On March 4-5, DeepTech Alliance had the privilege of participating in Leading Lights 2025, the premier event hosted by EIT Manufacturing. This dynamic gathering brought together key players from across the European manufacturing ecosystem—corporates, accelerators, investors, startups, and research institutions—all committed to driving open innovation and tackling the industry’s most pressing challenges.
Spotlight on Circularity
Thomas Klem Andersen, Executive Director of DeepTech Alliance, took center stage as a panel moderator, leading a thought-provoking discussion on Building a Circular Ecosystem through Collaboration. With esteemed panelists Bruno Maffei (Korall Engineering AS, a DeepTech Alliance Alumni), Maja Yhde (HOFOR, a DeepTech Alliance corporate partner), Christiaan Kraaijenhagen (Innoboost), and Viktor Brajak (Medius), the conversation delved into the urgent need for circular solutions in manufacturing.
Key Takeaways from the Panel:
- Collaboration is Key – Achieving circularity requires deep cross-sector partnerships, supply chain realignment, and a paradigm shift in how we view waste—as a resource, not a problem.
- Challenges Remain – A staggering 73% of EU manufacturers struggle with circularity, and only 12% have traceability systems in place. Bridging the gap between startups and corporates is essential for scaling impactful solutions.
- The Role of Digitalization – AI-driven traceability systems are vital to making circularity a reality. However, hesitancy around investment in these technologies continues to slow progress.
- Regulatory Push vs. Industry Action – Policies like Right to Repair and Digital Product Passports can accelerate circularity, but industry leaders must be proactive in implementing sustainable business models rather than waiting for legislative changes.
- A 5-Year Outlook for Circular Manufacturing – To drive real progress, we must: Establish clear incentives for circular business models. Strengthen collaborations between startups, corporates, and circularity enablers. Rethink manufacturing design, considering that 80% of circular potential is determined at the design stage.
A big thank you to all the panelists and participants who contributed to this critical conversation!
Recognizing Manufacturing Pioneers
Another highlight of the event for DeepTech Alliance was presenting the Manufacturing Pioneer Prize. Thomas Klem Andersen had the honor of presenting the Manufacturing Pioneer Prize together with Caroline Viarouge and Johanna Stiernstedt from EIT Manufacturing, recognizing the outstanding startups driving innovation in sustainable manufacturing. These innovators emerged victorious in the pitch competition, showcasing cutting-edge technologies with scalable impact:
- SynergyXR – Leveraging extended reality (XR) for immersive learning experiences in manufacturing.
- AIRY Automotive – Developing autonomous manufacturing solutions tailored for the automotive industry.
- Helios Innovations – Pioneering purification solutions for industrial process water, advancing sustainability in manufacturing operations.
The winners were selected by an esteemed jury that included Maja Yhde from HOFOR and Michele Colli from Force Technology—both corporate partners of DeepTech Alliance.
We are incredibly proud to celebrate these startups and their transformative solutions for the industry!
Looking Ahead
DeepTech Alliance remains committed to fostering collaborations that bridge the gap between research-driven startups and industry leaders. Events like Leading Lights 2025 reinforce the importance of matchmaking, co-creation, and shared learning to drive Europe’s manufacturing sector toward a more sustainable future.
Stay connected with us for more updates on upcoming programs and opportunities to engage with our vibrant deep-tech ecosystem!
