Why SPIN? Bridging the gap between research and real-world impact

Europe’s scientific output remains among the best in the world—its researchers consistently produce a remarkable share of global publications, frequently cited across international studies. Yet, this academic excellence does not always translate into commercial success. The so-called “European paradox” of technology transfer continues to hold back innovation: while Europe leads in research, it often lags behind in bringing its discoveries to market.

Structural and cultural barriers—particularly a stronger aversion to risk compared to the U.S.—make it harder for deep tech start-ups to emerge and scale.

That’s where SPIN by 28DIGITAL, comes in. Designed to empower researchers across Europe, SPIN offers high-quality training and insights from IP experts, venture builders, and business development coaches. The program equips participants with the business acumen and practical tools needed to transform scientific excellence into market-ready solutions.

“European research excellence is world-class, but we continue to face challenges in translating scientific breakthroughs into market success,” said Federico Menna, CEO of 28DIGITAL. “SPIN addresses this critical gap by equipping researchers with practical tools to navigate commercialization.”

Beyond training, SPIN connects participants to 28DIGITAL’s pan-European ecosystem—an extensive network of academia, industry, and start-up partners—offering opportunities for collaboration and access to funding. As Europe faces fierce global competition in deep tech sectors such as AI, quantum computing, and advanced materials, SPIN aims to ensure that European innovation translates into economic growth and global leadership.

A prime example of this mission in action is SPIN for NEST – Energy Innovation for a Sustainable Future, a new initiative developed by 28DIGITAL in collaboration with the Fondazione NEST. The program serves as a fast-track training and pre-incubation course dedicated to transforming scientific discoveries in sustainable energy transition into commercial innovations.

28DIGITAL—formerly known as EIT Digital—is Europe’s largest open innovation ecosystem, supporting deep tech ventures through consortium-building, European funding participation, and scalable business development. Fondazione NEST, meanwhile, is Italy’s only extended partnership entirely focused on sustainable energy transition, bridging academia, industry, and regional systems to promote decarbonization and energy innovation.

Together, the two organizations have designed SPIN for NEST to provide researchers at all career stages with targeted entrepreneurial training. Running from November 2025 to February 2026, the program combines six weeks of online learning with a three-day intensive bootcamp in Lisbon (February 10–12, 2026). The curriculum spans essential topics—from entrepreneurship fundamentals and intellectual property management to business strategy and funding access.

“With SPIN for NEST, we want to give European researchers real instruments to transform their discoveries into market-ready solutions,” said Menna. “We believe the sustainable energy transition is not just a technological challenge, but a major opportunity to turn Europe’s scientific excellence into tangible value for society.”