award
The ASML Emerging Innovator Award is a new global contest for visionary entrepreneurs developing breakthrough technologies that advance the capabilities, performance, and scalability of next‑generation high‑tech and complex systems. ASML is looking for bold risk‑takers who are ready to move beyond the theoretical and build the hardware and systems that will define the future. If you are building something groundbreaking, this is your moment to step forward.
The ASML Emerging Innovator Award acts as a collaboration engine, connecting ASML’s world‑class ecosystem with the next generation of talent. By providing recipients with mentoring, network access, and global visibility, ASML is not just celebrating bold moves. They are building the capacity for these innovations to reach the market and solve the world’s most complex technical challenges. This is your chance to accelerate your technology, expand your network, and present your breakthrough to global leaders.
IS YOUR STARTUP BUILDING BREAKTHROUGH HIGH-COMPLEXITY TECHNOLOGY?
Discover whether your innovation fits the challenge. This challenge is designed for technologies including:
ADVANCED MANUFACTURING EXCELLENCE
Pioneering new methods, materials, or processes that push manufacturing boundaries. Technologies that make critical systems more accessible, reliable, or scalable.
Examples:
● Additive & advanced manufacturing processes
● Robotics, automation & production systems
● New materials: Manufacturable & production-enabling
NEXT FRONTIER
IN TECH
Breakthrough technologies that go beyond today’s deployment capabilities. Rooted in fundamental research, with the aim to unlock entirely new possibilities in energy, computing, and extreme environments.
Examples:
● Big moonshot ideas for next‑gen energy
● New computing paradigms (quantum, photonic)
● New science platforms (novel physics, chemistry foundations)
● Extreme environment hardware (space, deep sea)
WHO CAN APPLY?
Startups developing high-complexity technologies at TRL 4 to 6, across all fields.
ELIGIBILITY:
● Startups worldwide
● Technology Readiness Level: 4 to 6. (Preference for lower TRL with bolder ideas over higher TRL with incremental innovation.)
DELIVERABLES:
● Application: Applicants will submit the application form, a slide deck (max. 15 slides) and demonstrate the technology through a 2-3 minute long video (max. 400 MB) or technical documentation with images/diagrams showing proof of concept. More details can be found in the application form.
● Final Deliverable: Finalists present their technology on stage at the Hello Tomorrow Summit in Amsterdam on June 11-12th.
WHAT WILL YOU WIN?
WIDE COMMUNICATION & RECOGNITION
Title of ASML Emerging Innovator Award Winner 2026, and a global spotlight on ASML’s LinkedIn channel
EXCLUSIVE EXPERT ACCESS
15 hours of expert coaching from ASML specialists (on-site or online), tailored to your needs to accelerate your solution and market entry – with up to €4,000 in financial support* to join us on-site at ASML.
AWARDING CEREMONY
Ticket to the official Hello Tomorrow Challenge Awarding Ceremony at the Hello Tomorrow Summit in Amsterdam
* Covering travel and accommodation expenses
Join our Ask Me Anything Webinar on March 31st at 16:00 CET to ask all your questions about the ASML Emerging Innovator Award.
Contact our Project Coordinator, Eduardo Rodrigues (eduardo.rodrigues@hello-tomorrow.org) for any questions.