Europe is steadily strengthening its position in the global deep-tech landscape. With close to €15 billion invested in European deep-tech startups in 2024, the continent has become an important contributor to the international innovation ecosystem. For startups and investors in the deep-tech sector, it’s useful to stay aware of relevant events. We’ve put together a short guide for you.
4YFN Barcelona – Mobile World Congress (March 2-5, 2026)
Where: Barcelona, Spain
The events kick off with 4YFN (4 Years From Now), taking place alongside the Mobile World Congress. With the theme "Infinite AI," 4YFN 2026 brings together over 100,000 participants, including investors, decision-makers, incubators, and innovators from around the world. With over 1,000 investors and venture capitalists and corporate partners seeking partnerships, the event is a must-attend for deep tech startups in IoT, sensors, connected devices, and mobile technologies.
Why it matters: The co-location with MWC Barcelona means direct access to CEOs of global mobile carriers and frontier tech companies. For deep tech startups working in connectivity, edge computing, and IoT, this is the densest concentration of relevant decision-makers in Europe.
Industry Strategy Symposium Europe (March 11-13, 2026)
Where: Sopot, Poland
The Industry Strategy Symposium Europe in 2026 focuses on "Navigating Geopolitics: Shaping Europe's Future." The symposium explores how Europe can forge a unified, competitive, and sustainable semiconductor strategy in a fragmented global landscape. Sessions cover geopolitics, supply chain resilience, innovation in manufacturing, and talent development.
Why it matters: This is the most strategic semiconductor event in Europe – less technical, but all the more relevant for business development and partnerships. The session "Securing Europe's Sovereignty" directly addresses how the industry can convert innovation into sustainable manufacturing advantages. For startups looking to collaborate with major semiconductor companies, this is the place to make strategic contacts.
ERF 2026 – European Robotics Forum (March 23-27, 2026)
Where: Stavanger, Norway
The European Robotics Forum (ERF) is Europe's leading event for robotics and AI. With the motto "Robotics for the blue economy and growth in space," ERF 2026 focuses on the intersection of maritime economy, space robotics, and industrial automation.
Over 1,000 participants from industry and academia come together to discuss the latest developments in robotics. Stavanger as a location is strategically chosen: the Norwegian region is investing massively in smart industry, energy transformation, and digital innovation.
Why it matters: ERF is the densest concentration of European robotics expertise. For startups in industrial robotics, autonomous systems, and AI-driven robotics, this is an important platform.
Quantum Networks Summit Paris (March 25-26, 2026)
Where: Paris, France
The Quantum Networks Summit in its third edition addresses the new paradigm in the networking industry. The conference at the Palais des Congrès de Paris illuminates the critical question: How does Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) relate to Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) in terms of timelines and applicability?
Renowned experts discuss the quantum transition path based on industry recommendations and certification requirements. Sessions cover EuroQCI Phase 2, standards and their practical applicability, and security threats from quantum computers.
Why it matters: With the EuroQCI (European Quantum Communication Infrastructure), a flagship project of the EU, Europe is becoming the global leader in quantum communications. For startups in quantum cryptography, secure communications, and quantum networking, this is the most relevant event in Europe. The deployment session provides concrete answers on the next steps in the EuroQCI rollout.
Deep Tech Momentum (May 13-15, 2026)
Where: Berlin, Germany
Deep Tech Momentum (DTM) positions itself as Europe's leading "deal engine" for deep tech. The event brings together 300 top-tier deep tech startups selected from over 5,000 applications – an acceptance rate of just 6%. These meet investors managing over €20 billion in assets under management.
DTM has already proven that the format works: €150 million in funding has been generated through DTM connections. The three-day event is structured into Founders Day (Day 1), Customer Acquisition Focus (Day 2), and Investor Connections & Funding (Day 3). Moreover it covers eight tracks: Novel AI, Bio Builders, Clean Energy, Smart Mobility, Robotics & Industrial Tech, Future of Computing, New Space, and Advanced Materials.
Why it matters: With 1,500 participants from across the European startup, corporate, and investor ecosystem, DTM offers the highest density of relevant contacts. The pitch competition on Day 3 awards over €1 million in investment prizes – one of the highest endowments in Europe.
ICRA 2026 – IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation (June 1-6, 2026)
Where: Vienna, Austria
ICRA returns to Europe in 2026 with a clear message: "Robots for all." As the flagship conference of the IEEE Robotics and Automation Society, ICRA brings together the world's leading researchers and industry leaders.
ICRA is known for its competitive programs and challenges that test the boundaries of current robotics capabilities. The conference serves as a bridge between academic research and commercial application and regularly leads to technology transfer, startup formations, and collaborative research initiatives.
Why it matters: Vienna offers a unique combination of Austrian engineering tradition and a growing robotics scene. The timing is perfect: ICRA 2026 takes place precisely when humanoid robots are transitioning from research into real-world applications and AI foundation models are becoming standard in robotics. The career fair provides direct access to leading robotics companies, while technical tours offer behind-the-scenes access to European robotics facilities.
Hello Tomorrow Global Summit (June 10-12, 2026)
Where: Amsterdam, Netherlands
After more than a decade in Paris, the Hello Tomorrow Global Summit is moving to Amsterdam in 2026 – a strategic move that makes this event even more international. With over 3,000 participants, the event brings together scientists, entrepreneurs, investors, and corporate representatives.
The summit includes the exclusive Investor Day on June 10 with 1-on-1 meetings with 350+ VCs and CVCs, followed by the two-day summit. From over 4,600 applications worldwide, 850 startups are selected as Deep Tech Pioneers, with 80 pitching as finalists.
Why it matters: The partnership with ASML, one of the world's leading semiconductor companies, underscores the focus on deep tech hardware. Amsterdam provides access to the Dutch deep tech ecosystem with its strengths in quantum computing, photonics, and advanced materials. Moreover Startups can take part in the Hello Tomorrow Challenge and can win the €100,000 grand prize.
Quantum Europe Conference (Fall 2026)
Where: Europe (Location TBA)
The Quantum Europe Conference 2025 attracted over 200 participants – representatives from institutions, science, industry, and governments. In 2026, the conference will become even more relevant as the European Commission implements its ambitious quantum strategy to make Europe the global leader in quantum technologies by 2030.
The strategy includes five core pillars: the Quantum Europe Research Initiative, a Quantum Design Facility, six pilot lines for quantum chips, a pilot facility for the European quantum internet, and the expansion of Quantum Competence Clusters. 2026 also launches the European Quantum Skills Academy.
Why it matters: This is Europe's most politically relevant quantum conference. While other events focus on technology, Quantum Europe brings together policy-makers, industry leaders, and national authorities. For startups looking to benefit from EU funding or seeking strategic partnerships with major quantum projects, this conference is indispensable.
SEMICON Europa (November 10-13, 2026)
Where: Munich, Germany
SEMICON Europa is Europe's leading trade fair for semiconductor and electronics manufacturing. Co-located with electronica, the world's leading trade fair for electronic components, Munich 2026 offers a unique environment covering the entire electronics and semiconductor value chain.
The event showcases Europe's semiconductor resilience, innovations in advanced packaging, fab management strategies, and emerging technologies like MEMS and imaging sensors. With the European Chips Act, Europe is investing massively in semiconductor sovereignty.
Why it matters: For startups in semiconductor equipment, materials, design, or advanced packaging, SEMICON Europa is the most important European platform. The co-location with electronica means direct access to end customers from automotive, industrial, and consumer electronics.
Slush (November 18-19, 2026)
Where: Helsinki, Finland
Slush has established itself as the world's leading startup event and in 2026 is expected to bring together over 6,000 startups and 3,500 investors – more than ever before. With assets under management of $4 trillion, Slush represents the densest VC-founder concentration worldwide. Over 20,000 meetings are facilitated during the two-day event. The conference includes Founders Day, Investor Day, and 600+ side events throughout Slush Week.
Why it matters: Slush is industry-agnostic and covers all tech sectors, with particularly strong presence in deep tech, AI, healthtech, and cleantech. The Finnish capital transforms into Europe's startup capital for two days, with hotel occupancy reaching 98% on peak day. As a non-profit organization run by students, Slush has a unique energy and community feeling that other events cannot replicate.
These ten events you should check out in 2026. Whether you're seeking funding, looking to acquire customers, or simply want to stay at the pulse of European innovation – at least one of these events should be on your list.
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