On 13-14 March, the 10th edition of the 2025 Hello Tomorrow Global Summit gathered startups, investors and industry leaders from around the world in Paris to explore how deep tech is shaping the future. Over two days, attendees took part in engaging panel discussions, discovered cutting-edge innovations from emerging startups, and experienced interactive exhibitions that brought science and technology to life. More than just a showcase of breakthroughs, this year’s Summit highlighted the urgent need for collaboration to tackle global challenges. Whether you joined us in person or watched remotely, here are the key takeaways.
Day 1 kicked off with discussions on the role of AI in achieving net-zero goals, the impact of policy on deep tech, and insights into the evolving energy sector. Clara Chappaz and Eric Lombard took part in a fireside chat on deep tech, global collaboration and geopolitics. The day was also filled with expert insights on strategic partnerships and exit strategies for deep tech companies.
Day 2 opened with an investor panel on the future of climate tech, followed by sessions on biotech startups, quantum precision medicine and neurocognition in a bioengineered future. Discussions also covered turning bio-waste into opportunity, food innovation and sustainable farming.
The Deep Tech Academy Stage focused on unlocking growth and driving innovation in deep tech. Key strategies for raising finance and securing strong IP protection, essential tools for turning cutting-edge ideas into successful ventures. The European Innovation Council (EIC) also provided valuable insights into building Europe’s deep tech ecosystem.
On both days, the Pioneer Stage showcased bold ideas and pitches from deep tech startups.
Stay Informed: The Latest Insights on the State of European Deep Tech
Deep Tech is emerging as a powerful driver of growth and resilience, even outperforming traditional tech investments during the current funding slowdown. Our latest report, 2025 European Deep Tech Report, co-authored with Dealroom, Lakestar, and Walden Catalyst, reveals the sectors attracting the most investment and outlines how Europe can harness its scientific strengths to build the next generation of deep tech leaders.
The stage featured Yoram Wijngaarde (Founder & CEO, Dealroom.co), Lukas Leitner (Deep Tech Investor, Lakestar), Nicolas Autret (Partner, Walden Catalyst Ventures), Arnaud de la Tour (CEO, Hello Tomorrow), in a discussion moderated by Steven Kamins Jacobs (Deep Tech Investor).
Read the 2025 European Deep Tech Report.
Disruptive Solutions on the Rise: Meet The Global Challenge Winners
This year’s Hello Tomorrow Global Challenge attracted over 4,600 applicants from 120 countries, showcasing ventures developing technology solutions to address substantial scientific or engineering challenges in these areas:
-Advanced computing and electronics
-Energy
-Environment and biodiversity
-Food and agriculture
-Aerospace
-Medical biotech and pharmaceuticals
-Industrial biotech and new materials
-Industry and machines
-Sustainable construction and infrastructure
-Digital health and medical devices
A jury of renowned scientists, entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders meticulously selected 850 Deep Tech Pioneers startups distinguished by their disruptive technological breakthroughs and strong market potential.
From this elite group, 80 Deep Tech Pioneers finalists advanced to the final stage of the competition. The finalists demonstrated equally impressive ideas, from novel carbon capture methods to AI-powered drug formulation models, showing that deep tech is paving the way for a more sustainable and efficient future. Ultimately, 3 startups emerged as this year’s top winners:
Grand Winner (€100,000): Nūmi (France)
Second Prize (€25,000) : spotLESS Materials Inc (United States)
Emerging Pioneer (€25,000 for the most promising early-stage startup): Papcup (United Kingdom)
The Global Challenge provides deep tech startups with equity-free cash prizes and exclusive opportunities to help accelerate their journey from lab to market. Beyond financial support, winners gain privileged access to Hello Tomorrow’s extensive network of over 1,200 investors, including venture capital funds, corporate investors, and business angels. The startups also benefit from personalized introductions to relevant investors, opening doors to valuable connections that can drive their growth forward.
Curious about the other 10 winners? Check out the full list now
Welcoming Eric Lombard and Clara Chappaz at the Summit
At the 2025 Hello Tomorrow Summit, we had the honor of welcoming Eric Lombard, French Minister of the Economy, Finances, and Industrial & Digital Sovereignty, and Clara Chappaz, French Minister for AI and Digital Affairs.
During a fireside chat moderated by Alizée Blanchin, Director and Partner at Hello Tomorrow, they shared insights on the state of deep tech in France and Europe, geopolitics and the need for global collaboration. We had the pleasure to show both ministers and Julie Huguet, Director of La French Tech, our exhibition space and introduce them to the Deep Tech Pioneers bringing groundbreaking innovations from lab to market.
Key Panel Discussions about Deep Tech’s Impact on Key Industries
This year’s summit offered a carefully curated program of insightful discussions at the intersection of science and industry. Experts from diverse sectors took the stage to explore how deep tech solutions are transforming industries like healthcare, energy, and agriculture. The sessions also provided valuable insights into deep tech investment trends, VC perspectives, and emerging market opportunities. Here are some key highlights from the discussions.
Fundraising In Deep Tech
Raising funds in deep tech comes with its own set of challenges. In this panel, experts broke down the key stages of fundraising, comparing strategies in Europe and the US, and weighing the pros and cons of equity versus debt financing.
Speakers Xavier Gury (Founding Partner, Wind), Hany Nada (Partner & Co-founder, ACME Capital), and Fatou Diagne (Managing Partner, Bootstrap Europe) shared success stories, offered expert tips, and highlighted common pitfalls to watch for in cap tables. The discussion, moderated by Tom Nugent (Newsletter Editor, Sifted), provided insights for founders navigating their first round or looking to scale.
In this photo (from left to right): Speakers Xavier Gury (Founding Partner, Wind), Hany Nada (Partner & Co-founder, ACME Capital), Fatou Diagne (Managing Partner, Bootstrap Europe), and Tom Nugent (Newsletter Editor, Sifted). Photo Credit: Léo Coulongeat Prod.
Cracking Compute: Deep Tech’s Role in The AI Chip Revolution
With the race to build faster, more efficient AI hardware heating up, this panel took a closer look at the latest breakthroughs shaping the AI chip landscape. This panel was animated with Seth Bannon (Founding Partenr, Fifty Years), Sumeet Kumar (Co-Founder & CEO, Innatera), Dennis Michaelis (Co-Founder & CEO, GEMESYS), and Jennifer Schenker (Founder, The Innovator)
The speakers discussed how emerging players are shaking up the value chain and explored where startups can make the biggest impact. It was a deep dive into the key innovations driving the future of computing.
In this photo (from left to right): Sumeet Kumar (Co-Founder & CEO, Innatera), Dennis Michaelis (Co-Founder & CEO, GEMESYS), Seth Bannon (Founding Partner, Fifty Years),and Jennifer Schenker (Founder, The Innovator). Photo Credit: Léo Coulongeat Prod.
Scaling in Deep Tech
Scaling deep tech startups comes with unique challenges, especially when navigating the critical post-Series A funding gap, often called the “valley of death.” This panel explored what attracts financing at this pivotal stage, the pressure for deep tech startups to outperform existing solutions from day one, and why some once-promising technologies fail to reach their potential.
The discussion also examined key differences between scaling in Europe versus the U.S., offering valuable insights for founders looking to grow effectively.
Speakers included Michiel Scheffer (President of the Board of the European Innovation Council), Constantijn van Oranje (Special Envoy, Techleap), Fabien Deswarte (Head of Strategic Partnerships for Sustainability, L’Oréal), and Maria Wasastjerna (Partner, Co-founder, and CEO, Kvanted Ventures), with Alizée Blanchin (Director & Partner, Hello Tomorrow) moderating the conversation.
In this photo (from left to right): Michiel Scheffer (President of the Board of the European Innovation Council), Constantijn van Oranje (Special Envoy, Techleap), Fabien Deswarte (Head of Strategic Partnerships for Sustainability, L’Oréal), and Maria Wasastjerna (Partner, Co-founder, and CEO, Kvanted Ventures), with Alizée Blanchin (Director & Partner, Hello Tomorrow). Photo Credit: Léo Coulongeat Prod.
Collaborations and Exit Strategies
As deep tech startups scale, strategic collaborations and well-planned exit strategies are key to unlocking long-term success. In this panel, Matthew Jones (Managing Partner, Syensqo Ventures), Max Bautin (Managing Partner and Co-Founder, IQ Capital), and Karim Beguir (CEO, InstaDeep), moderated by Vincent Durand (Partner and Director, Hello Tomorrow) explored how partnerships with corporates, from joint ventures to licensing deals, can accelerate growth and innovation.
The speakers shared insights on navigating exits like M&A and IPOs, offering strategies for startups to maximize value while staying true to their vision. The discussion highlighted key takeaways for corporates looking to tap into successful partnerships and emerging technologies to stay competitive.
In this photo (from left to right): Matthew Jones (Managing Partner, Syensqo Ventures), Max Bautin (Managing Partner and Co-Founder, IQ Capital), and Karim Beguir (CEO, InstaDeep), moderated by Vincent Durand (Partner and Director, Hello Tomorrow). Photo Credit: Léo Coulongeat Prod.
Scaling The Future of Energy Storage
As clean energy keeps gaining momentum, the big question is: how do we store it efficiently for the long haul? In this panel, experts explored new solutions that go beyond traditional lithium-ion batteries, from sodium-ion and solid-state tech to flow batteries and CO2-based storage.
The conversation featured Shirley Meng (Professor, University of Chicago Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering), Matthew Blain (Principal, Voyager Ventures), Marcin Klopot (VP Corporate Development and Investor Relations, Energy Dome), and moderated by Lucas Maurice (Senior Deep Tech & Innovation Consultant, Hello Tomorrow).
They explored what’s needed to scale energy innovations, the biggest opportunities for energy players, and the role of smart policies in accelerating progress, all with a focus on uncovering breakthroughs that can build a stronger, more sustainable energy future.
In this photo (from left to right): Marcin Klopot (VP Corporate Development and Investor Relations, Energy Dome), Shirley Meng (Professor, University of Chicago Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering), Matthew Blain (Principal, Voyager Ventures), and Lucas Maurice (Senior Deep Tech & Innovation Consultant, Hello Tomorrow). Photo Credit: Léo Coulongeat Prod.
Key Takeaways for Industry Leaders
For corporate leaders seeking to embrace innovation, three key themes emerged from the summit:
-Collaboration is Crucial: Startups, investors, institutions and industry giants must work together to scale deep tech innovations to market.
-Sustainability is Non-Negotiable: Solutions that address environmental concerns are no longer optional; they are imperative for future growth.
-Adaptability Drives Success: Embracing flexible business models and emerging tech trends is essential for staying competitive in rapidly evolving markets.
Highlights of the Pitch Moments at the Global Summit
On both days of the summit, the Pioneer Stage showcased bold ideas and pitches from deep tech startups.
Want to see the full lineup of which startups were present? check out the list here.
Highlights from the Exhibition Floor
The exhibition floor at the Hello Tomorrow Global Summit was a hub where attendees had the chance to discover groundbreaking innovations and connect with key players in the deep tech ecosystem.
From interactive displays to live demonstrations, industry professionals engaged directly with cutting-edge technologies, witnessing science-driven solutions in action. This dynamic space provided a unique opportunity to explore emerging trends, connect with visionary entrepreneurs, and engage with top investors and industry leaders showcasing their latest innovations and services.
Want to know who was there?
Engaging Side-Events to Connect Minds and Opportunities
Hello Tomorrow hosted a series of exclusive side-events during the summit, designed to foster meaningful connections and spark collaboration. These intimate gatherings provided startups, investors, and industry leaders with dedicated spaces to exchange ideas, discuss emerging trends, and explore partnership opportunities. From focused roundtable discussions to curated networking sessions, these events allowed participants to further explore specific deep tech challenges and uncover new pathways for growth.
Our summit partners also played a key role in enriching the side-event lineup. To name a few, partners such as Dutch Deep Tech, European Innovation Council (EIC) Scaling Club, Honda Xcelerator Ventures, Bpifrance, SOSV & Lowcarbon Capital, Startup Estonia, and many more, organized tailored sessions that addressed industry-specific challenges and showcased cutting-edge innovations. These partner-led events created valuable opportunities for participants to connect directly with experts, gain insights into strategic trends, and explore potential collaborations that could shape the future of deep tech.
What is Deep Tech Days 2025?
Deep Tech Days 2025 is the umbrella week for the Hello Tomorrow Global Summit. This year’s Deep Tech Days took place during the week of 12-14 March and kicked off with a vibrant programme of side events, both within the Hello Tomorrow Global Summit and across the city of Paris. These side events provided a platform for industry leaders, startups and investors to connect and exchange ideas. Here’s a closer look at the highlights:
On-Site Side-Events:
Deep Tech Atelier (Hosted by Startup Latvia) explored Latvia’s role in driving future breakthroughs.
Home for Innovators (by SPRIND) provided a space for startups to showcase disruptive ideas.
Women in Deep Tech: Matchmaking Session offered dedicated networking to connect female entrepreneurs with investors and industry leaders.
From Deeptech Study to Action (by Bpifrance) focused on translating research into impactful business collaborations.
Africa Deep Tech (by OST Brain) shed light on the continent’s emerging innovation landscape.
The New Nordics Edge (by Startup Estonia) explored investment and tech trends shaping Europe’s future.
EIC Scaling Club Pitch & Networking Session featured startups presenting sustainable solutions to potential investors.
Medical Biotech Demo Day offered a platform for breakthrough advancements in medical biotechnology.
Women in Deep Tech: Networking Coffee Connected women deep tech founders, investors, mentors over informal discussions.
Deep Tech Israel showcased Israel’s impressive track record of scaling science-driven startups.
Off-Site Side-Events:
Inflection Apero (by Inflection & Marble) provided a relaxed networking space for climate tech enthusiasts.
EIC Deep Tech Investor Day (by EIC & Bpifrance) connected startups with European investors to accelerate growth.
Brazil Station (by Wylinka & Caos Focado) facilitated connections with Brazil’s thriving startup ecosystem.
Early Breakfast (by Honda Xcelerator Ventures, SOSV & Lowcarbon Capital) combined networking with insightful morning discussions.
EIC Scaling Club Networking Cocktail provided a casual environment to build sustainable business connections.
Hello Tomorrow Deep Tech Drinks (by XTX Ventures & Gladia) brought together tech enthusiasts in a lively evening gathering.
Climate Tech On The Rocks (by Extantia, Toyota Ventures & Marble) offered a relaxed yet impactful climate tech networking space.
Dutch Deeptech Drinks (by Discover Dutch Deep Tech) created a dedicated social event for Dutch innovators and their peers.
These side-events enriched the Deep Tech Days experience by acting as a networking hub to celebrate the global deep tech ecosystem.
Our 2025 Partners
Once again, this year’s summit proved that science holds the key to tackling some of the world’s biggest challenges. By embracing deep tech innovations and working together, businesses have a real chance to shape a future that’s more resilient, sustainable, and full of progress.
Stay curious, stay connected, and let’s build a better tomorrow, together.
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