About the Role
Become a co-founder of a scalable deep tech spin-off through DEEP Pioneers. Through our flexible venture builder, we match the top 10% of technology and IP with world-class scientists, and support you in forming the best founding team. You’ll be backed by experienced coaches and a venture-building process designed to help you become high-performing and venture-backable.
Our next program begins in October - applications are open. Apply now to secure your spot. Don’t miss updates — sign up now.
What is DEEP Pioneers
DEEP Pioneers, the venture-building program inside 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 serial entrepreneurs to create high-performing, venture-backable deep-tech companies — fast, early, and right.
Our mission is to fix the biggest bottleneck in deep tech — founding teams — by embedding business talent at the source and systematising the human layer of spin-offs.
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 pressure-test co-founder chemistry with experienced team coaches.
6-Month Coaching
2 × 90-min virtual sessions per month to derisk team & market.
Outcome
* In early September, 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 offsite, we’ll test different co-founder constellations to find the best fit.
* Matching retreat (Berlin area): Late October
* Coaching: Nov 2025 – Mar 2026 (virtual)
* Time investment after the retreat: ~3 h/month coaching and founder work
Why Participate
* Cohort 1 is fully funded thanks to Joachim Herz Stiftung — no program fees or equity ask at entry
* 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
* 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 flexible — only 2 in-person days; the rest remote
You Are a Fit If You
* Are a serial founder / scale-up leader with 5–10+ years in venture-backed environments
* Ready to drive and co-found 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 LinkedIn → 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
Ali Alam, Head of DEEP Pioneers LinkedIn
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!
Seniority level
* Mid-Senior level
Employment type
* Other
Job function
* Business Development and General Business
* Industries
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