THURSDAY GATHERING #54 Around Deep Tech

TO REGISTER GO TO: venturecafeberlin.gatherus.app

As part of Deep Tech Week, Thursday Gathering by Venture Café Berlin becomes a convergence point for breakthrough ideas and the people shaping the future of technology. This special edition brings together scientists, founders, engineers, investors, and industry leaders working at the forefront of deep tech — from AI and quantum computing to climate tech, biotech, and advanced materials.

Designed as an open platform for exchange and collaboration, the evening blends expert talks, panel discussions, and interactive sessions with informal networking, creating space for both knowledge-sharing and real connection. It’s where research meets entrepreneurship — and where early-stage ideas evolve into scalable, real-world impact.

With a strong focus on cross-disciplinary dialogue and application, this edition highlights how cutting-edge innovation can move beyond the lab and into solutions that address global challenges.

🧭 Sessions & Activities

Claim Your Spot in the Future: DeepTech Scaling Session

🕔 17:15 – 18:45

Host: Inspiralia
👉 Apply to pitch: https://form.jotform.com/261113920890352

A high-impact pitch competition for ambitious DeepTech startups ready to scale through European funding. Selected founders present breakthrough technologies to a jury of funding and innovation experts, with a focus on fit for the EIC Accelerator.

What’s at stake:
🏆 €15K EIC Accelerator support package (application, pitch coaching, video, admin)
🥈 50% discount on the same support

A launchpad for startups aiming to secure up to €2.5M in non-dilutive funding.

Intelligence in the Loop — Humans, AI & the Circular Economy

🕠 17:30 – 18:30

This session explores the intersection of human decision-making, artificial intelligence, and circular economy systems. How can AI support more sustainable production, smarter resource use, and systemic change — while keeping humans meaningfully “in the loop”? Expect practical perspectives on how deep tech can enable circularity at scale.

Unboxing The Future of Politics: The Gap Between Political Ambition & Everyday Reality

🕡 18:30 – 20:00

A live talk show format that turns complex political and technological questions into engaging, accessible conversation. This edition explores why politics often feels distant from everyday life — and whether innovation and technology can help bridge that gap.

Key questions:

• Why do new political ideas struggle to translate into lived reality?
• What still works in traditional political systems — and what needs to evolve?
• Can technology act as a bridge rather than a buzzword?

Expect sharp discussion, honest perspectives, and an interactive format blending insight with entertainment.

Speakers:
Rainer Seider — Volt Berlin Candidate & President, AsiaBerlin Forum
Josef Lentsch — Founder, Partisan & Political Tech Summit
Olivia Czetwertynski — Co-Founder, Unboxing The Future
Diego Ain — Co-Founder, Unboxing The Future / Ain TheMachine

FINOS AI Governance Framework

🕖 19:00 – 19:20
Speaker: Luca Borella — AI Strategic Initiative Program Manager, FINOS

An introduction to emerging frameworks for governing AI responsibly. This session looks at how organizations can approach transparency, accountability, and compliance as AI systems become more integrated into critical industries.

🎟️ Free & open to all
Full agenda will be announced at venturecafeberlin.org