ATTRACT hosted its Final Conference in Brussels, Belgium, on 2–3 July 2025. The event served as a dynamic platform for bringing together all key actors involved in ATTRACT phase 2 to showcase their achievements and impact. For two days, participants had the opportunity to gain firsthand insights into the practical implementation of the ATTRACT model and its contribution to advancing innovation across research, industry, and society.
Watch this video that summarizes this significant milestone for ATTRACT phase 2.
The ATTRACT Academy is revolutionising how students engage with deep-tech innovation and entrepreneurship. Born from the success of the ‘Young Innovators and Entrepreneurs’ pilot in ATTRACT phase 1, it scaled up its impact during phase 2, expanding its reach to multiple universities across Europe.
Around the world, governments spend billions of euros a year to get new discoveries out of the lab and into the market. But do they actually know what works and what doesn’t?
Spoiler alert: not really. In many cases, the design of R&D support programmes is just a matter of “well-intentioned guesswork,” says Albert Bravo-Biosca, director of the London- and Barcelona-based Innovation Growth Lab, a non-profit that studies innovation policy.
Technological advancements continue to play a significant role in addressing societal challenges. The intersection of technology, business, and design provides opportunities for developing innovative solutions that respond to critical social needs. Within this framework, different initiatives aim to bridge the gap between scientific research and real-world applications, fostering multidisciplinary collaboration.
The increasing complexity of societal challenges has led to the emergence of educational programmes that aim to equip students with the necessary skills to develop innovative solutions. These programmes focus on interdisciplinary collaboration, fostering global responsibility, and leveraging emerging technologies. By integrating different domains, including deep technology, design, and engineering, among others, such programmes prepare students to address issues aligned with global sustainability goals.