DEEP - Institute for Deep Tech Innovation

If science is thriving but innovation and commercialization are lagging, then business and entrepreneurship are missing. DEEP fulfills the 'T' for technology in ESMT and serves as a complementary partner for scientists, research institutions, start-ups, and innovators aiming to transform new technologies into global businesses.

DEEP = Different

Tailored for Depth

Recognizing that deep tech demands more than traditional startup strategies, we focus on de-risking technologies through vertical and stage specific interventions.

International Network

Through strategic alliances with established industrial and governmental actors as well as an extensive global network, we enable cross-industry innovation and breakthrough commercialization of research.

Proven Track Record

We offer unparalleled access to a broad alumni network of top-tier deep tech startups across diverse key industries.

Multidisciplinary Expertise Enabling Innovation

Our team of seasoned entrepreneurs and domain experts bridges the gap between science and business by understanding and navigating the unique challenges and opportunities in each vertical.

We work with the Deepest

Nowhere else can you work alongside such a remarkable group of genuine, successful entrepreneurs, investors, corporate leaders, and researchers.

yap chie cheng, mentor at a deep program

image of adrian locher, mentor in deep program

image of gaetan bonhomme, mentor at deep program

image of carla kriwet, mentor in deep program

image of carina ruwolt, mentor in deep program

image of ariel stern, mentor in deep program

picture of andreas leitner, a mentor in a deep program

picture of ludwig von reiche, a mentor in a deep program

Our Verticals = Our Expertise

Lifescience

LAUNCHED 2022

Addressing most challenging human diseases and promoting human longevity; leveraging innovation in:

Therapeutics
Diagnostics
Medical Devices

# DEEP Academy & CDL-Berlin

Natural Capital

LAUNCHED 2024

Addressing the challenges in conserving and utilizing natural resources; leveraging innovation in:

Sustainable resource management
Waste reduction & circular economy
Ecosystem restoration and biodiversity conservation

# DEEP x Series & Corporate Venturing

Compute

LAUNCHED IN 2024

Addressing the challenges in next generation computing and leveraging innovation in:

New, advanced computing concepts (quantum, photonics, neuromorphic)
Artificial Intelligence
Resource-efficient computing solutions

# CDL-Berlin & DEEP x Series

Cybersecurity

LAUNCH 2025

Addressing the challenges in the global cybersecurity landscape and leveraging innovation in:

New, advanced cybersecurity tools and protocols
Cyber risk mitigation and threat elimination
Resilient cybersecurity infrastructure & defense mechanisms

# DEEP Research

Food

LAUNCH PLANNED 2025

Addressing the challenges in transforming the global food system and leveraging innovation in:

New, healthy foods and ingredients
Food waste elimination
Resilient food production & biomanufacturing

Our Programs = Our Impact

DEEP Academy

We educate the next generation of sciencepreneurs.

A highly selective academy which equips world-class scientists with the cross-functional skills and experiences needed to build, manage and scale deep tech companies.

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DEEP πoneers

We give promising technologies into the most capable hands.

A venture building format that provides true entrepreneurs access to spin-off-projects and new technologies from major research institutes for their next venture.

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DEEP x Series / CDL-Berlin

We give deep tech startups a business head start into the market.

A world-class startup mentoring program for deep tech; a global network of corporates, entrepreneurs, and scientists accelerating the growth of breakthrough science and technology ventures.

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CDL-Berlin

DEEP x Series

DEEP Corporate Venturing

We match startup category leaders with corporate innovation needs.

Facilitating effective partnerships between scale-ups and corporations through our global network to demonstrate proof of concept and scale innovations for global markets.

DEEP Ecosystem Building

We create the platform for deep tech conversations with impact.

We activate the deep tech ecosystem through roundtables and events, such as the Deep Tech Summit and ESMT network events like the Berlin Global Dialogue. We drive change as a partner in large-scale collaborations like the German WIN Initiative.

We go deep = Our Research

DEEP Research

We get from anecdotal to actual evidence.

Our think and action tank is embedded in ESMT’s world-class faculty and strong scientific community. Through the Joachim Faber Chair in Business and Technology, we are creating evidence around deep tech innovation and developing policy recommendations.

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