The CITADELS project aims to transform seven widening countries into hubs of human-centric Industry 5.0 by fostering DeepTech innovation, talent circulation, and academia–industry collaboration. Bringing together 10 partners from 9 countries — including leading universities, DeepTech companies, a science park, and EU innovation leaders — the project strengthens regional ecosystems, creates sustainable DeepTech career pathways, and combats brain drain. By aligning research excellence with industrial needs, CITADELS accelerates technology adoption, drives high-value job creation, and enhances economic resilience, positioning widening countries as competitive players in the global DeepTech landscape.