The Deep Tech VC Fellowship!
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The Deep Tech VC Fellowship!

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Welcome to the Deep Tech Fellowship - a paid, 3-month part-time program in Munich to connect PhD students & the deep tech startup and VC ecosystem. The Foundation: Matching 9 Fellows with 9 VCs for an unforgettable partnership! This site gives you an overview of the program, what it offers, and how you can apply. The Fellowship doesn’t only offer you the ability to conduct your own research project with a VC. It also provides you with a VC residency, allowing you to work with their investment team; the VCs also provide educational modules that enable entrepreneurial insights and knowledge and access to a network of funds and scientists. Additionally, a €3,000 stipend will be provided for each Fellow. The Deep Tech VC Fellowship is rooted in science. It guides you through the startup and funding ecosystem and inspires you to turn science into action. We can’t wait to connect with you and are here to answer any questions.
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Apply to be a Fellow! Duration: May to July 2025 Kick-off: May 9th (evening) & 10th Application Deadline: 15th of March 2025 🔥 Apply here

The Fellowship Goals

The Deep Tech VC Fellowship Program connects you deeper to Munich's Deep Tech Founder and Venture Capital ecosystem.

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Get unique access to the entire deep tech ecosystem. Connect with deep tech startups and VCs to develop a comprehensive view of what it takes to start, raise, and invest.
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Connect with other exceptional entrepreneurial PhD students
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Be part of the VC’s alumni networks and get access and invites to amazing industry events.

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Identify and research an industry trend of your interest and build an understanding of market dynamics.
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Become part of a lifelong, exclusive international community that supports collaboration, is part of selected events, and offers access to long-term career opportunities.
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Position your profile & CV close to the Deep Tech ecosystem

Program

So, what does the program look like, and how does the application process look? The timeline below outlines the fellowship's different stages, duration, and what you can expect.

Timeline

Duration
Program phase
2 days Fr/Sat (One evening kick-off event and a session day) May (Fri 9th & Saturday 10th May)
Kick-off event in Munich • Evening 1: Come together with all your fellows and VCs for an official welcome and a kick-off dinner in Munich, where you can get to know your collaborators and colleagues for the next three months. • VC session day: One day filled with networking opportunities and sessions, to intro you to the world of Founders and VCs. Also sit with your VC to define the details of your collaboration and research project.
3 months (May - July)
Deep Tech VC Fellowship • Research/portfolio: Define the set-up of your project in-depth with your VC and collaboratively work with the fund on it (research or incubation project). This can be done in-person and remote. • Weekly session: Conduct one weekly catch-up session with your VC (in-person, desk and compensation provided by VC). If you would like also work on your project from the VC offices whenever you would like. • Direct VC insights: Align with your VC which aspects of the venture world you would like to get in-depth insights on, and where you can sit in (Deal Flow Meeting, get-to-know of potential portfolio companies, reference calls,…) • Biweekly get-together: A breakfast/dinner to bring the entire group together. These will be either at the VCs or at portfolio companies, for you to meet even more founders • Final event: Present your research findings at a joint event in front of the other fellows, the VCs and graduate from the program.

Research Topics

In the application form, you need to suggest one project yourself, but you can also choose from the projects the VCs proposed.

Your proposal can vary from a deep dive into a specific area of interest to an idea for a company you want to build on top of research. It can be in a totally different field than the projects the VCs offer. Important: Which project will you work on? During the interview process, you will align with the VC. It will only be one of the two, either your proposal or the VC proposal.

Projects by the VCs you could work on during your Fellowship:

  • AI Model Efficiency
  • True bottlenecks in next-gen chips
  • Cybersecurity of grid
  • Scaling spatial omics for broader applications
  • Robotics in Construction
  • Rare earth element recycling
  • Non-invasive Brain-Computer Interfaces
  • Industrial Heat

and many more…

  • Upcoming large-scale innovation in space
  • Quantum Technologies Landscape 2025
  • VPP
  • Physics-informed neural networks for physical reasoning
  • Low capex synthetic fuels
  • Ultra-deep Geothermal Energy
  • Software-defined factories
🤖List of all Fellowship Projects

Knowledge Sessions

These are examples of some knowledge sessions the VCs will prepare for you.

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VC Basics How VC works VC business model
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Startup Mode Creating a vision Team & cap table Technology & commercial milestones Fundraising essentials
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Builder Mode Spinning out & IP Hiring and maintaining a team Deep Tech go-to-market
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Startup / VC visits Transitioning from scientist to founder Techno-economic analysis Cracking fundraising

Your Profile

Wondering if you should apply? The criteria are very clear. You are:

  • An outstanding scientist, currently working on your PhD in a technical field
  • Munich-based or able to commute to Munich for in-person sessions
  • Interested in the opportunity to collaborate with a VC fund on a research or incubation project in parallel to your PhD
  • Have time to undertake your research project over 3 months
  • Want to connect with other incredible students and some of Munich’s leading deep tech Founders & VCs

How To Apply

  1. Submit the application form (Deadline: 15.03.2025)
  2. Interview between selected top candidates and VCs (March/April)
  3. Manual matching with the projects and VCs (April)
  4. Fellowship Start (May)

VCs you’ll work with

See with whom of the region's most prestigious Deep Tech investors you will collaborate.

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Meet your colleagues at each fund

Apply now

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Application Deadline: 15.03.2025

Contact

Any questions? 👀

Please reach out to Lena (lena@firstmomentum.vc) or Gina (gina@vsquared.vc).