Apply to the CDL program

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) and Campus Founders.

We aim to channel our world-renowned scientific and technological excellence at the service of a stronger, more sovereign, and more resilient Europe. New technologies in computing power have the potential to address problems that classical computers have difficulty in handling. Current GPU technology cannot handle the computational demands of the near future. Some of these problems include: chemical design, material informatics, complex machine learning, drug discovery, logistics optimization, derivative pricing, and power grid optimization. This next generation of computing can potentially increase the overall accuracy and number of outcomes and reduce the time and energy required to solve many of these problems. Problems that may have taken days, weeks, or even months to solve could potentially take only minutes in the future.

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.

Who Should Apply?

CDL Next-Gen Computing will be centered around the exploration of the new computing concepts and algorithms required to unlock the full potential of these latest technologies to increase computing performance and reduce energy demand.

The program is best suited to support founders addressing the following challenges:

  • New hardware solutions, e.g., to increase computing power, or resource efficiency.
  • Innovative algorithms to speed up optimization, simulation, and machine learning tasks.
  • Enhance efficiency at the microchip, computer, and data center level.
  • Novel cryptographic algorithms and cybersecurity solutions.

Example Innovation Areas:

  • High-Performance Computing
  • Quantum Computing
  • Photonics
  • Neuromorphic Computing
  • Edge Computing
  • Quantum Algorithms
  • Neural Network Algorithms
  • Cybersecurity Algorithms

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 economists. Mentors meet every eight weeks between October and April in Berlin, virtually, Heilbronn and Paris to help founders set objectives over the program’s nine month duration.

Companies accepted into the CDL Next Gen Computing Stream benefit from advice from exited entrepreneurs, industry executives, and academics who are world-leading experts in the field of computing and applications. These experts meet with companies periodically to evaluate their technologies, suggest improvements, assess progress and set new short-term objectives.

For more information or to schedule an introduction meeting with the CDL team, email nextgencomputing@creativedestructionlab.com