From 28-30 June 2026, the island of Cres became the meeting point for some of Central and Eastern Europe’s most promising deep-tech founders, leading investors, corporate innovators, and innovation institutions as Nuqleus successfully hosted its first Grow in Europe Bootcamp.
Designed as a boutique, invite-only programme, Grow in Europe Bootcamp brought together 10 carefully selected deep-tech startups from across the CEE region alongside 4 European venture capital funds, 3 corporate innovation leaders, 2 experienced mentors, and representatives of Europe’s key innovation institutions. The goal was simple yet ambitious: create the conditions for founders to build relationships that accelerate growth, investment, and international expansion.
Supported by the European Innovation Council, the Bootcamp also welcomed 2 deep-tech startups participating in the EIC Tech to Market Programme. It delivered exactly what it set out to achieve: creating an intimate environment where meaningful conversations evolved into strategic partnerships and long-term opportunities.
From Introductions to Investment Conversations and Learning Opportunities
The Bootcamp officially began with a structured speed-dating session, bringing together startups, investors, mentors, and representatives of the European Innovation Council in a series of focused one-on-one conversations.
These initial introductions quickly evolved into dedicated matchmaking meetings over the following days, allowing founders and investors to explore fundraising opportunities, strategic partnerships, and future collaborations in greater depth. Unlike traditional conferences where conversations are often limited by time, the boutique format gave participants the opportunity to continue discussions throughout the programme, in workshops, over meals, and during informal networking moments that often proved just as valuable as the scheduled sessions.
Alongside networking, the Bootcamp featured two practical workshops designed around the real challenges deep-tech founders face as they move from early traction to international growth:
- The first workshop, Series A Masterclass: Comprehensive Roadmap for DeepTech, Energy and Healthtech, led by Joško Bobanović, board director and investment professional with 20+ years of experience through some of the biggest European VCs such as Sofinnova Partners, offered practical insights into how European investors evaluate scaling companies, covering fundraising strategy, investor expectations, and deal dynamics.
- The second workshop, Go-to-(New)-Market Strategy, led by Abhijeet Malik, international business growth expert and VC scout, focused on international market expansion, equipping founders with practical frameworks for entering new markets, refining positioning, and executing scalable go-to-market strategies across Europe.
More Than a Bootcamp: Building the CEE Deep-Tech Ecosystem
One of the defining characteristics of Nuqleus Grow in Europe Bootcamp was its carefully curated mix of participants. Rather than bringing together only startups and investors, the programme united every key stakeholder needed to help deep-tech companies scale.
Founders developing solutions across MedTech, AI, robotics, cybersecurity, energy, climate tech, and automation connected directly with European venture capital funds AYMO Ventures, Xista Science Ventures, Gapminder and Emerald Technology Ventures, corporate innovation leaders from Infobip, KONČAR, and Hrvatski Telekom, as well as representatives from the European Innovation Council (EIC), European Investment Fund (EIF), Croatian Bank for Reconstruction and Development (HBOR), and Croatian Ministry of Science, Education and Youth.
This unique combination created an environment where startups could receive perspectives from every angle – investment readiness, corporate collaboration, public funding opportunities, market expansion, and long-term ecosystem support. Instead of pitching, founders engaged with future investors, potential enterprise partners, policymakers, and innovation leaders who all play an important role in bringing breakthrough technologies to market.
The setting itself also contributed to the experience. Away from the pace of large conferences, Cres offered the ideal backdrop for meaningful conversations and relationship-building. Whether during guided walks through the historic town, shared dinners by the marina, or informal conversations overlooking the Adriatic, participants had the time and space to develop connections that extended beyond business cards and pitch decks.
An Ouverture toward Liftoff 2026
The timing of the Bootcamp was equally intentional – it served as the opening chapter of Liftoff 2026, giving participants the opportunity to establish meaningful relationships before joining one of the CEE region’s largest deep-tech gatherings in Zagreb.
Together, the two events reflect Nuqleus’ broader mission: strengthening collaboration across the Central and Eastern European innovation ecosystem and creating more opportunities for deep-tech startups to connect with the investors, corporates, institutions, and partners that can help them scale internationally.
To everyone who joined us on Cres, thank you for helping make the first Nuqleus Grow in Europe Bootcamp such a success. We look forward to seeing the partnerships, investments, and growth stories that began on the island continue to develop long after the event has ended.
Nuqleus Grow in Europe Bootcamp Participants
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Industry
Institutional Investors
