CERN x Fraunhofer: Inside Europe’s Deep Tech Startup Pipeline

​What does it really take to turn frontier research into a scalable company?

​Join CERN Venture Connect and Fraunhofer Venture for an interactive lunch session exploring how Europe’s leading research organizations support the next generation of deep tech startups — from breakthrough science to market adoption.

​Through candid conversations and founder stories, discover the realities behind IP-based spin-offs: the unexpected challenges, critical turning points, and lessons learned while building companies rooted in advanced science and engineering.

​The session will feature an open discussion between CERN Venture Connect and Fraunhofer Venture on Europe’s deep tech ecosystem, innovation transfer models, and the future of research-driven entrepreneurship. Expect honest perspectives, provocative questions, and live audience interaction.

​You’ll also hear directly from startups backed by both research institutions as founders share the moments that almost derailed their journey, what ultimately unlocked growth, and how collaboration with leading R&D institutions shaped their path.

​What to expect

• ​Live interactive discussion with CERN Venture Connect and Fraunhofer Venture

• ​Founder stories from deep tech startups backed by both institutions

• ​Networking lunch with researchers, founders, investors, and innovation leaders