Germany has established itself as one of Europe's leading hubs for DeepTech innovation. While software startups often grab headlines with quick growth stories, DeepTech companies are the ones building the foundational technologies that will shape the next decades. From quantum computers that fit in a car to graphene-based semiconductors and AI-powered defense systems, German startups are pushing the boundaries of what's scientifically possible.
The numbers speak for themselves: German DeepTech companies raised €1.7 billion across 78 deals in 2024, with some of the largest funding rounds in Europe coming from German innovators. Major funding rounds included Black Semiconductor (€234M), Sunfire (€200M), and Quantum-Systems (€95M). What makes Germany particularly attractive for DeepTech founders is the combination of world-class research institutions like TU Munich and TU Dresden, a strong industrial base eager to partner with startups, and increasingly bold investors willing to back long-term, capital-intensive innovations.
SaxonQ is revolutionizing quantum computing by making it accessible and practical. This Leipzig-based spin-off from the University of Leipzig has developed the world's first mobile quantum computer that operates at room temperature without requiring extensive cooling systems. Unlike conventional quantum computers that need massive infrastructure, SaxonQ's system is compact enough to fit in a car. The startup joined the first batch of ExciteLab's accelerator program in Dresden in 2024 and recently secured a major contract with the Fraunhofer Competence Network for Quantum Computing. Their 4-Qubit demonstrator successfully passed all tests from the DLR Quantum Computing Initiative, marking a crucial step toward practical applications. SaxonQ is bridging the gap between quantum research and real-world industrial applications, making quantum computing accessible beyond specialized research facilities.
Aachen-based Black Semiconductor is pioneering the future of chip connectivity using graphene, one of the strongest and most conductive materials known to science. In 2024, the company secured €254.4 million in funding, primarily from the German government and North Rhine-Westphalia state, underlining Europe's commitment to semiconductor sovereignty.
Black Semiconductor's innovation lies in using graphene to enable optical communication between chips, replacing electrical signals with light. This approach promises dramatically faster data transmission and higher efficiency in data centers and high-performance computing. The startup plans to build a pilot manufacturing facility in Aachen by 2026 with ramp-up to volume production by 2029, while growing its team from 30 to 120 employees by 2026. Their technology could redefine how thousands of chips communicate in next-generation computing systems.
Dresden-based Mana Robotics is part of ExciteLab's first batch and is developing fully autonomous cooking systems for home and commercial kitchens based on the latest advances in robotics and machine learning. While many robotics startups focus on industrial applications, Mana Robotics addresses a growing consumer need: convenient access to nutritious, freshly prepared food.
The compact systems prepare healthy meals from fresh, commercially available ingredients. The startup's technology combines advanced robotics with AI to handle the complexity of cooking—from ingredient preparation to precise temperature control and plating. As labor shortages affect the food service industry and consumers increasingly seek healthier eating options, autonomous cooking could revolutionize both commercial kitchens and home meal preparation. Mana Robotics represents the next wave of service robotics entering everyday life.
Munich-based Helsing has become one of Europe's leading AI defense technology companies, addressing the urgent need for advanced defense capabilities in an increasingly uncertain geopolitical landscape. In July 2024, Helsing raised €450 million in a Series C round at a €3.4 billion valuation, led by General Catalyst with participation from Accel and Swedish defense giant Saab.
The company leverages cutting-edge AI technology to enhance military capabilities, improve situational awareness, and support decision-making in threat detection, surveillance, and autonomous operations. Helsing's success reflects a broader shift in Europe toward investing in sovereign defense technology. The startup works closely with NATO allies to reinforce European defense capabilities and Eastern Flank security, proving that DeepTech can address both commercial and strategic national interests.
Berlin-based FaradaIC is transforming the €35 billion gas sensor market by developing the world's smallest electrochemical gas sensors built directly on microchips. Part of ExciteLab's first batch, the company raised €4.5 million in April 2025 led by JOIN Capital, bringing total funding to €8 million. The round included participation from the European Innovation Council, Elev8, and other strategic investors.
FaradaIC's breakthrough MECS (Micro ElectroChemical Systems) technology replaces bulky, power-hungry traditional gas sensors with solid-state sensors that can be mass-produced using standard semiconductor processes. The technology enables miniaturized oxygen, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen detection for IoT devices, wearables, and medical equipment—applications previously impossible with conventional sensors. FaradaIC is positioning itself to challenge industry giants like Bosch and Honeywell by making gas sensing as ubiquitous as gyroscopes and accelerometers in modern electronics. The company expects to produce sensors in the millions over the next 3-5 years, transforming applications from medical devices to food freshness monitors.
Cologne-based DeepL has become Germany's most valuable AI company by solving one of humanity's oldest challenges: language barriers. In May 2024, DeepL raised €258 million at a €1.7 billion valuation, led by Index Ventures, making it Germany's highest-valued AI startup. The company's neural machine translation technology delivers translations that professional translators prefer two times more often than competitors.
What distinguishes DeepL is its ability to capture subtle linguistic nuances that other translation tools miss. The company now supports 32 languages and serves over 100,000 paying customers, including major corporations like Deutsche Bahn. DeepL represents the rare combination of cutting-edge AI research with a clear, scalable business model that resonates globally. With plans for an IPO on the horizon, DeepL is positioning itself as a European AI champion.
Berlin-based NanoMatter joined ExciteLab's first batch and is creating ultra-thin, energy-efficient semiconductor materials that overcome the physical limits of silicon. As technological progress accelerates with IoT, AI, 5G, and autonomous vehicles, silicon-based chips are reaching their physical boundaries. NanoMatter addresses this challenge by developing chips using TMDs (Transition Metal Dichalcogenides).
The startup's TMD-based computer chips are only three atoms thick and are projected to be approximately 1,000 times faster while using 40% less power compared to conventional silicon chips. Using innovative manufacturing processes like chemical vapor deposition combined with AI tools, NanoMatter produces these 2D materials on various substrates. The team has already secured pre-seed funding and gained an advisor with years of semiconductor industry experience. As the demand for more powerful, energy-efficient computing continues to grow, NanoMatter's breakthrough materials could enable the next generation of electronics.
Dresden-based Sunfire is tackling climate change at industrial scale by developing advanced electrolysis technology for green hydrogen production. The company secured over €500 million in 2024 to boost Europe's green hydrogen economy, making it one of the most well-funded climate tech startups in Germany.
Sunfire's solid oxide electrolyser technology enables highly efficient conversion of renewable electricity into hydrogen, which can decarbonize energy-intensive industries like steel, chemicals, and transportation. The company benefits from strong partnerships with industrial clients and has secured support from the European Investment Bank. As Europe races to achieve carbon neutrality, Sunfire's technology provides a practical pathway for industries that cannot easily electrify their operations. The startup represents Dresden's strength in combining university research with industrial application at scale.
Sweden-based AlixLabs is changing chip production with its patented Atomic Layer Etch Pitch Splitting (APS™) technology. The startup joined ExciteLab's second batch in 2025 and established operations in Dresden, the heart of Europe's semiconductor industry, to transfer its technology to 300mm wafer processing for demonstration to leading foundries and chip manufacturers. The teams received €14.1 mio. funding.
AlixLabs' breakthrough enables production of features below 10 nanometers by splitting nanostructures using atomic layer etching, reducing the number of manufacturing steps. This dramatically cuts production costs, energy consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional multi-patterning methods. The technology has earned recognition on the EE Times Silicon 100 list three consecutive years and won the IC Taiwan Grand Challenge. As the semiconductor industry races to maintain Moore's Law while reducing environmental impact, AlixLabs provides a practical pathway forward. The company works closely with Fraunhofer IPMS on advanced defect control for next-generation logic and memory chips.
Bavaria-based Quantum-Systems develops AI-powered autonomous drones that are transforming military reconnaissance and beyond. In 2024, the company raised €95 million, and recently achieved unicorn status in 2025, becoming one of Germany's first defense tech unicorns. The company's flagship Vector drone combines vertical takeoff capabilities with fixed-wing flight for extended endurance.
Quantum-Systems now produces up to 4,000 drones annually, serving military clients in Germany, Ukraine, the United States, Spain, Australia, and New Zealand. The drones feature onboard AI that automates navigation and threat detection, representing the convergence of robotics, AI, and defense technology. Beyond military applications, the startup explores dual-use opportunities in mining, energy infrastructure monitoring, and disaster response. As autonomous systems become central to modern defense and industrial operations, Quantum-Systems is positioning itself as a European leader in this critical technology domain.
Saxony is rapidly becoming one of Europe’s most dynamic DeepTech hotspots. With Dresden at its core, ExciteLab provides exactly the infrastructure research-driven startups in semiconductors, robotics, quantum technologies, and sensor innovation need to scale. Building on the strong track record of the SpinLab ecosystem, we connect founders with leading industry partners such as Infineon, Zeiss, SAP, and with top research institutions like TU Dresden. Whether you're working on quantum computing, robotics, semiconductors, or advanced sensor technology, ExciteLab helps transform breakthrough research into high-growth companies. Applications for our new batch of 2026 are now open. Check out our accelerator program here.