FAQ Deep Tech Award

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Deep tech refers to technologies based on scientific breakthroughs or in-depth technological development. They often take years to develop, are research-intensive, and involve higher technical and economic risks—but in return offer the potential to transform entire markets and address social and environmental challenges.

The Deep Tech Award recognizes precisely such innovations: research-based, application-oriented, and proven products that were predominantly developed in Berlin and create clear added value for users. The following FAQs provide an overview of the requirements, procedure, and classification of the award.

  • 1. What is deep tech?

    Deep tech refers to innovations that

    • are based on significant scientific discoveries and/or technical breakthroughs,
    • offer significant technological advantages over existing technologies
    • and aim to solve key social or environmental challenges.

    Typical characteristics include long development times, high capital requirements and greater uncertainties regarding technological feasibility and market acceptance.

  • 2. What distinguishes deep tech in the context of the Deep Tech Award?

    The focus is on research-based, application-oriented, and proven software and hardware products with a high level of technological sophistication, clear market and application prospects, and recognizable benefits for users.

  • 3. Does my product qualify as deep tech?

    If your product does not meet the criteria listed above, the Deep Tech Award is probably not the right prize for you.

    If you are unsure, apply anyway—submitting your application often helps you determine where you stand.

  • 4. Who can apply for the Deep Tech Award?

    Companies based in Berlin that submit a product that was predominantly developed in Berlin are eligible to apply.

  • 5. What does “predominantly developed in Berlin” mean?

    Since development work is often decentralized today, the connection to Berlin is considered holistically. Important criteria include:

    • Company headquarters in Berlin
    • Developer team based in Berlin
    • Basic technology originated at Berlin universities or research institutions
    • Spin-off from Berlin scientific institutions

    Tip: Describe your connection to Berlin briefly and concisely in the application form.

  • 6. Can small or young companies also apply?

    Yes. Submissions from small and medium-sized enterprises are expressly welcome.

  • 7. Does my product have to be on the market already?

    The product must be tested and have a clear application context. Pure ideas or early research projects without validation are not sufficient.

  • 8. What level of technological maturity should my product have?

    Products can generally be assigned a technology readiness level (TRL) between 1 and 9. A TRL of at least 4 (laboratory test setup) is recommended.

    In the Artificial Intelligence category, only submissions with a TRL of 6 or higher will be accepted from 2026 onwards.

  • 9. In which language can I apply?

    Applications can be submitted in both German and English.

  • 10. What categories are there?

    The Deep Tech Award is presented in five categories:

    • Advanced Manufacturing
    • Bio- & Health Tech
    • Artificial Intelligence
    • Quantum Technologies, Photonics & Microelectronics
    • Web3 & Distributed Ledger Technologies (DLT)
  • 11. Can I submit my product in multiple categories?

    No. Each product can only be assigned to one category.

  • 12. When does the application phase for the Deep Tech Award 2026 start?

    The application period begins on January 5, 2026.

  • 13. When is the application deadline?

    The application deadline is February 13, 2026.

  • 14. What happens after the application?

    After formal review, three products per category will be nominated as finalists.

  • 15. When will the nominees be announced?

    The nominees will be announced on April 6, 2026.

  • 16. When will the award ceremony take place?

    The Deep Tech Award 2026 ceremony will take place on May 20, 2026.

  • 17. What should I pay particular attention to when applying?

    It is important to:

    • clearly highlight the deep tech character,
    • explain the technological innovation in an understandable way,
    • describe the specific added value for users,
    • and name the social or ecological impact.
  • 18. What should I avoid?
    • Excessively long attachments (e.g., pitch decks longer than five pages)
    • General buzzwords without substance
    • Unclear or purely technical descriptions without application context
  • 19. Can I reapply if I have already participated once?

    Yes. Finalists from previous years can reapply. It is important to clearly highlight the technological progress made since the last application.

    Products that have already been awarded Deep Tech Star status cannot be resubmitted—unless they are objectively new products.

  • 20. Which corporate legal forms are permitted?

    Corporations, i.e., limited liability companies (GmbH), entrepreneurial companies (limited liability, UG), and stock corporations (AG) are eligible to participate. The same applies to their non-profit counterparts (gGmbH, gUG, gAG).

    Partnerships such as civil law partnerships (GbR), general partnerships (OHG), partner companies (PartG), and limited partnerships (KG) are generally excluded from participation.

    Note: If you have a special case (e.g., foundation), please contact the organizer (email: Robin.hempel@senweb.berlin.de) at an early stage to discuss possible options.

  • 21. Companies in the process of being founded

    If you are still in the process of founding your company at the time of application, you can still apply, provided you can ensure that you will have completed the founding process by the award ceremony on May 20, 2026.

    If this is the case, please indicate this briefly in the application form.

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