Next Gen Computing

For founders centered on the exploration of the new computing concepts and algorithms required to unlock the full potential of computing power and reduce energy consumption

The Next Gen Computing stream is jointly operated by CDL-Paris and CDL-Berlin, in partnership with HEC Paris, ESMT Berlin and in cooperation with the Technical University Munich (TUM) Campus Heilbronn and Campus Founders.

High-impact, scalable solutions that make future computing systems practical, interoperable, secure, and energy-efficient.

The Next-Gen Computing Stream works with ventures building the enabling technologies and mixed-system architectures behind the next generation of computing.

CDL startups work with mentors to sharpen objectives, prioritize time and resources, raise capital, and engage with experts working on the frontiers of research. CDL is a non-profit organization. There are no fees for participation and CDL does not take any equity. Learn more about the CDL program.

See all CDL Next Gen Computing Alumni Companies ▶︎

Who Should Apply?

The Next-Gen Computing Stream is particularly suited to technical founders building enabling technologies for advanced computing systems. We are especially interested in ventures addressing bottlenecks that now sit beyond compute alone, including heterogeneous integration, memory movement, interconnects, trusted control, power delivery, thermal constraints, and deployment across complex infrastructures.

This stream is tailored toward early-stage technical companies, from pre-incorporation projects to early venture and growth-stage startups. Startups at all levels of maturity will be considered.

NGC is designed for founders working on technologies that sit between devices, packages, systems, and infrastructure. This includes ventures developing foundational hardware, advanced integration technologies, memory and interconnect innovations, photonic and cryogenic control systems, hardware-aware software layers, secure compute infrastructure, and energy-efficient system architectures. This positioning builds on the original NGC proposal, which framed the stream as a foundational layer for the broader CDL ecosystem and a complement to, rather than a duplicate of, the Quantum and Compute streams.

Example Innovation Areas

Advanced packaging, chiplets, and heterogeneous integration
2.5D / 3D ICs, die-to-die interconnects, and co-packaged optics
Memory-centric architectures, compute-in-memory, and emerging memory
Photonic, neuromorphic, spintronic, and reconfigurable compute hardware
Cryo-electronics, photonic-quantum interfaces, and quantum-enabling hardware
Trusted compute, hardware security, and secure system control
EDA, verification, calibration, and runtime tooling for heterogeneous systems
Advanced cooling, power delivery, and thermal management
Edge, hybrid, and HPC infrastructure for compute-intensive workloads

The list above is not exhaustive. Contact nextgencomputing@creativedestructionlab.com to discuss the program and your venture with someone from the Next Gen Computing Stream.

Our Mentors

CDL mentors include accomplished entrepreneurs, experienced operators, active angel and venture investors, world-leading scientists, engineers, and domain experts. Mentors meet every eight weeks to help founders set objectives over the program’s nine-month duration.

Companies accepted to the CDL Next-Gen Computing Stream benefit from mentors and partners with experience across advanced computing, semiconductors, photonics, infrastructure, AI, HPC, energy systems, and quantum-enabling technologies. These experts meet with companies periodically to evaluate their technologies, suggest improvements, and explore formal advising engagements.

See all CDL Next Gen Computing Stream Mentors ▶︎