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Program
Applications are open from October 1st to November 8th!
Ifyou’re ready to dedicate your time to exploring the commercial potential of your project and launching your startup, but you lack the knowledge, financial resources, and partners needed to take the first steps, apply now!
If you have your own startup idea, tell us more about yourself, and we’ll help you choose the best path for commercialization. If we share your vision, we’ll invite you to become part of Nuqleus and receive the necessary support.
Nuqleus helps to commercialize results of scientific research through a carefully structured program based on many years of experience in building deep-tech startups. You can apply as an individual or as a team, and the team must have at least one member who is a student/employee of a research performing organization (RPO).
Applications are processed as they come in. After reviewing your application, we’ll get back to you and potentially invite you for an interview. Detailed information about last year’s program, mentors, and previous teams can be found at the following links:
For any additional questions, check out our FAQ list or contact us at info@nuqleus.io.
Program overview
Nuqleus activities start in December every year. Over the next 12 months, events and activities are organized with the aim of commercializing the results of scientific research and solving industry-recognized problems. The Nuqleus program is divided into three phases, which you can read more about below.
For any additional questions, check our FAQ or contact us at info@nuqleus.io.
Phase 1: December - March
Connection, ideation and validation
The goal of the first phase is to identify significant societal and industrial challenges, propose potential solutions based on innovative technologies, and form interdisciplinary teams to develop these solutions. Students, researchers, and experts from various fields can propose solutions based on scientific research or offer their knowledge and experience while searching for the perfect team. To prepare researchers and scientists for launching their own commercial ventures, a two-day “Emerging Science Bootcamp” is organized, featuring workshops on mastering the basic steps of starting new commercial ventures and discovering potential market applications for developed technologies.
Following the Emerging Science Bootcamp, teams will work with Nuqleus mentors to learn more about intellectual property protection, market research, and startup creation. They will also improve their public speaking, engage with potential users, identify potential industry partners, and explore available funding sources for their commercial ventures. Teams will have the opportunity to present their projects to Nuqleus mentors, industry partners, and experienced business experts to gather feedback for improvement, validate business potential, and connect with potential partners.
The first phase concludes with team presentations to the Scientific Committee, after which up to 10 of the best teams will be selected to enter the second phase of the program.
Key dates and activities:
October 1st: Applications open for Startup Builder
November 8th: Applications close for Startup Builder
November: Selection of participants for the Startup Builder
- December: Two-day “Emerging Science Bootcamp”
Day 1: Market Opportunity Navigator workshop to discover potential market pplications of developed technologies, presentation of scientific projects
Day 2: Workshop for improving presentation skills
- January: Individual meetings between teams and Nuqleus mentors, workshops on market research, intellectual property protection, and startup creation
- February: Market research, public speaking preparation, presentations to mentors, industry partners, and business experts
- March: Presentation of funding opportunities for commercial ventures, presentations to the Scientific Committee, and selection of teams for the second phase of the program.
Phase 2: April - June
Education and Development planning
Selected teams continue working on their projects through a startup education and support program aimed at launching deep-tech startups. The program offers a unique combination of education, promotion, networking opportunities, free resources, and access to investors. Research teams have the chance to work with top mentors from some of the most successful Croatian and international startups/companies, who conduct workshops and lectures weekly in areas such as business development, prototyping, company formation, investment fundraising, and more.
Key dates and activities:
- April 1st: Start of the second phase of the program
- Weekly startup lectures and workshops are held
- Presentations on progress to mentors and the program’s Investment Committee
- Early July: Nuqleus Demo Day
Phase 3: July - December
Business Development and Product Development
In the final phase, only projects deemed to have significant market potential and a high-quality team by Nuqleus’s scientific and investment committee participate. The focus shifts from group work to individualized support for selected teams, providing personalized assistance in product development, acquiring initial customers, securing investments, protecting intellectual property, and building their brand.
Key dates and activities:
All activities will be arranged individually with each selected team.
