Europe has never lacked brilliant science. What has been lacking, particularly in recent decades, is the momentum to turn that science into global category leaders. Today, we’re changing how we recognize that gap, and the founders are closing it.
A New Award for a New Kind of Company
We’re proud to announce the newest addition to our award lineup: the Deep Tech Award for Breakthrough Momentum.
This award, which has been co-created by Deep Tech Berlin and Deep Tech Momentum, is designed to spotlight the European deep tech startup most likely to become the continent’s next deep tech unicorn – not simply on the strength of its technology, but on the rare combination of scientific innovation and the ability to execute at scale.
Deep tech, as we define it, means companies built on real scientific or engineering breakthroughs, such as quantum computing, advanced materials and space tech. These are the companies that, when they succeed, don’t just win markets, they define entirely new ones.
Why This Award, Why Now
Europe is world-class at producing science. Its universities, research institutes, and laboratories generate breakthrough after breakthrough. But turning a scientific breakthrough into a team, a product, a paying customer base, and eventually a global category leader? That’s where Europe has struggled.
The Deep Tech Award for Breakthrough Momentum is a response to that gap. It exists to shine a light on the founders who are already doing the hard part and to signal, loudly, that Europe can produce the next generation of deep tech giants.
“Europe doesn’t have a shortage of breakthrough deep tech. I see it every week – in the labs, in the pitches, in the cap tables. What we’re short on is momentum. We built the Deep Tech Award for Breakthrough Momentum because brilliant science isn’t what’s missing. What’s missing is enough of those companies actually making it – turning a lab breakthrough into a team, a product, customers, and eventually a global category leader. That’s the hard part. That’s the part Europe has to get better at. This award is our way of shining a light on the founders who are doing it.”
Martin Schilling, Co-Founder & CEO, Deep Tech Momentum
What Makes This Award Different
Eligibility isn’t open. Only startups already selected for Deep Tech Momentum can be considered for this award. Every candidate has already cleared a rigorous first filter: real deep tech, technically validated, curated from across Europe. From within that cohort, we identify the companies with the strongest combination of two defining factors:- Market Size — Is this a category-defining opportunity? Are they pursuing a market large enough to matter globally?
- Technology Readiness — Is the product ready to meet the market? Can the science be commercialised at the speed the opportunity demands?
This is not an award for potential alone. It’s an award for momentum.
The Jury
The winner will be selected by three of Europe’s most respected deep tech investors — people who have backed and built European category leaders, and who understand better than most what the next one looks like:- Christian Miele, General Partner, Headline
- Florian Heinemann, Founding Partner, Project A Ventures
- Hendrik Brandis, Co-Founder & Partner, Earlybird Venture Capital
How the Jury Will Evaluate Candidates
Candidates will be assessed across three dimensions:- Team & Execution Power — The ability to move from vision to tangible results. Does this team have what it takes to build a category leader?
- Market Traction & Scalability — Proof of demand, evidence of growth, and a credible path to global reach.
- Innovation Momentum & Timing — Is this the right technology, at the right time? Why now, and why this team?
Where and When
The winner of the Deep Tech Award for Breakthrough Momentum will be announced live on stage at our award ceremony on 20th May 2026.
Stay tuned for more details on the shortlist and the ceremony. The future of European deep tech is being built right now and we’re here to celebrate the people building it.