Launched on 1 March 2024, the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP) is a flagship EU initiative to support the development and production of critical technologies within Europe. STEP coordinates funding across 11 EU programmes, targeting three key investment areas:

• Digital technologies and deep-tech innovation: advancing innovative digital solutions to drive economic growth.
• Clean and resource-efficient technologies: promoting sustainable technologies aligned with environmental and resource-efficiency goals.
• Biotechnologies: driving biotech advancements to address health, agricultural, and industrial challenges.

A standout feature is the STEP Seal, an EU label awarded to high-quality projects contributing to STEP’s objectives. This seal boosts project visibility and facilitates access to additional funding sources, attracting both public and private investments.

STEP also includes an online portal acting as a one-stop shop for project promoters, national authorities, and investors. The portal offers information on funding opportunities as well as guidance documents, and features a dashboard highlighting projects awarded the STEP Seal.

By investing in strategic sectors, STEP seeks to strengthen the EU’s industrial base, enhance competitiveness, and reduce external dependencies, contributing to a sustainable and technologically sovereign Europe.