Maria Koycheva is a Project Coordinator and Group Manager at Tech Tour, Europe's largest tech entrepreneurship and investment community, shaping the tech's future for 25+ years. Tech Tour engages the most promising tech entrepreneurs selected by the most active investment experts to raise funding and grow through smart partnerships and strategies in collaborative programs leading up to events.

Tech Tour is leading the consortium of 12 partners that are behind the D2XCEL project and is responsible for the market opportunity group on Sustainable Freight Transportation as part of Open Call 1.

What change are you aiming to achieve for the European innovation ecosystem as part of D2XCEL?

The project aims to provide comprehensive and holistic support to 100 promising European ventures, enabling them to thrive in the competitive landscape of deep tech and digital technologies and ultimately expand their market footprint in the strategic areas of sustainable logistics, trade, transport & mobility, energy, construction, and smart cities.

Why is this market opportunity (MO) important to you?

At Tech Tour, we have deep insights into the sector of Sustainable Freight Transportation gained through various investment programmes on hydrogen transport, maritime trade logistics, and energy & decarbonization that we have organized in the last 5 years. We have established connections with the top key investors, VCs, corporates, government and financial institutions in those areas which made us well-positioned to lead this market opportunity group. We will attract the best investors, customers, partners, and mentors to bring real impact in the sector and help with hands-on experience for the selected ventures to scale.

What potential do you see for deep tech and digital innovation in this MO?

The potential is huge and the market demand shows that it will multiply. Freight transport is at the heart of global supply chains—from long-distance container shipping to last-mile local delivery—and a significant carbon emitter. This requires efforts to scale innovations such as hydrogen and battery electric vehicles, green ports, and efficient logistics systems to enhance the sustainability and resiliency of freight transportation systems, reduce the sector’s outsize impact on the environment, and protect infrastructure from the effects of climate change. 

From your perspective, why should ventures that fit in this MO apply for the ongoing open call?

The Sustainable Freight Transportation market opportunity aims to unleash innovative solutions that will have a direct impact on people’s lives. Everyday consumables that are being transported daily contribute significantly to global emissions. The industry needs green and sustainable solutions to transform the modes of transport, contributing to a greener, more sustainable future for Europe and beyond.

Apply here and join one of our live webinars for interested companies, where you can get all the information you need!

Learn more about MO2 Sustainable Freight Transportation here and about all five market opportunities of Open Call 1 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.