0

edition

0

equity prize

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raised by past selected startups

Why apply?

YEAR-ROUND
CONNECTIONS

Get tailored support and exclusive year-round access to the biggest and most active global investor network in deep tech. Connect with corporate partners & potential clients, and join our exclusive programs & events around the world.

GLOBAL
RECOGNITION

Be recognised as a Deep Tech Pioneer, featured in reports & events, and showcased to industry leaders, investors and international media.

INVESTOR ACCESS
& FUNDING

Secure the €200K equity prize from DeepBright Ventures, meet 350+ leading VCs and CVCs at Investor Day, and share your fundraising news directly with our investor community.

TIMELINE

23 September, 2026

Applications Open

The 12th edition begins!

If you’re building a deep tech startup solving global challenges, now’s your chance to apply.

Apply by 30 November

September – November 2026

Challenge Q&A Sessions

Have questions about the Challenge?

Join one of our online Ask Me Anything sessions and hear directly from the Hello Tomorrow team and past participants.

Ask Me Anything #1 – 22 October, 2026, 3:00 PM (CEST) – Register here

Ask Me Anything #2 – 5 November, 2026, 3:00 PM (CEST)

16 October, 2026

Hello Tomorrow Türkiye Summit

Are you based in Türkiye?

Don’t miss the Hello Tomorrow Türkiye Summit in Istambul! 3 days full of networking, and expert panel discussions with valuable insights.

30 November, 2026

Applications Close

Our jury will hand-pick the most promising startups to join the Deep Tech Pioneers community, with exclusive access to:

  • The Hello Tomorrow Summit (2–3 June, 2027, Amsterdam)
  • Investor Day with 350+ VCs and CVCs (1 June, 2027, Amsterdam)
  • Year-round connections with investors, corporates & industry leaders

February 2027

Deep Tech Pioneers Selected

Startups chosen as Deep Tech Pioneers unlock access to Hello Tomorrow’s worldwide network and resources. From there, your application will be reevaluated for the chance to be selected as a finalist.

February 2027

Hello Tomorrow Japan Summit

Are you based in Japan?

Participate in our Japan Challenge to compete with fellow startups in your local ecosystem, and meet potential partners and investors. Learn more about the prizes on the Hello Tomorrow Japan website.

The finals for the Japan Challenge will take place in February 2027, during the Hello Tomorrow Japan Summit, and the winner will be fast tracked as a finalist of the 12th edition Hello Tomorrow Challenge!

April 2027

Finalists Announced

Revealing the startups who will pitch on the Pioneers Stage at the Hello Tomorrow Summit in front of top investors, industry leaders, and international media.

2-3 June, 2027

Hello Tomorrow Summit (Amsterdam)

The Hello Tomorrow Summit brings together thousands of the world’s most relevant deep tech leaders in Amsterdam.

The Challenge Finals will be held here, with the finalist startups pitching to an expert jury and international audience. 

Additionally, 70 Deep Tech Pioneers will get the chance to exhibit their solutions and connect with attending investors, corporates, and fellow founders.

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Tracks

Explore the tracks

Apply now

NEXT-GEN COMPUTING & CYBERSECURITY

Shaping the software, AI and computing foundations of an intelligent, connected world and keeping them secure and trustworthy.

Key technologies:

  • AI & Machine Learning (foundation models, agentic AI, physics-based AI)
  • Cybersecurity, Privacy & Data Integrity
  • Quantum & Post-Quantum Computing Software
  • Novel Computing Paradigms
  • Next-Gen Networks & Communication Technologies

AEROSPACE & NEW SPACE

From greener aviation to the new space economy, aerospace innovation is accelerating at all altitudes, from the air to orbit and beyond.

Key technologies:

  • Sustainable Propulsion & Aviation Decarbonisation
  • Launch Systems, Satellites & In-Orbit Services
  • Space Data, Earth Observation & Communications
  • Autonomy, Avionics & Air Traffic Management
  • UAVs, eVTOLs & Advanced Air Mobility
  • Advanced Manufacturing & Materials for Aerospace

FUTURE OF AUTOMOTIVE, MARITIME & RAIL

Accelerating the decarbonisation and digital transformation of land, sea,
and rail transport.

Key technologies:

Automotive:

  • Autonomous & Connected Vehicles
  • Electrification, Batteries & Green Mobility

Rail:

  • Energy Efficiency & Electrification
  • Rail Sensing, Autonomy & Infrastructure Monitoring Technologies

Maritime:

  • Autonomous & Remote-Controlled Vessels
  • Decarbonisation of Propulsion & Alternative Fuels
  • Smart Ports, Underwater Robotics & Ocean Sensing

CLIMATE TECH & RESOURCE EFFICIENCY

Cutting emissions, building climate resilience and transforming how we use, reuse and manage materials, water and waste.

Key technologies:

  • Carbon Capture, Removal & Utilisation
  • Nature-Based Solutions & Environmental Monitoring
  • Climate Adaptation & Resilience Systems
  • Advanced Recycling, Upcycling & Circular Supply Chains
  • Water Treatment & Reuse
  • Environmental Sensing, Remote Sensing & Monitoring Technologies

DIGITAL HEALTH & MEDTECH

Pioneering precision and preventive medicine through connected devices, AI-powered diagnostics and patient-centric technologies.

Key technologies:

  • Next-Gen Medical Devices & Surgical Technologies
  • Connected, Wearable & Point-of-Care Technologies
  • Digital Therapeutics (DTx) & Neurotechnology
  • Patient Digital Twins & Predictive Health
  • AI & ML for Diagnosis & Treatment Optimisation

NOVEL ENERGY

Enabling a low-carbon, secure and affordable energy system through breakthroughs in generation, storage, materials and grids.

Key technologies:

  • Clean & Reliable Energy Generation (next-gen solar, geothermal, nuclear, fusion)
  • Energy Storage & Long-Duration Storage
  • Hydrogen & Alternative Energy Carriers
  • Critical Materials Supply Chain
  • Power Grid, Flexibility & Energy Management

AGRITECH & FOODTECH

Feeding the world sustainably, from soil health and resilient crops to the future of food production.

Key technologies:

  • Precision Agriculture & Livestock Management
  • Regenerative Farming, Biocontrol & Smart Inputs
  • Crop Genetics & Climate-Resilient Agriculture
  • Alternative Proteins & Novel Food Production
  • Food Safety Sensing & Novel Processing Technologies

INDUSTRIAL AI & NOVEL ROBOTICS

Empowering intelligent, resilient and sustainable industry through advanced robotics, embodied AI and machine intelligence.

Key technologies:

  • Advanced Robotics, Embodied AI & Autonomous Systems
  • Human–Machine Collaboration
  • Industrial AI, Digital Twins & Data-Driven Operations
  • Precision Engineering & Additive Manufacturing
  • Novel Actuators, Sensors & Materials for Robotics

INDUSTRIAL BIOTECH

Harnessing biology as a manufacturing platform to produce sustainable ingredients, materials and chemicals at scale.

Key technologies:

  • Cell Factories, Strain Engineering & Precision Fermentation
  • Cell-Free & Enzymatic Manufacturing
  • Bio-Based Feedstocks & Ingredients
  • Biodegradation, Bioremediation & Waste Valorisation
  • Bioprocess Scale-Up & Biomanufacturing Tools

NEW MATERIALS & GREEN CHEMISTRY

Redesigning the materials and chemical processes that underpin industry to make them circular, low-carbon and high-performance.

Key technologies:

  • High-Performance Materials & Coatings
  • Smart & Functional Materials
  • Sustainable Polymers & Alternatives to Plastics
  • Green Chemistry & Low-Carbon Chemical Processes
  • Chemical Recycling & Circular Feedstocks
  • AI-Driven Materials Discovery & Autonomous Labs

MEDICAL BIOTECH & PHARMA INNOVATION

Breakthrough tools, platforms and therapies that accelerate drug discovery, sharpen diagnostics and redefine treatment.

Key technologies:

  • AI & Lab-Based Platforms for Drug Discovery & Clinical Trials
  • Advanced Diagnostics & Biomarker Discovery
  • Next-Generation Therapeutics (cell & gene therapy, RNA, biologics)
  • Drug Delivery & Manufacturing Innovation
  • Preventive Medicine & Vaccines

SEMICONDUCTORS & ADVANCED ELECTRONICS

Powering the physical layer of tomorrow’s digital world — from chips to photonics to quantum machines.

Key technologies:

  • Semiconductor Technologies & Materials
  • Energy-Efficient Computing Hardware
  • Photonics & Optoelectronics
  • Quantum Hardware
  • Advanced Sensing & Embedded Systems

SPINOUT BREAKTHROUGHS (TRANSVERSAL TRACK)

Are you an early-stage founder at the idea or pre-seed stage?


The Spinout Breakthroughs Prize is a dedicated cross-track award designed to recognize and support startups that are just getting started.

It’s never too early to stand out!

Previous Winners

Our Deep Tech Pioneers alumni have gone on to raise more than €30B

Discover the 2026 winners

To be rewarded amongst the best startups on the planet is a great pride for our team and partners. By shedding light on our technology and project, this award will enable us to broaden the ecosystem of scientists, industrials, investors we are creating around osmotic energy.

NICOLAS HEUZÉ , CO-FOUNDER & CEO OF SWEETCH ENERGY – 2023 GRAND WINNER

endogene.bio, France

Decoding the cells behind endometriosis through menstrual blood epigenetics for non-invasive diagnosis and personalised treatment.

DISCOVER THE PROJECT

Nūmi, France

Producing human breast milk using cell culture to provide infants with ideal nutrition when breastfeeding is not an option.

DISCOVER THE PROJECT

tozero, Germany

Bringing lithium-ion battery waste “tozero” with their innovative recycling process

DISCOVER THE PROJECT

Sweetch Energy, France

Expanding the frontiers of renewable energy with osmotic power

Discover the Project

Atlant 3D Nanosystems, Denmark

A revolutionary atomic layer 3D printing technology.

Discover the project

Agora Energy Technologies, Canada

A CO2 redox flow battery: grid scale battery technology sequestering CO2.

Discover the project

RxAll, Nigeria/USA

A portable nanoscanner to detect fake drugs in real-time.

Discover the project

Saathi, India

Biodegradable sanitary pads made from banana fibre.

Discover the project

Lilium, Germany

Electric, vertical take-off and landing aircrafts.

Discover the project

Dendra Systems (previously Biocarbon Engineering), UK

Mass reforestation using automated drones

Discover the project

Onward (Previously GTX Medical), Switzerland

Implant therapy to make paralyzed people walk again.

Discover the project

Global experts

Get hand-picked by the best

An international, interdisciplinary committee of scientists, industry specialists, successful entrepreneurs, and VCs selects the top startups in each industry track.

Challenge eligibility

Am I eligible to apply?

We welcome startups that are:

  • In the early stages of development through to the beginning of their scale-up phase, up to and including Series B
  • Based on a new technology, a scientific discovery or a complex engineering process
  • Addressing an industrial, societal or environmental unmet need or creating a new market
  • Composed of a team of at least 2 people
  • Not a subsidiary or spin-off of an existing company
Apply now
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