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.
supported by
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?
Track Sponsor: InnoEnergy.
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 & Black Out Production
How can Europe build resilient, secure and cost-effective industrial systems in an increasingly volatile geopolitical landscape?
AI xQuantum
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 supported by our excellence partner
Participation OpPortunities
Want to be part of the Applied Deep Tech Fest 2026?
For Startups – Applications Closed
Applications for the Applied Deep Tech Fest 2026 are now closed.
We were delighted by the strong interest from startups across the deep tech ecosystem. The selected startups have now been confirmed and will showcase their technologies on June 24.
We look forward to welcoming you at a future edition of the Applied Deep Tech Fest.
For Corporates – Thank you for your interest in ADTF 2026
Due to limited capacity, participation for this year’s event is now closed. We are excited to bring together a curated group of founders, researchers, investors and industry leaders on June 24.
We look forward to welcoming you at a future edition of the Applied Deep Tech Fest.
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
#AIxQuantum
Dr. Hans-Martin Rieser
Universität Ulm (DLR)
#speaker
#AIxQuantum
Ingmar Hoerr
Founder of CureVac
#keynote
Prof. Dr. Dr. Felix Sahm
Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg
#speaker
#Biotechnology4.0 & AIinMedTech
Prof. Dr. Dr.-Ing. Dr. h. c. Jivka Ovtcharova
KIT, Direktorin am FZI
#speaker
#DualUse & BlackOutProduction
Sven Schatz
MBG
#speaker
#DualUse & BlackOutProduction
Christian Bauer
InnoEnergy
#speaker
#Next Generation Battery
Johannes Wanner
Fraunhofer IPA
#speaker
#Next Generation Battery
AGENDA 2026
What awaits you this year
Connect with top deep tech experts from industry, research and the startup scene, driving the transformation of cutting-edge research into scalable businesses.
1:00 –2:00 PM
Arrival & Accreditation
2:00 – 2:15 PM
Welcome
Eric Heintze, NXTGN
Prof. Dr. Middendorf, University of Stuttgart
02:15 – 02:30 PM
WRS: Future Perspectives for Stuttgart Region
Veit Haug, WRS
02:30 – 03:00 PM
Keynote with Q&A
Ingmar Hoerr, Founder CureVac
03:00 – 04:15 PM
Deep Dive Sessions
Track 1: AI x Quantum
Track 2: Next Generation Battery
04:14 – 05:00 PM
Break & Networking
05:00 – 05:30 PM
Panel
05:30 – 06:45 PM
Deep Dive Sessions
Track 1: Dual Use & Black Out Production
Track 2: BioPharma 4.0 & AI in MedTech
19:00 – 23:00
Dinner & Networking
Applied Deep Tech Fest 2025
The Applied Deep Tech Fest at Fraunhofer IPA
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
