Berlin: Europe's Rising Star in Deep Tech Innovation

From AI to quantum computing, Berlin's deep tech scene is reshaping industries. Learn how the city is fostering groundbreaking technologies.

Berlin, long celebrated for its vibrant startup scene, is rapidly emerging as a powerhouse in the realm of deep tech innovation. With its unique blend of world-class universities, cutting-edge research institutions, and a thriving ecosystem of startups and established companies, the German capital is positioning itself at the forefront of groundbreaking technological advancements.

The Deep Tech Advantage

Deep tech, encompassing advanced technologies rooted in scientific discoveries and engineering innovations, is reshaping industries and addressing global challenges. From artificial intelligence and quantum computing to biotechnology and advanced materials, deep tech innovations have the potential to revolutionize our world. Berlin's commitment to fostering this sector is evident in its robust support system and the impressive array of companies and institutions calling the city home.

Dr. Stefan Franzke, CEO of Berlin Partner, emphasizes the city's potential: "Berlin's dense network of universities, research institutions, incubators, and accelerators offers great potential for deep tech innovations. Our focus on digitization, robotics, and quantum technology is crucial for Berlin's economic growth."

A Thriving Ecosystem

According to the European Deep Tech Report 2023 by Dealroom.co, Berlin ranks among Europe's top deep tech clusters. The city's ecosystem includes:

• Nearly 30 universities, including the renowned Technische Universität, Freie Universität, and Humboldt-Universität
• Over 80 research institutions
• More than 400 deep tech companies

This rich tapestry of academic excellence and entrepreneurial spirit creates an ideal environment for innovation. The three big universities are among the top 15 universities in Europe producing the most valuable deep tech spin-offs.

“We feel very well equipped in Berlin on several levels. The atmosphere towards start-ups is supportive. One example is Berlin Partner, a team of knowledgeable and approachable people who help make contacts or identify new opportunities. There are many local financing options (e.g. via IBB) that are relatively unbureaucratic. We also benefit greatly from the exchange with other AI-focussed companies, such as those brought together by Merantix. Our biotechnology team benefits greatly from the exchange in the BioCube in Berlin-Buch.“

Dr. Muriel van Teeseling, Public Funding Associate, Cambrium, one of the winners of the Berlin Deep Tech Award 2024. (Read the full interview!)

Key Sectors

Berlin's deep tech landscape spans a diverse range of sectors:

1. Artificial Intelligence: Berlin is at the forefront of AI innovation in Germany, hosting over 30% of the country's AI startups. This concentration of talent is fostered by the city's unique blend of world-class research institutions, vibrant startup culture, and strong political support. The #AI_Berlin platform (ai-berlin.com) showcases the city's thriving AI ecosystem, providing comprehensive information on news, events, and success stories.

2. Quantum Technologies: The city is making significant strides in quantum computing and communication, with initiatives like BERLIN QUANTUM leading the charge.

3. Biotechnology: Since the 1990s, Berlin has been one of Europe's top biotechnology hubs. The city is home to over 300 innovative biotech companies employing around 8,200 people, with nearly 80% focused on biomedicine. These firms are developing innovative therapeutic and diagnostic methods for treating cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes.

4. Blockchain and Web3: Berlin is a European epicenter of the global blockchain and Web3 scene. Today, almost 50% of German blockchain companies are based in Berlin. The city's attractiveness within Europe remains unbroken: the current CV VC German Blockchain Report 2023 counted a total of 160 companies active in the federal capital.

5. Robotics: Berlin is exceptionally well-positioned in robotics, boasting over 60 robotics companies and numerous research institutions and industrial companies utilizing this technology. Leading technology providers include Gestalt Robotics, Klero, EvoLogics, and pi4_robotics. These companies are creating cutting-edge solutions, from bionic underwater vehicles to advanced industrial automation systems.

6. Photonics and Optoelectronics: Berlin has a long tradition of R&D in optics and photonics, particularly at Berlin Adlershof, Europe's largest technology park. The hardware-oriented photonics companies with their enabling technologies that are used in many different industries have become an important part of today's deep tech scene.

Supportive Infrastructure

Berlin's commitment to deep tech is evident in its comprehensive support system. Key initiatives include:

• The Deep Tech Hub: Launched in collaboration with the Senate Department for Economics, Energy and Public Enterprises, Berlin Partner for Business and Technology and MotionLab.Berlin, the Deep Tech Hub bridges research and industry by providing startups, SMEs, investors and research institutions with access to development space, advanced machinery and co-working areas. Since summer 2024, members have benefited from networking with national and international partners, access to industry events, workshops, and a digital database for connecting with key production and engineering contacts. The Hub also offers mentorship, consulting, and access to investment opportunities to support rapid growth and innovation.
• BERLIN QUANTUM: This collaborative effort between universities, research institutions, and industry partners is bolstering Berlin's position in quantum technologies, supported by €25 million in government funding. Part of BERLIN QUANTUM is The Leap, an innovation hub in Adlershof providing workspace and networking opportunities specifically for quantum technology startups and researchers.
• Start-a-Factory: The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft's research platform offers startups and SMEs the opportunity to test new hardware developments in a flexible, high-tech environment.
• INAM is a global innovation network for advanced materials, based in Berlin. Its mission is to support emerging technologies and start-ups in the field of advanced materials, as well as innovative processes and technologies. Through its accelerator programmes, it facilitates the global market entry of technological innovations.
• Techstars Deep Tech Berlin Accelerator: This program provides Deep Tech founders with a nurturing environment that combines funding, mentorship, resources, and valuable networks to accelerate the growth of their startups. Its vertical focuses include Novel AI & ML, Space, Life Science, Robotics, Climate Tech, Future of Computing, and Future of Mobility.
• The DEEP - Institute for Deep Tech Innovation: Started in September 2022 at European School of Management and Technology (ESMT), this institute focuses on the deep tech value chain and aims to overhaul it by educating and enabling all actors involved. The goal is to change the way deep tech comes to life, rebuilding the entire path from basic research to a thriving venture by sustainably instilling entrepreneurial thinking and acting in the scientific sphere and beyond.
• Silicon Allee startup program for deep tech & AI startups, in partnership with Fraunhofer’s Heinrich Hertz Institute (HHI): A full-time program that runs for 1 year, extendable to 2 years, and offers access to HHI’s cutting-edge research facilities and technology, office space as well as funding.

2024 Demo Day - Hardtech Innovation Accelerator Program at MotionLab.Berlin

Key Events

Berlin hosts several important events that showcase its deep tech ecosystem:

• Deep Tech Momentum: This major annual European Deep Tech Conference will take place from May 13-15, 2025, in Berlin.
• TOA – Tech Open Air: This annual Deep Tech conference in Berlin started as the world's first crowd-funded conference and has evolved into a community of thousands of technology enthusiasts gathering in Berlin each summer (https://event.toa.media/).
• GITEX Europe: Europe’s most global, collaborative tech and startup event will take place in May 2025. The three pillars of the conference will be AI Evolution, Deep Tech and New Energy.

In addition to these major events, Berlin also hosts a wide range of smaller events and international conferences in a variety of technology fields.

“Our company headquarters in Adlershof, one of the largest science parks in Europe, gives us access to a unique environment and an excellent network. The proximity to Humboldt University and technological institutes such as the Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM) enables us to enter into valuable collaborations. These strategic partnerships are crucial for the development and implementation of cutting-edge technologies.”

SAFIA Technologies, one of the winners of the Berlin Deep Tech Award 2024 (Read the full interview!)

Attracting Global Talent and Companies

Berlin's vibrant deep tech scene not only nurtures local talent, but also attracts international companies. In the field of quantum technologies, for example, companies such as Nomad Atomics, Q-CTRL and M Squared Lasers have chosen Berlin as their European base, drawn by the city's ecosystem and collaborative spirit.

Christian Freier, Co-Founder & CTO of Nomad Atomics, explains their choice: "As a startup originally founded in Australia, we chose Berlin as the hub for our European activities because it's a startup hotspot in the heart of Europe, and for the strength of its ecosystem in related technologies such as optics and photonics."

The teams of most deep tech companies reflect Berlin's international nature. The city's tech community is highly multinational and English-speaking, meaning international talents can seamlessly work and live in Berlin. Everyday life, from office communication to social interactions, is largely conducted in English, making the city an extremely attractive location for global talents. For people coming to Berlin to work in the technology sector, the city offers comprehensive information on its talent.berlin website.

Looking to the Future

As Berlin continues to strengthen its position in the deep tech landscape, the city is focusing on key areas for growth:

1. Fostering closer collaboration between academia and industry
2. Attracting and retaining top international talent
3. Increasing access to capital for deep tech startup
4. Expanding support for technology transfer and commercialization

With initiatives like the Deep Tech Award, which recognizes outstanding innovations across multiple categories, Berlin is continually showcasing its technological prowess and attracting global attention.

Berlin's rise as a deep tech hub is no accident. It's the result of a concerted effort by government, academia, and industry to create an environment where groundbreaking innovations can flourish. As the city continues to invest in its deep tech ecosystem, it's poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the technologies that will define our future.

Get Involved

Berlin's success in the deep tech sector is driven by those who come here year after year to be inspired and contribute their ideas and creativity to the unique Berlin deep tech ecosystem. If you're interested in engaging with Berlin's deep tech scene, we encourage you to reach out to Berlin Partner. They can provide valuable resources, connections, and support to help you become a part of this thriving ecosystem. Join us in shaping the future of technology in one of the world's most exciting and innovative cities!

Header image: © Berlin Partner/Wüstenhagen