Applied Deep Tech Fest
24 June 2026 ARENA2036, Stuttgart
The Applied Deep Tech Fest (ADTF) brings together researchers, startups, industrial R&D teams and investors to connect, share ideas, and work on technologies with real impact.
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About ADTF
Where science meets market readiness
The event focuses on Deep Dive Sessions, discussions, and collaboration to turn research into practical solutions. Participants leave with new insights and inspiration, build high-quality connections for potential collaborations, and become part of a curated Deep Tech community that enables long-term exchange.
This years topics
Establishing Deep Tech in the South West Germany
Explore four Deep Tech topics where groundbreaking science meets market-ready solutions. It’s about exploring, discussing and learning what will shape the future.
Next Generation Battery
Can Europe regain technological and industrial leadership in energy storage through new cell chemistries and manufacturing innovation?
BioTech 4.0 & AI in MedTech
How will AI-driven biology and data transform the way therapies, diagnostics and medical devices are developed and delivered?
Dual Use Technologies
How can Europe build resilient, secure and cost-effective industrial systems in an increasingly volatile geopolitical landscape?
AI meets Quantum
What comes after today’s AI hardware limits – and how will new semiconductor, photonic and quantum technologies reshape computing?
The Applied Deep Tech Fest is powered by our excellence partner
Participation OpPortunities
Want to be part of the Applied Deep Tech Fest 2026?
For Startups – Apply to Showcase
The Applied Deep Tech Fest provides startups the opportunity to showcase their technologies within the framework of deep tech topics, receive feedback and connect with corporates, investors and researchers. All applications are reviewed for thematic fit, and participation is curated to maintain a high-quality enviroment.
For Corporates, Researchers & Investors – Visitor Access
The Applied Deep Tech Fest is designed for selected corporates, research institutions, and investors. A limited number of registrations are available for other relevant ecosystem participants.
All requests to attend are reviewed for thematic fit and invitations are granted based on curation.
Program Overview 2026
Inspiration. Collaboration. Community.
A keynote by Ingmar Hoerr offers a visionary perspective on applied deep technology, entrepreneurship and the future of innovation.
Complementing this, an expert panel brings together leaders from research, industry and venture to discuss real-world challenges, emerging opportunities and the evolving Deep Tech ecosystem.
Each track begins with two concise impulse talks – one from research and one from an investor or industry perspective – before transitioning into a moderated discussion with the audience. Designed for depth, exchange, and applied insight.
Curated spaces designed for meaningful exchange – connect with founders, investors, researchers, and operators shaping the next generation of deep technology.
Our speakers
Keynote and impulses from Deep Tech experts
Benjamin Erhart
Unternehmertum Venture Capital Partners GmbH
#speaker
#KIxQuantum
Dr. Hans-Martin Rieser
Universität Ulm (DLR)
#speaker
#KIxQuantum
Ingmar Hoerr
Founder of CureVac
#keynote
Prof. Dr. Dr. Felix Sahm
Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg
#speaker
#Biotechnology4.0 & AIinMedTech
Applied Deep Tech Fest 2025
The Applied Deep Tech Fest at Fraunhofer IPA
Strong Collaborations
Our collaborators from last year
NEXT GENERATION APPLIED DEEP TECH STARTUPS
Former success stories from the Southwest
Aleph Alpha, Ineratec, powercloud, Volocopter, CureVac, HyImpulse and many more current success stories had their origins in research from the Southwest. Don’t overlook the potential game-changers of tomorrow. Here, you’ll get a sneak peek into the rising Applied Deep Tech teams from the Southwest that have been making waves over the past year.
21 Semiconductors
University of Stuttgart
With the MEXL (Membrane External Cavity Laser), 21 Semiconductors offers an optically pumped laser system that combines the advantages of solid-state and diode lasers.
Nanoshape
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
Nanoshape aims to reduce implant infections. Inspired by dragonfly wings, we utilize a nanostructure to enhance artificial joints, bone plates, and dental implants, giving them antibacterial properties.
Cyclize
University of Stuttgart
Cyclize is developing a plasma-based process that replaces fossil resources and produces syngas, which serves as a basis for the production of everyday items such as plastics, hydrogen, as well as eFuels in the chemical industry. This enables the carbon cycle and utilizes non-recyclable plastic waste.
Cenmat
University of Stuttgart
Cenmat is an innovation center aimed at catalyzing electrolysis into a scalable, green, and profitable technology. We offer several product lines, including HYScale – a novel and cost-effective electrolysis technology that does not rely on critical raw materials.
Rabbit.AI
University of Heidelberg
Rabbit.AI recreates the real world in the computer for visualization and AI applications such as autonomous vehicles.
Sat:io
University of Stuttgart
Sat:io develops individual cloud-based software tools for tasks such as satellite command, mission planning, or flight dynamics within a comprehensive tool suite.
Alithea Bio
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
Alithea Bio revolutionizes cancer therapy through personalized treatments. With our sensitive solutions, we collaborate with pharmaceutical and biotech companies as well as clinics to achieve this goal.
ARENA 2036 – The Location
Be where innovation happens
ARENA2036 is a visionary innovation hub where research, industry and startups co-create the future of mobility and manufacturing.
As an open platform for interdisciplinary collaboration, it unites bold ideas, digital excellence and real-world experimentation. Strategically located in Stuttgart, the heart of industrial innovation, ARENA2036 is easily accessible by plane, car and train – making it the ideal meeting place for pioneers shaping tomorrow’s industries.
Get in touch
Do you have any questions?
Then contact us directly by email. We look forward to hearing from you!
Dr. Eric Heintze
Senior Technology Expert
Nina Schmidt
Event Success Manager
Collaborators
Our collaborators 2026
Excellence partner
Deep Tech Ecosystem
Sponsors
