Europe’s Independence Moment: Horizon Europe Ambitions for Deeptech

Europe independence moment

Europe’s Independence Moment: Horizon Europe Ambitions for Deeptech

The State of the European Union (SOTEU) has, since 2010, been the moment when the European Commission sets out its priorities and future direction. Over the years, SOTEU speeches have highlighted Europe’s significant challenges: the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the energy crisis, Russia’s war against Ukraine, the clean and digital transitions, competitiveness, defence, and resilience.

In the 2025 address, the focus turned to what President Ursula von der Leyen called Europe’s “Independence Moment.” This vision places research, innovation, and deeptech at the centre of Europe’s long-term strategy.

The European Commission has proposed a significant increase to the Horizon Europe budget in the next cycle (subject to approval by Member States and Parliament). This would strengthen the EU’s capacity to support critical technologies, ensuring Europe’s technological sovereignty and competitiveness.

Deeptech at the Core of Europe’s Priorities

The areas highlighted for increased investment fall directly into the deeptech domain. These include:

  • Quantum and advanced computing: building secure and high-performance digital infrastructure.

  • Clean technologies and batteries: reducing dependency on external energy sources and driving the green transition.

  • Biotechnology and Health Resilience: Preparing Europe for Future Health and Societal Challenges.

  • Advanced materials and circular industry: ensuring sustainable and competitive industrial processes.

  • Artificial Intelligence and Digital Infrastructure: Strengthening Europe’s Industrial and Societal Capacity.

These focus areas reflect Europe’s ambition to direct Horizon Europe resources toward technologies that are not only innovative but also strategic for independence and resilience.

From Research to Scaleup

In addition to supporting early-stage research, the European Commission has proposed the creation of a multi-billion-euro Scaleup Europe Fund. The fund’s objective is to enable fast-growing companies in critical technologies to secure growth capital within Europe, reducing reliance on external investors and keeping talent and intellectual property in the EU.

This proposal complements Horizon Europe by addressing the full innovation pipeline: from laboratory research and prototypes to global scaleups.

What This Means for Innovators

For researchers, startups, and scaleups working in deeptech, these proposals send a clear signal:

  • Horizon Europe funding is expected to grow significantly, pending approval.

  • Strategic technologies such as quantum, clean tech, biotech, advanced materials, and artificial intelligence will remain central priorities.

  • The EU aims to not only fund research but also support the scaling and industrialisation of breakthrough technologies.

At Inspiralia, we work with innovators across Europe to align their projects with European priorities, navigate Horizon Europe and EIC funding opportunities, and secure the resources they need to turn ideas into global impact.

Source: 2025 State of the Union Address by President von der Leyen