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Applications are open year round → TEF Platform

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From breakthrough science to de-risked venture.

TEF Rocket is a research grant program that funds and supports deep tech researchers developing breakthrough innovations with the potential to solve hard, unsolved problems. We back scientists at the earliest stage when the technology is grounded but still fragile, and the commercial path is yet to be proven.

Fellows receive non-dilutive grant funding, a dedicated mentor, and access to TEF's network of researchers, operators, and investors while remaining employed at their university.

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Why we built it

Europe and Italy produce world-class science. Not enough of it reaches the market. The bottleneck is not talent but it is the gap between scientific discoveries and a de-risked technology ready for the market. Existing research funding gives little incentive for researchers to start a company but to pursue research for publications or benefiting existing companies. TEF works differently.

TEF Rocket is designed for researchers who believe their science could become something larger, and are ready to test this belief.

What you get

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Non-dilutive grant funding of up to €250,000

• Year 1: €80,000.
• Year 2: up to €170,000 for an additional 12–18 months, subject to meeting milestones in year 1 and demonstrating progress.

TEF takes no equity. IP generated during the fellowship stays with the host institution, in line with its IP regulations.

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A dedicated TEF Mentor

Each fellow is matched with a mentor from TEF's network of operators and deep tech founders. Monthly check-ins, milestone-setting, and feedback to pressure-test your technology and commercial outlook.

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Integration into the broader TEF ecosystem

Access to community events and introductions to TEF’s network of researchers, operators, investors, and industry partners. You will also take part in the SciencePreneur Journey: a structured learning path that builds entrepreneurial thinking, skills, and ambition as you progress. When needed, we can help you connect with talent to complement your team.

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Who we are looking for

We are looking for researchers who believe their science could have meaningful impact, feel the urge to make it happen, and are ready to test if it can work. What unites strong Rocket candidates is scientific rigor, first proven scientific evidence, founder ambition, and the absolute willingness to take their technology out of the lab.

Eligibility requirements

• Affiliated with Politecnico di Milano or Bocconi University (or a formal TEF Partner institution) current or within 12 months of affiliation end.
• Must hold a formal research position, seniority not required: PhD candidate, postdoc, RTD/RTT researcher, associate or full professor, or equivalent research role at a partner institution.
• Technology TRL 2 or above with first experimental evidence gathered.
• Backed by a Principal Investigator at the host institution, with host lab access confirmed. If you already independently lead your own research group and can confirm your own lab access, a separate PI is not required — you self-certify these points instead.
• No company incorporated on the project at the time of fellowship start but incorporation can take place during the program.
• Project targets a TEF priority sector: Applied and Physical AI, Aerospace, Manufacturing & Robotics, New Energy & Materials, Nano-microelectronics, Optics & Photonics, Quantum Technologies, Life Sciences & MedTech, Food Tech & Agriculture.

Individual applications are accepted. Teams of multiple applicants are welcomed, additional members may come from other institutions or have entrepreneurial backgrounds.