Forging Connections Across Europe: Highlights from DeepTech Alliance Explore 2024

On December 5, 2024, the inaugural DeepTech Alliance Explore 2024 event, hosted in collaboration with Hello Tomorrow, brought together the best of Europe’s deep tech ecosystem. Held at La Bellevilloise in Paris, this full-day event featured inspiring panels, innovative pitches, and impactful networking opportunities for startups, scaleups, corporates, and investors.

A Milestone for DeepTech Alliance

As Thomas Klem Andersen, Executive Director of DeepTech Alliance, noted: “This was not just an event—it was a celebration of the power of collaboration and the immense potential of Europe’s deep tech ecosystem.” Bringing together the entire DeepTech Alliance community for the first time, the event served as a dynamic platform for exploring collaboration and fostering business opportunities across sectors and geographies.

Event Structure

Explore 2024 was divided into three tracks, offering participants a comprehensive experience:

1. Content Track: Panel discussions curated by Hello Tomorrow and DeepTech Alliance explored trends in renewable energy, health innovation, advanced manufacturing, and smart utilities.
2. Match Track: Facilitated 1:1 meetings, enabling corporates, investors, and startups to forge valuable connections. DeepTech Alliance managed to successfully match 117 one-on-one meetings between attendees at the Explore event.
3. Pitch Track: Startups from the 2024 cohort and alumni presented their innovations in domain-specific sessions.

Key Takeaways from Explore 2024

The day was packed with insights and opportunities, reinforcing the unique role of DeepTech Alliance in fostering collaboration and commercialization within Europe. Here are some standout moments:

Building a Collaborative Community: The event demonstrated the importance of fostering a familiar and open atmosphere, where meaningful conversations and connections can flourish.

Breaking Silos Across Industries: From renewable energy to smart utilities, the event created a platform for cross-sector innovation.

Strengthening Commercialization in Europe: By connecting mature startups with investors and corporates, DeepTech Alliance is enabling European ventures to scale and succeed internationally.

Inspiring Stories from Explore 2024

Würth Italy’s Collaboration with GaussML
Stefano Prosseda, Head of Innovation at Würth Italy, shared how his company partnered with GaussML, a German deep tech startup specializing in AI-driven production line optimization. The collaboration, facilitated by DeepTech Alliance, resulted in a breakthrough agreement to distribute GaussML’s AI solutions through Würth’s vast global network.

Creating Pathways for Startups
Krim Talia, CEO of Sting, emphasized the unique value of DeepTech Alliance in helping startups find their first customers:
“Our companies’ main challenge is to get commercial traction, and this event helps them reach relevant customers across Europe. It’s also an incredible opportunity for me to connect with peers and learn from others supporting their companies in different geographies.”

A Corporate Perspective
Caterina Crippa, Innovation Ecosystem Specialist at A2A, praised the event for its ability to bring together startups, corporates, and investors in a collaborative atmosphere:
“DeepTech Alliance provides access to a unique corporate network and deep tech startups that would otherwise be difficult to reach. The matchmaking and connections created here are invaluable.”

Driving Innovation in Construction
Teresa Graça, Head of Investments at MEXT, highlighted how DeepTech Alliance is opening doors for innovation in the construction, energy, and environment sectors. She appreciated the dynamic panels, startup pitches, and matchmaking sessions:
“We’ve explored new trends, faced challenges, and made meaningful connections with innovation players from across Europe.”

Transformative Impact for Startups
David Callejo Munoz, CEO of Resilco, reflected on the value of the network:
“DTA has been a game-changer for us, providing connections and conversations that go beyond the rigid structures of normal business discussions. It’s a unique way to create meaningful relationships.”

Looking Ahead

The DeepTech Alliance is set to expand its impact further in 2025 with four targeted business creation programs focusing on energy, health, manufacturing and utilities, aimed at connecting corporates and mature European startups working in these fields. Additionally, following the success of Explore 2024, plans are already underway for next year’s event, promising even more opportunities to advance Europe’s deep tech ecosystem.
As Andersen concluded, “Together, we’re charting the path forward for European innovation—harnessing the full potential of our research, talent, and entrepreneurial spirit.”
Explore 2024 was not just an event; it was a launching point for greater collaboration and innovation within Europe’s deep tech landscape. Stay tuned for what’s next as the DeepTech Alliance continues to lead the way in connecting and advancing the ecosystem.