Exploration program

Next-Generation Compute 2026

Exploration Programs are designed for corporates to gain foresight into emerging deeptech domains. Unlike Business Creation Programs, which focus on pilots and partnerships with mature startups, Exploration Programs provide first-hand exposure to early-stage technologies (TRL3+), expert insights, and peer-to-peer exchanges. Through a year-long blend of digital and physical activities, participants explore the long-term implications of deeptech for their company, industry, and society.

This program is for corporate employees in long-term roles — such as CTOs, R&D leaders, and strategy executives — who need to understand how the computing landscape will evolve over the next 5–10 years and the implications for their company, industry, and society. It is also for European deeptech startups (TRL3+) working on early-stage technologies that could redefine the future of computing.

The Next Gen Compute 2026 Exploration Program will cover frontier topics such as AI ahead, quantum computing, neuromorphic computing, photonics, semiconductors, plastronics, next-generation communication (6G and beyond), and cybersecurity. As in all DTA programs, Corporate Partners will decide which areas to focus on most, ensuring maximum relevance.

Participation in the program provides first-hand opportunities to meet leading experts and makers in these domains, exchange insights with peers, and explore potential collaborations with carefully selected startups.

Applications to the Next Gen Compute 2026 program will open in late 2025. You can register your interest through the form.

If you represent a corporate interested in this program, please contact us via the form, or email [email protected]

If you know a startup that would fit in this program, you can nominate them here:

Nominate a Startup

In numbers

From our Past Programs:

Business Creation Programs

International Corporates participating

183

European startups/scaleups participating

917

Curated match meetings startup-corporate

297

Potential collaborations startup-corporate

218

Potential collaborations corporate-corporate

What we are looking for:

AI ahead
Quantum computing

Neuromorphic computing
Photonics

Semiconductors
Plastronics

Next-gen communication (6G and beyond)
Cybersecurity

and similar innovative solutions that participating corporates express interest in.

About

About DeepTech Alliance Next-Generation Compute 2026

The Next Gen Compute 2026 program will primarily focus on helping corporate leaders in long-term roles understand the technologies that will shape computing 5–10 years from now and their implications for business, industry, and society. Participating companies can bring several representatives with the right roles and knowledge, ensuring breadth of perspectives and maximum value from the program. Carefully selected European deeptech companies (TRL3+) will also be involved, offering early insights into transformative technologies.

The program runs as a year-long blend of digital and physical activities, designed for maximum efficiency and minimal travel. Participants will engage in thematic CoDive™ sessions, roundtable discussions with subject matter experts, and Exploration Missions to leading hubs and ecosystems. The program will culminate in the Explore pre-event and Explore gathering, where corporates and startups meet again in person to exchange insights, compare experiences, and explore future opportunities.

What Corporates Get from the Program

As a corporate partner in the Next Gen Compute 2026 Exploration Program, you gain direct access to the people, companies, and insights shaping the future of computing. The program is designed around your long-term strategic priorities, defined together with the DeepTech Alliance team. The program offers:

First-hand exposure to breakthrough technologies through meetings with global experts, peers, and carefully selected early-stage startups (TRL3+)
Exploration Missions to leading hubs, ecosystems, and deeptech events, providing direct insights into emerging domains
Thematic CoDive™ sessions where a few handpicked startups present directly to corporates, enabling efficient discovery and discussion
Roundtable discussions with subject-matter experts and corporate peers to exchange insights and foresight
Participation in DTA Explore including the dedicated Exploration Track, pre-event networking, and CrowdWorks-based matchmaking

This isn’t another foresight report. It’s a hands-on exploration engine built to create better strategies, plans, and investments for the next decade.

What Startups Get from the Program

As a selected startup in the Next Gen Compute 2026 Exploration Program, you are invited to join a unique initiative designed to connect early-stage European deeptech ventures (TRL3+) with leading corporates exploring the future of computing. The program is not about acceleration or pilots — it is about insight, foresight, and relationships that can shape long-term opportunities. You receive:

Opportunities to present your technology directly to corporate leaders in long-term roles through thematic CoDive™ sessions and dedicated roundtables
Visibility at Exploration Missions and the DTA Explore summit, where corporates and ecosystem partners gather to discuss the technologies shaping the next decade
Early relationships with corporates who are defining their long-term strategies and want to understand how your technology may influence their future plans

This is a forward-looking exploration program built to give you early exposure to the corporates and peers who are shaping the next generation of computing.

Participation requirements for Startups

Registered technology company in Europe – Including EU and non-EU countries such as the UK, Norway, Switzerland, Ukraine, and others.
Technology readiness – Minimum TRL 3 — early-stage deeptech companies with the ambition to engage with corporates exploring long-term strategies.
Travel & lodging – Participants are responsible for their own travel and accommodation related to Exploration Missions and the concluding Explore summit.

Corporate Partners already confirmed in Utility 2025