At the European Innovation Council Summit 2026 in Brussels, Laurence Petit, Director of Innovation at France's CEA, emphasized the critical challenges in transforming scientific research into successful deep-tech companies. Petit highlighted that assembling capable teams remains the largest hurdle, as many researchers lack business leadership skills, making team conflicts a primary cause of start-up failures.

Petit detailed the importance of identifying genuine market needs validated by customers and raising the technology readiness levels through adequate funding and technological infrastructure. She pointed out that sectors like biotechnology face financing difficulties, whereas microelectronics and nuclear technologies are currently attracting strong investments.

Discussing Europe's fragmented innovation ecosystem, Petit urged deep-tech entrepreneurs to adopt a global rather than purely national focus. She believes Europe can serve as a launching platform but stressed that worldwide ambition is essential for meaningful commercial success in advanced technologies.