DeepTech Week dedicated to accelerate cutting-edge solutions

More than a decade after the smartphone, innovation is in the midst of a new revolution: the emergence of breakthrough technologies, also known as deep tech. With 18 billion1 USD invested in cutting-edge technologies last year, thousands of project ideas are being developed worldwide; this year alone the Hello Tomorrow Challenge saw over 5,000 startup applications.

These innovations carry great potential, responding to many environmental, social, health and industrial challenges. In order to accelerate the transfer of these technologies, the major stakeholders in deep tech (startups, researchers, universities, laboratories, investors, major groups) need to work together to build a stronger political and economic platform. 

For this reason, Boston Consulting Group (BCG), Bpifrance, École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Hello Tomorrow and SOSV are launching the first project of its kind: a week dedicated entirely to new and emerging technologies. The week will gather a global community of key actors, initiate a dialogue around deep tech, as well as highlight and accelerate innovations.

What is Deep Tech Week?

From synthetic biology to quantum computing, deep tech holds unparalleled potential. Yet these technologies require unprecedented energy and collaboration to reach their full potential.

Deep Tech Week will take place in Paris on March 9-13th 2020. This is the first global gathering for the people and organizations building, funding or propelling emerging technologies to market. 

Events, debates, roundtables and various workshops that will be organized by the partners mobilized around Deep Tech Week have several objectives:

• Highlight the crucial role of research in science and technology to key actors in the public and private sector, by showcasing innovation addressing crucial issues from the Sustainable Development Goals identified by the UN.2
• Give a platform to entrepreneurs, labs, startups, universities, research centers or support structures, that support and accelerates the development of deep tech.
• Encourage partnerships in order to accelerate the development of new technological solutions. Connecting actors in research and science with experienced entrepreneurs, investors and large corporations.
• Foster the creation of new strategic sectors by encouraging collaboration between different industries, combining different fields of technology (such as quantum applications or synthetic biology) to combat global issues such as climate change.

For Julia Binder, Deputy of the Vice President for Innovation at EPFL: “As one of the worldwide leading technical universities and a key player for disruptive innovation in Switzerland and beyond, EPFL is defining the forefront of many cutting-edge technologies. We are 
committed to making our science and knowledge available to the world, which is why we welcomed the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse and inspiring set of partners to create the first “Deep Tech Week”. This unique format will allow everyone to explore and exploit deep tech opportunities that could disrupt entire industries and have the potential to positively impact our society and the environment.” 

Call for participation and contribution at Deep Tech Week

The Founding Members of Deep Tech Week; BCG, Bpifrance, EPFL, Hello Tomorrow and SOSV are the pioneers of this project, with numerous other organisations from around the globe supporting the initiative as official members and partners of the week. Among them are some of the most prominent research centres, universities, incubators, companies, NGOs and public authorities.

Today, the organizers are inviting more actors to take part. Interested parties can apply to become a member and organize an event or by participating as an attendee, between the 9th and 13th of March 2020. All sectors are welcome to participate, whether it be from the world of research, industry or civil society.
Deep Tech Week will conclude with the Hello Tomorrow Global Summit, the 12th and 13th of March 2020, the annual international event dedicated to deep tech, supported by Hello 

For more information about Deep Tech Week and how to participate, visit deeptechweek.com and encourage your readers to subscribe to the Week. (Member applications close on 29/11/2019). 

The detailed program for Deep Tech Week will be shared at the beginning of 2020.