European Spinoff Summit 2026: From research to successful start-up

16.02.2026

Source: European Spinoff Summit 2026

On May 12, 2026, the European Spinoff Summit 2026 will take place in Garching near Munich.

The event is aimed at (prospective) scientific founders who want to turn their research results into marketable deep tech companies. More than 150 participants are expected to attend, including researchers, founders, technology transfer offices (TTOs), venture capitalists and industry representatives from all over Europe.

Practical support for DeepTech founders

The summit will focus on the question of how excellent research can be turned into successful spin-offs. The program includes keynotes, workshops, panel discussions and individual consulting services.

A central format is the "Scientist Help Desk", where researchers pitch their specific challenges and receive direct feedback from experts. In addition, practice-oriented workshops are offered on topics such as fundraising, IP transfer and go-to-market strategies. The aim is to make scientific teams fit for investors and to overcome typical hurdles in spin-offs.

Top-class speakers from research and venture capital

The announced speakers include successful founders and investors from the European deep tech scene, including

• Georg Püschel, co-founder of Wandelbots
• Jan Goetz, CEO and co-founder of IQM Quantum Computers
• Claire Hae-Min Gusko, co-founder of one.five
• Irene Selvanathan, CEO and co-founder of Neurospace
• Maximilian Ochs, investor at First Momentum Ventures
• Alexander Kopp, CEO of Polaris Spaceplanes
• Bastian July, founder of GoodIP

They will report first-hand on their path from doctorate to successful company foundation, international financing rounds and the development of global DeepTech companies.

Network, visibility and concrete project opportunities

In addition to the specialist content, the focus is on networking. In curated networking formats, participants can make contact with potential co-founders, investors and industry partners. A poster session also offers the opportunity to present their own research projects and receive feedback from the ecosystem.

According to the organizers, over 70 targeted contacts have been made via the Help Desk in previous editions. More than eight workshops, panels and keynotes are planned for 2026.

The European Spinoff Summit 2026 aims to provide scientists with a structured framework to develop marketable DeepTech companies from research - and to further strengthen Europe as a location for innovation.

Further information can be found on the website of the European Spinoff Summit 2026