JIC unveils €16.3M early-stage deep tech fund
Czech innovation hub JIC has launched a new €16.3 million venture fund dedicated to backing deep tech founders across Central and Eastern Europe at the very earliest stages of company building. The vehicle targets pre-seed and seed rounds, focusing on startups turning advanced research into commercially viable products.
Backing science-driven founders from day zero
The new fund will concentrate on founders emerging from universities, research institutes and corporate R&D labs. By investing at the idea, prototype and early revenue phases, JIC aims to close a persistent funding gap that has slowed the commercialization of high-impact technologies in the CEE region.
Priority sectors include AI algorithms, advanced materials, semiconductors, robotics, industrial automation, and climate tech solutions with strong intellectual property foundations. Alongside capital, portfolio companies will gain access to JIC‘s network of technical mentors, corporate partners and international investors.
Strengthening the CEE deep tech ecosystem
Central and Eastern Europe has produced a growing wave of globally competitive technology firms, yet early backing for research-heavy ventures remains limited. The new JIC fund is designed to help founders bridge the gap between lab validation and scalable business models, a phase where hardware- and science-based startups often struggle to secure support.
By anchoring the fund in the region, JIC plans to keep promising teams in CEE while positioning them for international growth. The strategy includes co-investments with other venture capital firms, structured support around IP protection, and guidance on entering regulated markets such as energy, mobility and healthcare.
Long-term vision for regional competitiveness
The €16.3 million vehicle is expected to back dozens of startups over its investment period, with follow-on capital reserved for the most promising companies. For policymakers and investors watching CEE, the fund signals rising confidence that the region can produce globally relevant deep tech champions if founders receive sophisticated support from the outset.