Deep Tech Dispatch: Insights from the Hello Tomorrow Summit

Europe is a hotbed of innovation, and the Hello Tomorrow global summit in Paris has emerged in recent years as one of the cornerstone gatherings of those working on game-changing technologies. HG Ventures’ Nick Arnold shares his take-aways from this year’s event.

The 9th Hello Tomorrow global summit, in Paris, brought together more than 3,000 attendees and 100+ speakers from around the world for a two-day program encompassing advancements in energy transition, clean mobility, the decarbonization of manufacturing and construction, climate resilience, healthcare, advanced computing and more.

Of particular interest to me, representing HG Ventures, was the Global Startup Challenge, which is a centerpiece of the event and featured entrants with innovative concepts for making our economy more circular and solving many of the world’s more complex challenges. I could not help but be impressed by the passion and determination of these entrepreneurs, and excited by the future potential of some of these technologies.

A European Ecosystem Promoting Excellence

HG Ventures has made a number of investments in European startups, and as we have explored this region, I have been impressed with the strength of the technology ecosystem. Many of the industry bodies that foster connections within that ecosystem were represented at the summit, including the Deep Tech Alliance, which promotes collaborations between startups and corporates; and the European Innovation Council, established by the European Commission and with a budget of €10.1B to support game-changing innovations from early stage research, to proof of concept, technology transfer, and the financing and scale up of start-ups and SMEs.

The European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), meanwhile, is a collaborative network designed to break down barriers between sectors and connect academia, business and innovators. The EIT Community, with its visionary initiatives, serves as a dynamic force driving innovation and entrepreneurship across Europe; together, these entities form a powerhouse of support for the next generation of disruptors.

Emerging Trends in Deep Tech

Hello Tomorrow provided a glimpse into the future of deep tech, highlighting key trends shaping industries worldwide. Of great relevance to HG Ventures, it was encouraging to see sustainable construction and infrastructure emerge as focal points, with an emphasis on carbon-neutral practices and eco-friendly materials.

Additionally, efforts to bridge the critical mineral supply gap through recycling and alternative materials garnered significant attention.

The growing corporate commitment to sustainability, which is particularly evident in Europe, underscored an increasing willingness to invest in environmental solutions, signaling a promising shift towards a greener economy.

The Hello Tomorrow global summit serves as a rallying point for innovators, investors, and ecosystem builders alike.