
But what’s next?
From Deep Tech to STEM, and beyond
“STEM is the foundation of deep tech innovation.”
With success behind it and fresh funding secured, the Initiative now enters its next chapter as EIT STEM Tech Talent Induction, expanding its scope from deep tech to a broader focus on STEM.
The future of innovation hinges on integrating technical mastery with transversal skills like creativity, entrepreneurial thinking, and intellectual property literacy. This transition, therefore, is not a departure but a continuity of purpose, and an evolution.
The EIT STEM Tech Talent Induction will:
- Offer certified, quality-assured STEM curricula
- Promote gender inclusion and reach underrepresented groups
- Integrate soft skills like creativity, communication, and critical thinking
- Establish micro-credentials and lifelong learning pathways
- Work hand-in-hand with EU Member States and candidate countries
As Europe looks to secure its position in a fiercely competitive global tech landscape, the overall message is clear: the future starts with talents. And we encourage all partners, institutions, and innovators to join us on the next chapter of the initiative.
Partners
