Salvatore Cavallaro is the Startup Program Manager at BRYCK and Group Manager at D2XCEL, where he leads key market opportunities for both Open Calls within the project.

BRYCK is an innovation hub in the heart of the Ruhr area, designed to foster collaboration between founders, startups, scientists, investors, corporate innovators, and support networks.

BRYCK is one of the 12 consortium partners behind the D2XCEL scaling programme and is presently responsible for the fourth market opportunity - Circular Models for Cities & Regions as part of Open Call 2.

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

With D2XCEL, we're working to create a more resilient and resource-efficient EU by connecting deep tech startups with city stakeholders, investors, and industry leaders. At BRYCK, everyone's spirit is to create value for the startups and not just to do our job. Whenever we have the chance to use our resources and connections we simply do it, because, in the end, that's what drives innovation, helping others going the extra mile till the magic happens.

This commitment is exemplified in our involvement with the Startup Factory RUHR project, a collaboration with RAG-Stiftung and the University Alliance Ruhr. This project aligns perfectly with our vision for change in the European innovation ecosystem. By creating a comprehensive value chain from universities to scale-ups, like the ones we support within D2XCEL, we're not only nurturing early-stage ideas but also providing the resources and connections needed for startups to scale successfully and address global challenges through technology.

In consolidating our vision, D2XCEL plays an essential role. Together with our 12 partners widespread all over the European Union, we work collaboratively to make startups successful. The power of D2XCEL lies in the collective strength of our consortium members. Each of them brings unique expertise and resources, creating an extensive network that amplifies our impact on the whole ecosystem. This synergy is crucial to truly reach and act across sectors and regions, and support innovation in every corner of the EU.

Why is this market opportunity (Circular Models for Cities & Regions) important to you?

Cities are at the forefront of sustainability challenges and have immense potential for impact. At BRYCK, one of our goals is to rethink innovation in the Ruhr Region, a conglomerate of cities with high-tech potential. Our experience in the Ruhr Region, with its rich industrial heritage and ongoing transformation, provides a unique testbed for circular economy solutions: since our launch in 2022, we have already supported 80+ European startups with programs in the fields of energy, health, and livable cities. By targeting this MO, we can create scalable solutions that improve quality of life, reduce environmental footprints, and generate economic opportunities for the region and across Europe.

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

The potential for this Market Opportunity is broad and touches many areas of tech and deep tech. It is not easy to define a single technology that will make the most impact, as it would usually be a series of innovations that work together and enhance one another. We will focus on the areas we know best and where we can bring, together with the D2XCEL consortium, the most valuable network to create a long-lasting impact.

Water technologies are a prime example of the tech solutions we're focusing on. The Countries across the EU face pressing challenges, although for different reasons. In Southern Europe, issues are more related to water scarcity and drought, while Northern Europe has to deal with water quality, flood management, and the impact of climate change on water systems. Despite the regional differences, the EU as a whole requires innovative solutions to ensure water security, improve water quality, and enhance water management systems. Working on water tech as one of these circular solutions, we are addressing a critical need that spans from Mediterranean coastlines to Nordic fjords. We aim at fostering startups that can develop scalable solutions to this wide range of water-related challenges, ultimately working on a more sustainable and resilient Europe.

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

Applying to a programme based on an across-EU collaboration is already a win. The partners are bringing connections in every corner of Europe and beyond, so what better occasion to access markets? On top of that, are all the services offered in different forms.

D2XCEL invites deep tech and digital ventures across Europe, operating in the field of Circular Models for Cities & Regions to check the eligibility requirements and join our scaling programme!

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

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.