Spider Silk Biotech: A Founder's Roadmap for Scaling Deep Tech in Europe

Jan de Vries · 2026-08-06

When you think of spider silk, you probably picture a web glistening in the morning sun. But for Jekaterina Romanova, CEO and co-founder of Latvian biotech startup PrintyMed, that silk represents something far bigger: the future of regenerative medicine. In our latest podcast, produced with the Women TechEU scheme, we sat down with Jekaterina to talk about biomimetic spider silk, its medical potential, and what it really takes to scale deep-tech innovation in Europe. Her journey is anything but conventional, and her insights are gold for anyone navigating the complex world of biotech. ### From Banking to Biotech: An Unconventional Path Jekaterina didn't start in a lab. She studied economics and worked in banking before diving into entrepreneurship at just 18 with a posture-correction clothing startup. That first venture taught her the fundamentals of business, but she soon realized her true passion lay elsewhere. She went on to found a company developing 3D-printed bone grafts, which gave her hands-on experience with medical regulation, fundraising, and commercialization. That background is exactly what she brings to PrintyMed, where she handles grants, investment, partnerships, and strategy, while scientists and doctors manage the lab research. It's a partnership model that works. The company's biomimetic spider silk technology, which originated at the Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, replicates how spiders naturally produce silk. The result is a material with incredible strength and biocompatibility. ### The Big Vision: Artificial Organs and Beyond PrintyMed's long-term goal is ambitious: supporting artificial organs and biological scaffolds. They've already developed a prototype for an artificial heart valve and are exploring applications in artificial nerves, wound dressings, and regenerative medicine. But their first commercial focus is more immediate. They're creating membranes for organ-on-a-chip systems, which let pharmaceutical companies and researchers test drugs more effectively while reducing animal testing. Pilot projects are already underway, though patient-facing products will need several more years of certification. ### Funding Deep Tech: The Numbers That Matter European funding has been crucial to PrintyMed's growth. So far, they've secured about $2.1 million in grants, including $82,500 from Women TechEU and roughly $770,000 through a European Innovation Council program. That support has strengthened their expertise in regulation, intellectual property, scaling, and fundraising. For founders looking to follow a similar path, here are a few takeaways from Jekaterina's experience: - **Non-dilutive funding is a game-changer.** Grants like Women TechEU give you capital without giving up equity. - **Mentorship matters as much as money.** The right advisors can help you avoid costly mistakes. - **Start with a commercial niche.** Organ-on-a-chip membranes are a faster path to revenue than patient-ready medical devices. ### The Global Play: Beyond Europe's Borders The conversation also touched on expansion. PrintyMed is building relationships in Saudi Arabia, where government-backed biotech initiatives and certification opportunities could support international growth. It's a reminder that deep tech companies often need to think globally from day one. ### A Call for Faster Regulation Jekaterina didn't hold back on regulatory challenges. She argues that Europe's medical-device regulations can slow innovation and calls for controlled fast-track testing environments. It's a valid point: while patient safety is paramount, the current pace can push startups to seek friendlier markets elsewhere. She also sees potential beyond medicine. Spider silk could be a game-changer in cosmetics and skincare. PrintyMed has already had discussions with Chanel about a regenerative cosmetic glove. Who knew the future of beauty might be spun by spiders? ### The Women TechEU Opportunity The Women TechEU scheme is an EU-funded project supporting women leading deep tech startups. Between 2026 and 2028, the consortium will run a continuous open call with four cutoff dates. After rigorous evaluation, 160 beneficiaries will be selected, each receiving $82,500 in non-dilutive grants plus mentorship, training, and networking support. EU-Startups is proud to be part of this consortium. We believe diversity drives innovation, and we're committed to giving women in deep tech the resources they need to build market-shaping companies. *Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are 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.*