CDL-Berlin is embedded in one of Europe’s most dynamic innovation hubs, at the heart of Germany’s leading startup ecosystem. Hosted by ESMT Berlin, Germany’s top-ranked business school, the program benefits from deep integration into the country’s thriving deep tech landscape. ESMT maintains close connections with world-class research institutions, global industry leaders, and highly specialised hidden champions across sectors. Through its five focused streams (AgriFood, AI, Defence, Health, and Next-Gen Computing) CDL-Berlin places startups directly within some of Europe’s most important application environments: access to one of the world’s most advanced healthcare systems for rapid clinical validation, a rapidly evolving defence landscape with strong institutional demand, a highly digitalised industrial and manufacturing base for AI deployment, a leading AgriFood ecosystem spanning sustainable production to food innovation, and a deep-tech research infrastructure at the forefront of next-generation computing. Combined with Berlin’s vibrant network of experienced entrepreneurs and leading venture capital investors, CDL-Berlin provides an exceptional launchpad for ambitious startups from around the globe.
From its base in the heart of Europe, ESMT Berlin is dedicated to developing entrepreneurial leaders who think globally and act responsibly. The school’s core strengths in leadership, innovation, and analytics shape both its academic excellence and its practical impact. These pillars not only define ESMT’s approach to education and research, but also form the foundation upon which CDL-Berlin is built – ensuring a rigorous, forward-looking, and execution-oriented environment for the next generation of deep tech ventures.
For founders building the future of food systems, where production is regenerative, resilient, and designed for a resource-constrained world and positive health outcomes.
For founders building the future of intelligent systems, where AI is secure, scalable, and trusted to operate in critical real-world environments
For founders developing dual-use, defence-relevant technologies that improve mission capability, resilience, and national security.
For founders pursuing commercial opportunities based on translational science and technology innovations that improve human health and wellness, including digital health, medical devices, diagnostics, bioinformatics, genomics, as well as biotechnologies including therapeutics and synthetic biology.
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