DeepTech Collective Conference 2026

How do AI, quantum technologies and robotics move from research and experimentation to real-world applications?

The Conference returns for its second edition at ARENA2036 in Stuttgart, bringing together people from research, industry, startups and the wider deep-tech ecosystem.

This year, we are exploring the industrialisation of deep tech — and what it takes to turn technological progress into scalable, real-world applications.

That transition involves more than technology alone. It brings technical and organisational challenges, access to funding and talent, resilient supply chains, cybersecurity, geopolitical dependencies and the need for collaboration across disciplines and organisations.

Through keynotes, interactive sessions, discussions and networking, the conference creates a space to learn from practical experiences and connect with others working across deep tech.

The Deep Tech Collective Conference 2026 is made possible with the support of:

— Title Partner

— Gold Sponsor
— Gold Sponsor
— Gold Sponsor

We are grateful for their support in bringing the deep-tech community together.

The conference will explore three core technology areas:

Artificial Intelligence · Quantum Technologies · Robotics

A preliminary agenda is available below. The final agenda will be published by 5 October 2026.

The day will begin with dedicated keynotes across AI, quantum and robotics.

Before lunch, participants will move into smaller groups for an interactive programme combining workshop-style activities and visits to stations hosted by members of the ARENA2036 ecosystem, providing opportunities to engage directly with projects, applications and the people behind them.

In the afternoon, a panel discussion on the industrialisation of deep tech will examine broader challenges including scaling, supply chains, geopolitics, funding and cybersecurity.

There will also be plenty of time throughout the day for networking and informal exchange.

At Deep Tech Collective, we believe technological progress is not only about what we build, but also about who gets to participate in shaping it.

We want to make deep tech more accessible and create spaces where people from different disciplines and levels of experience can learn from one another and contribute their perspectives.

Because complex technologies reach their full potential when we connect knowledge, people and ideas.

Come curious. Leave with new perspectives, new connections and a better understanding of what it takes to bring deep tech into the real world.

We keep our ticket prices intentionally affordable:

Regular Ticket — €30
For professionals and general attendees.

Reduced Ticket — €10
For students, people who are currently unemployed, and people on maternity or parental leave.

Ticket revenue covers only part of the cost of hosting each participant, including catering. To help us plan responsibly and reduce unnecessary food waste, please register only if you intend to attend.

If your plans change, please cancel your ticket as early as possible so we can adjust our planning and, where possible, make the place available to someone else.

We don't want the ticket fee to prevent anyone from participating.

If €10 is still a financial barrier, contact us at [email protected]. We can offer scholarship tickets to participants who would otherwise be unable to attend because of the cost.

No lengthy application is required — simply get in touch.

Data Protection & Recording Notice
By registering, you consent to being contacted by the organizers regarding this and future events (you may unsubscribe at any time). The event may be recorded or photographed for the NGO's documentation and communication purposes, which may include your name, image, or voice. If you do not wish to be recorded or photographed, please inform us in advance ([email protected]). All session materials remain the intellectual property of the speakers and may not be reused without permission.

Info: Arrive, grab a coffee and connect with other participants before the program begins.

Info: Opening remarks from the Deep Tech Collective team and an introduction to the ideas and questions that will guide the day.

Info: Welcome to the Collision Zone – AI, Robotics, Quantum and the Increasingly Messy Future of Technology, Valentina Contini, Head of Technology Foresight & Future

Info: The Best Test - socioinformatic testing methods
Anita Klingel, Head of AI Science & Transformation, IPAI Foundation

Info: Building the World's First Universal Photonic Quantum Computer, Dr. Carina Mieth, Managing Director, QuiX Quantum GmbH

Info: Quantum Computing Use Cases Explored by QUTAC, Dr. Karen Wintersperger, Quantum Computing Scientist, Siemens AG Foundational Technologies

Info: Coffee Break with Q&A in break

Info: Beyond the Lab: Autonomous Flying Robots in the Real World, Prof. Aamir Ahmed, Head of Flight Robotics Institute of Flight Mechanics and Control (iFR)

Info: Robotics Engineering in the New AI Era, Dr. Jennifer Bühler, Senior Robotics Engineer, b»robotized GmbH

Info: ARENA 2036 : Venue Tour

Info: Dr. Mayumi Mohan, Research Scientist, Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Mark Schutera, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Artificial Intelligence @DHBW Ravensburg
Eda Sorani, Business Development Specialist, planqc
Dijana Vetturelli | Co-Founder & CEO, qohubs
Sabine Fischer, Independent Board Member

Event venue & nearby stays

ARENA2036 e.V., Pfaffenwaldring 19, Stuttgart, Germany

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.

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