Co-Founder of a Deep Tech Startup - Serial Entrepreneurs & Operators
Join to apply for the Co-Founder of a Deep Tech Startup - Serial Entrepreneurs & Operators role at ESMT Berlin.
About the Role
Become a commercial co‑founder of a scalable deep‑tech spin‑off through DEEP Pioneers. Through our modular venture builder, we match you with the top 10% of technology and IP in DACH with world‑class scientists and support you in forming a high‑performing deep‑tech founding team. You’ll be backed by experienced coaches and a venture‑building process designed to help you become high‑performing and venture‑backable.
Next cohort kicks off in March 2026 – apply today!
(Rolling selection, limited seats per cycle, apply early to be considered for the next cohort!)
What is DEEP Pioneers
DEEP Pioneers, the venture‑building programme at ESMT Berlin’s Institute for Deep Tech Innovation (DEEP), matches the top 10% of breakthrough IP and world‑class scientists from Germany’s leading universities and tech transfer offices with seasoned entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs to create high‑performing, venture‑backable deep‑tech companies – fast, early, and right.
Our mission
To fix the biggest bottleneck in deep tech – founding teams – by embedding business talent at the source and systematizing the human layer of spin‑offs.
We work with top TTOs like Max Planck, Fraunhofer, TUM, Aachen, Tu Berlin, CISPA, ISTA and VC’s like First Momentum, HTGF, Heal Capital, Planet A, Vsquared and more across the DACH regions.
How the Programme Works
Scouting
Curated pipeline of breakthrough IP + seasoned founders (DEEP Pioneers)
Matching Workshop
A 2‑day, in‑person, off‑grid session where we test different constellations, run psychometric profiling, and test co‑founder chemistry with experienced team coaches.
6‑Month Coaching
2 × 90‑min virtual sessions per month to derisk team & market (modular to each team)
Outcome
Applications on a rolling basis – you can express interest for the cohorts in the application. Next Cohort – in March 2026 – APPLY today as there are limited seats.
If shortlisted, you’ll receive a lookbook of the top 10 technologies and scientists in the cohort. You’ll review, rank, and show commitment to your preferred ventures — then at the off‑site, we’ll test different co‑founder constellations to find the best fit.
This follows a matching retreat will in person (Berlin or Munich area)
And the Minimum Viable Teams get up to 6 months of high‑performing coaching afterwards
Time investment after the retreat: ~3 h/month coaching and founder work
Why Participate
Curated pipeline: Instant access to a vetted portfolio of top 10% groundbreaking technology with world‑class scientists across deep tech in sectors with strong market pull like AI, biotech, climate, compute & security and more
Access tech with moat: IP protected or protectable with international edge (TRL 4+, FTO‑checked, clear tech transfer, transparent equity, and skin in the game) with max 2 years to spin‑off readiness
Embedded network of VCs, TTOs, and seasoned coaches to accelerate from minimum‑viable team to venture‑backable, plus access to DEEP / ESMT / CDL networks
Deep tech native, sector‑agnostic, and modular for you startup journey : only 2 in‑person days; the rest remote
You Are a Fit If You
Are a seasoned entrepreneur or intrapreneur / scale‑up leader with minimum 5 years or 10+ years in venture‑backed environments
Ready to drive as a commercial co‑founder of the next high‑potential deep tech startup with top 10% tech and world‑class scientists vetted and matched by us
Think in first principles, market narratives, and “Why now / Why this” framing; low‑ego, high‑conviction, data‑driven collaborator
Relish building in ambiguous and regulated markets
What You’ll Do
Co‑lead company formation with the principal scientist and the technology, shaping strategy, go‑to‑market, and fundraising from day zero
Own customer discovery and craft the business model that turns cutting‑edge science into scalable impact
Drive investor conversations, leveraging DEEP’s network and your own relationships
Ready to Be a Pioneer?
Click “Apply” on Linked In → you’ll be redirected to a short Airtable form (7–10 min) to share your track record and sector passions.
Questions?
Reach out to deep@esmt.org or DM
Additional Information
Ali Alam, Head of DEEP Pioneers Linked In
Learn more about our program here.
Ready to turn frontier science into category‑defining companies – together?
Let’s build the human layer deep tech deserves!
