The Deep Tech Innovation Program (DTIP) is an exciting opportunity for outstanding second-year Master of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (MIE) students. Offered by the Berlin site of the Creative Destruction Lab and run by the Institute for Deep Tech Innovation at ESMT, the Deep Tech Innovation Program is an optional addition to the MIE for select students interested in science-based entrepreneurship.
Students accepted to the DTIP will experience up close the challenges of building scalable, science-based ventures – not only witnessing the process of commercializing technologies, but also actively contributing to it.
I had weekly meetings with the CEO of the company which helped me personally and in my own career development.
I had weekly meetings with the CEO of the company which also helped me personally and in my own career development. [He] helped me to prepare my application at BCG (his former employer) and I contacted a lot of the ventures for interviews for my Master's thesis. The response rates were incredible and all the people were very open to helping me out.
The most rewarding part of the CDL was when I heard that the venture successfully secured a €5,4M Seed Round and I felt that I took a little part in that.
DTIP: hands-on consulting
MIE students accepted into the DTIP program will engage in the study of commercializing technologies grounded in scientific research by:
- taking part in a series of lectures
- interacting with distinguished mentors (serial entrepreneurs, partners at venture capital firms, top scientists, corporate decision-makers)
- working with one of the ventures on a consulting project
What is the Deep Tech Innovation program?
Deep-tech innovation involves leveraging cutting-edge scientific advancements to enable the creation of fundamentally new technologies that challenge prior technical limitations.
The Deep Tech Innovation Program (DTIP) exposes MIE students to this world of science-based entrepreneurship and lets them genuinely experience the ups and downs of a deep tech startup journey.
Run by CDL Berlin as part of a global mentorship program, the DTIP selects a small cohort of second-year MIE students to engage in the process of deep-tech entrepreneurship.
Students do not bring their own venture ideas. Instead, they are paired to work with some of the most promising deep tech ventures from across Europe.
What is the Creative Destruction Lab?
The Creative Destruction Lab (CDL) is a non-profit organization that delivers an objectives-based mentoring program for massively scalable, seed-stage, science- and technology-based companies.
The program’s objective-setting process enhances the performance of technical founders who learn from the insights of experienced entrepreneurs.
Who we look for
You might be the right fit for the DTIP if you:
- Want hands-on experience with early-stage early-stage deeptech ventures
- Have a proven understanding of entrepreneurship or a science background through undergraduate studies and experience in an entrepreneurial setting (this may include internships, and other volunteer positions)
- Have interest in venture capital, finance, entrepreneurial ventures or the startup ecosystem
- Demonstrate a commitment to personal and professional development
What you will gain from the DTIP
The DTIP is a chance to access the otherwise hidden interactions between founders, investors, mentors and other stakeholders. It helps you build the ability to break the mold.
Over the course of the program, you will learn:
- About the ecosystem and specificities of deep technology-based entrepreneurship
- The difference and complementarity between the scientific and business innovation processes
- To interpret the interactions between scientists, entrepreneurs, investors, and other stakeholders
- To identify and apply frameworks for assessing the strengths and weaknesses of emerging technologies and business ventures
- To effectively and succinctly communicate technology-based business ideas
- To understand the milestones and challenges of building technology-based ventures
- To build high-performance startup teams
- To develop consulting skills to analyze an unstructured environment and make business recommendations
FAQs: Deep Tech Innovation Program
For more information, please reach out to your MIE course advisor or email the DEEP team
Who can take part in the DTIP?
At ESMT, The Deep Tech Innovation Program (DTIP) is only open to Master in Innovation and Entrepreneurship (MIE) students about to begin their second year of studies. Students must apply to the DTIP during their first year in the MIE.
Eligible students will have a profile and goals that align with the DTIP. They must then be accepted to the DTIP in order to take part. You can get more information about the application criteria by speaking to your course advisor.
How do I apply for the DTIP?
If you would like to apply for the DTIP, please contact your MIE advisor, or speak to the CDL team to learn more. You can email the DEEP team here.
What are the application deadlines for the DTIP?
Applications for the DTIP open for a short window during June. This means that ESMT MIE students can apply for DTIP towards the end of their first year, and begin the program at the start of their second year.
For the 2026/2027 DTIP, applications open on June 10, 2026 and close on June 21, 2026.
Please see your MIE advisor for more application information
When and where does the DTIP take place?
The DTIP runs from October until April of the following year.
The next iteration will run from October 8, 2026 – April 14, 2027
The program is a mixture of in-person components held at the ESMT Berlin campus, and online components run in conjunction with CDL-Paris, and hosted by HEC Paris.
What time commitment is expected from me?
You can expect to spend around 320 hours on DTIP work over the six-month program. This includes all lectures and hands-on participation.
Is the DTIP eligible for ECTS credits?
Yes, you will get 12 ECTS credits after completing the DTIP program.
Want to be part of the DTIP?
The DTIP is an opportunity for Master of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (MIE) students at ESMT. Join the DTIP in your second year in the MIE program.
