Europe’s next generation of deep tech innovators are preparing to take the stage in Amsterdam next month. However, every great pitch event also needs a strong panel of experts capable of spotting the ideas with real commercial and societal potential.
At the upcoming DT Launch Pad Liftoff 2026, attendees will have the opportunity to hear from emerging deep tech ventures, but also to meet an impressive jury and expert panel made up of investors, innovation leaders, startup specialists, and intellectual property experts helping shape Europe’s deep tech future.
Taking place on June 11th at the iconic STRAAT Museum in Amsterdam, the event brings together founders, researchers, investors, universities, and innovation ecosystem builders for an evening of pitches, networking, and investor conversations designed to accelerate the commercialisation of research-based innovation.
A Jury Built for Deep Tech
The DT Launch Pad Liftoff jury reflects the complexity and ambition of the deep tech ecosystem itself. The panel includes representatives from venture capital, startup acceleration, commercialisation support, and intellectual property strategy, bringing together the expertise needed to evaluate technologies that often sit at the cutting edge of science and innovation.
Among the featured judges and expert contributors are organisations including: Quatromine VC, Cottonwood Technology Fund and Conception X. These organisations have collectively supported hundreds of startups and helped scale ventures tackling global challenges through science-driven innovation.
One of the announced jury members is Dr. Ulrich Sentner, a European Patent Attorney specialising in molecular biology and biochemistry. His expertise in intellectual property and technology protection provides a critical lens for evaluating how emerging innovations can successfully move from research environments into competitive markets.
More Than a Pitch Competition
DT Launch Pad Liftoff is intentionally designed to go beyond a traditional startup showcase. Organised at the same time as the Hello Tomorrow Summit, the evening combines short pitch sessions with informal networking and direct investor discussions in a more relaxed environment. For startups and researchers, this means access to experienced investors and ecosystem leaders who understand the realities of deep tech development cycles, scientific validation, and commercialisation challenges. For investors and ecosystem stakeholders, the event offers early access to a curated pipeline of pre-vetted deep tech ventures emerging from European universities and innovation ecosystems.
The event agenda includes:
- Deep tech showcase pitch sessions
- Expert discussions and jury feedback
- Networking opportunities with investors and founders
- Cross-border collaboration conversations
- Informal investor meetings and ecosystem building
The wider DT Launch Pad initiative was created to strengthen Europe’s deep tech ecosystem by connecting universities, innovators, investors, and support organisations through training, mentoring, networking, and commercialisation support. The Liftoff event represents the culmination of this work, bringing together promising ventures that have completed the programme and are now preparing for the next stage of growth.
Whether you are a founder, investor, researcher, innovation manager, policymaker, or simply curious about the future of European deep tech, DT Launch Pad Liftoff offers a unique opportunity to connect with the people and ideas shaping tomorrow’s innovation landscape.
Register Now
Attendance is free, but places are limited to 100 participants, and early registration is strongly recommended. Secure your place and meet the innovators, investors, and judges helping launch the next wave of European deep tech innovation: