We are excited to introduce our next network spotlight feature with Zoe Fragou, an organizational psychologist, international keynote speaker, content creator, culture transformation catalyst, and award-winning business coach.

With a passion for working with international teams, Zoe introduces innovative and healthier approaches to achieving excellence, all while empowering mental health, diversity, and equality. Her expertise lies in enhancing organizational effectiveness by aligning leadership programs, coaching, training, learning & development, and employee engagement with company goals to drive transformative change.

As a mentor for Cohort 1 companies, Zoe plays a vital role in helping them navigate specific challenges, create high-performance work cultures, and optimize their organizations for success.

What skillset do European startups need to succeed in digital and deep tech (Sustainable Logistics, Trade, Transport & Mobility, Energy, Construction, and Smart Cities)?  

European startups need a combination of visionary thinking and pragmatic execution to thrive in deep tech and digital sectors. First, they must master technical excellence, leveraging AI, IoT, and blockchain technologies to create innovative solutions. Beyond technical skills, startups require business acumen—the ability to translate groundbreaking ideas into scalable, revenue-generating models.

Another critical skill is collaborative adaptability. In the European ecosystem, where cross-border collaborations are essential, startups must navigate regulatory frameworks, diverse cultures, and market complexities with finesse. Finally, resilience and emotional intelligence are non-negotiable in the face of challenges, particularly in sectors requiring long innovation cycles like energy and smart cities.

How can you contribute to their development and acceleration? 

As a mentor, I bring a multidisciplinary approach, blending my expertise in organizational psychology, leadership development, and strategic consulting. I focus on helping startups identify their core strengths and align them with their vision, ensuring they build a strong, values-driven foundation.

I’ll guide them in developing their teams by fostering high-performance cultures, empowering leaders, and cultivating collaboration within and across borders. I also bring experience in navigating growth challenges, from building sustainable operational models to scaling with agility while maintaining the creative spark that fuels innovation.

Finally, I’ll challenge them to think beyond “what’s next” and aim for long-term impact, ensuring their solutions are not only profitable but also meaningful in transforming industries and communities.

What advantages do European digital and deep tech startups have vs. non-European startups in their fields?

European startups stand out because of their access to a well-integrated innovation ecosystem—from strong academic institutions to research hubs and public-private collaborations. This enables startups to tap into cutting-edge research and forge strategic alliances early on.

Europe’s emphasis on sustainability is another key advantage. European startups are uniquely positioned to lead in areas like green energy and smart cities because of the continent’s regulatory frameworks and cultural focus on environmental responsibility.

Finally, Europe’s diversity—both cultural and geographical—forces startups to think globally from the outset. This gives them an edge in creating solutions that can adapt to varied markets and consumer behaviors, fostering innovation that is inclusive, scalable, and resilient against the challenges of globalization.

To support our growing network and startups, we invite potential stakeholders (investors, lead customers, mentors, and supporting partners) to apply here.

This project has received funding from the European Union under grant agreement Nº101121100. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.