By Emilie Vallauri, Global Program Manager at Techstars

Earlier this month, Techstars had the privilege of participating in Deep Tech Momentum (DTM), Europe’s number one deep tech innovation marketplace and gathering.

The centerpiece of the event was the DTM100 pitch competition: 100 startups, 7 categories, and a single stage to prove why they represent the next generation of European tech champions. The categories (energy, advanced materials, robotics and manufacturing, high-performance computing, enterprise AI, defence, and space) reflect exactly the kind of technological sovereignty Europe is building toward.

As a proud supporter of the European tech ecosystem, I had the honor of serving as the main host and MC of the competition. After two intense days and hundreds of pitches, the field was narrowed down to 7 category finalists. Then, in a first for the competition, the jury couldn't choose just one winner and crowned two: Bubble Robotics and Magentic. Both incredibly deserving.

Techstars' presence at DTM went beyond the stage. Our portfolio company Systellar competed in the Enterprise AI semi-finals, with CEO Sergi Aguilar representing the company. Watching a Techstars-backed founder hold their own among the top 1% of deep tech startups in Europe was a proud moment.

Charlotte Bruce, GM Europe & APAC at Techstars, served as a judge in the Future Materials semi-finals, bringing her expertise directly to the founders who need it most.

And Millen Wolde-Selassie, Senior Investment Manager for Techstars in the UK and Europe, ran a masterclass titled "Working successfully with investors: from term sheet to long-term," giving founders practical, hard-earned guidance on one of the most critical relationships they'll build.

Techstars has been a supporter of DTM since day one. The conference was born inside Techstars Berlin, where co-founders Martin Schilling and Isabelle Simon first set out to catalyze Europe's deep tech ecosystem, before spinning it out into the independent event it is today. Watching it grow into one of Europe's most important deep tech gatherings has been a privilege to witness.

For this 4th edition, Deep Tech Momentum was a reminder of the extraordinary ambition driving European founders right now. Techstars is proud to support that ecosystem as a backer, mentor, and believer in what European deep tech can become.

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