Dresden: Ignite Next launches Europe's scale-up program for deep tech start-ups

Ignite Next was created by the team behind the renowned Intel Ignite program and is now run independently. It introduces a new collaborative model that brings together world-leading technology companies such as Infineon and Intel to support the continent's most ambitious deep tech founders. Rather than acting as a traditional accelerator, Ignite Next positions itself as the missing link between startups and industry - a hands-on program that helps founders scale IP-intensive breakthrough technologies from pre-seed stage to Series B and beyond. Thanks to its independent structure, the team can work even more intensively with multiple partners on a variety of cutting-edge technologies, from semiconductors, photonics, advanced manufacturing, robotics and AI to quantum computing.

• A new model for deep tech scale-ups in Europe

Europe's deep tech start-ups face a persistent challenge: they have a strong scientific foundation and early funding, but limited industrial collaboration and scale-up support. Ignite Next bridges this gap between innovation and market success, enabling founders to reach commercial scale faster through direct access to relevant industry expertise and decision makers from strategic partners.

Ignite Next's founder-centric structure ensures that startups can scale without sacrificing ownership, while its highly personalized approach - guided by more than 300 experienced industry mentors - provides founders with direct access to technical expertise, market insights and support in preparing for investors.

A virtuous cycle for startups, companies and the deep tech community

1. A clear goal: success for startups - achieved through non-dilutive and intensive support and in-depth industry expertise.
2. Startups grow faster, attracting more investor interest and higher valuations.
3. VCs recommend the program, which leads to a very selective choice of participants.
4. Partners benefit from early access to technology, talent and collaboration opportunities.
5. The entire ecosystem is strengthened - which increases Europe's competitiveness in the deep tech sector.

• Europe first - but globally networked

The pan-European program is closely connected to the 45 most important deep tech hotspots in Europe, but has deliberately chosen to locate its headquarters in Dresden, in the heart of Silicon Saxony. Not only is the region home to a third of Europe's chip production, but TU Dresden is also the university with the most patents in Germany. Ignite Next thus opens up unique collaboration opportunities for start-ups and investors alike within one of the most important, dynamic and fastest growing semiconductor ecosystems on the continent.