MOTIONLAB.BERLIN'S NEW CHAPTER IN DEEP TECH
GERMANY'S NEW DIGITAL HUB FOR DEEP TECH
We Are Starting A New, Exciting Chapter: MotionLab.Berlin Takes the Lead as Germany’s New Digital Hub for Deep Tech
We Are Starting A New, Exciting Chapter: MotionLab.Berlin Takes the Lead as Germany’s New Digital Hub for Deep Tech
If you follow us on social media, you’ve probably heard the biggest news we’ve shared this year—MotionLab.Berlin has officially joined the de:hub family and now proudly represents Berlin as Germany’s newest Digital Hub for Deep Tech. Read on to discover what this means for us and our ecosystem.
FROM HARDTECH INNOVATION HUB TO THE NEW DIGITAL HUB FOR DEEP TECH
MotionLab.Berlin has evolved from a Hardware Innovation Hub into a leading supporter of advanced deep tech solutions that tackle global challenges.
“MotionLab.Berlin has come a long way since our early days, when we focused on mobility solutions like those developed by ONOMOTION. As we grew, we saw the immense potential hardware-focused solutions had in addressing global challenges like reducing carbon emissions,” says Tayla Sheldrake, Managing Director of our venture arm. This marked a shift toward high-end deep tech technologies that integrate hardware to offer scalable solutions for combating the climate crisis.
Until recently, MotionLab.Berlin was primarily known as a Hardware Innovation Hub, supporting solutions aimed at achieving net-zero emissions. What we didn’t realize at first was that this technology falls under the broader scope of deep tech, due to the advanced expertise and resources it demands. Over time, as we supported startups building hardware solutions, we naturally moved into the deep tech space.
“Today, we’re thrilled to support startups like NeoCarbon and Ucaneo, who are actively capturing or removing carbon, or Lite&Fog who have developed the system to produce sustainable natural proteins with less water and energy for use in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. These innovators are leading the way in creating the impactful technologies our world desperately needs,” adds Tayla proudly.
Deep tech solutions, especially in relation to hardware, are essential for achieving a carbon-neutral future because they address elements that can make a real difference. While deep tech extends beyond hardware, it’s the hardware aspect that demands significant resources. The challenges typically associated with deep tech technology—long R&D cycles, high costs, large capital investments, and complex regulations—are often the same hurdles hardware startups face from day one.
In essence, deep tech hardware ventures into uncharted territory, pushing the boundaries of innovation even further. This type of technology demands more—specialized machinery, expert knowledge, and a robust ecosystem to thrive. That’s exactly what we provide for our members at MotionLab.Berlin. Our shift into deep tech was a natural evolution—so seamless that we didn’t fully recognize it at first. But others saw it before we did, which is why we’re now proud to be part of the de:hub family as Germany’s new Digital Hub Berlin for Deep Tech.
STARTUP GERMANY SUMMIT 2024: A DAY TO REMEMBER
September 17, 2024, was a special day for our team. We proudly watched our Co-Founder and Managing Director Fridtjof Gustavs and Director of Corporate Partnerships René Giese take the stage at the Startup Germany Summit, where MotionLab.Berlin was named one of 10 new hubs joining the Digital Hub Initiative by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action. At that moment, MotionLab.Berlin was recognized as Germany’s newest Deep Tech Hub, representing Berlin as a key player in deep tech innovation.
Being recognized as Germany’s Deep Tech Hub expands our horizons, connecting us to a nationwide network of forward-thinking institutions under the Digital Hub Initiative. This network includes 6,000 startups, 2,000 partners, and 1,000 established collaborations. “This opens unprecedented opportunities, helping us connect pioneering hardtech startups with manufacturers, suppliers, top-tier investors, and innovation ecosystems worldwide,” explains René. “This recognition elevates our ecosystem, driving advancements in AI, robotics, IoT, and Industry 4.0 while supporting the growth of our startups and partners.”
#NETWORKINMOTION BBQ: CELEBRATING IN A FAMILY CIRCLE
After returning from the Startup Germany Summit, we didn’t just bring back exciting news—we also received our official de:hub plaque, a symbol of MotionLab.Berlin’s new role as a key player in Germany’s deep tech landscape. But instead of immediately putting it up, we waited for a special moment: our next NetworkinMotion BBQ.
This event series, designed to foster connections and strengthen our ecosystem, was the perfect opportunity to gather our closest partners, community members, and startups for an evening of celebration and collaboration. With a relaxed, post-summer atmosphere, we came together over good food, meaningful conversations, and a shared commitment to driving innovation in the deep tech and hardware sectors.
The highlight of the evening was a pitch from Florian Tiller, Co-Founder & CEO of Ucaneo, one of the newest members of our ecosystem. Florian shared insights into Ucaneo’s cutting-edge carbon capture technology and their journey since joining our Marzahn campus. His presentation perfectly captured the spirit of innovation that thrives within our community, demonstrating how startups at MotionLab.Berlin are tackling some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
DRIVING FOWARD DEEP TECH INNOVATION & FOSTER COLLABORATION
The Digital Hub plate now proudly sits on our bus, alongside the logos of our newest ecosystem members, including Venture Lab Niterra Group, Lemberg Solutions, Ucaneo, NOMAD X COLLECTIVE, and community startups Blue Skies Minerals GmbH, Bearcover, LIQUIDLOOP, Open Funk, MakerVerse, and Materialogic. This symbolic gesture represents our ongoing mission to drive forward deep tech innovation and foster a collaborative, purpose-driven community.
“Our ecosystem wouldn’t be what it is without the invaluable contribution of our partners and members, who gathered with us at our recent BBQ to celebrate this shared mission. Their roles in shaping the landscape of deep tech innovation are essential, and we’re excited to continue growing alongside them as we tackle the next frontier of technological challenges – after all it takes a village for any startup to succeed”, said Tayla about last week’s event.
JOIN OUR ECOSYSTEM
A big thank you to everyone who supported and joined us in celebrating this important milestone. We look forward to sharing more updates and opportunities as we continue this journey as the new Digital Hub Berlin for deep tech together.