Jury Voices: Social & Sustainable Impact

Discover the expectations and guiding principles of our jury members, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Jochen Schiller, Dr. Peter Udo Diehl and Geraldine de Bastion, for submissions in the Sustainable and Social Impact category of the Deep Tech Award 2024.

This article highlights the criteria for innovations that promise not only technological advancement, but also meaningful benefits for society, all set against the stimulating backdrop of Berlin’s tech scene.

1. What is important to you in submissions for the Deep Tech Award?

“In addition to the requirements of high innovation content and a promising business model, I am particularly concerned with the aspects of sustainability and benefits for society. What does a submission bring us as a society, how does it move us forward?”

- Prof. Dr. -Ing. Jochen Schiller, Professor Freie Universität Berlin

2. What constitutes a Deep Tech innovation for you?

“For me, deep tech innovations are technological solutions that address significant scientific or technical challenges. I.e. a deep tech innovation finds a new approach, a creative solution to a scientific or technical problem that is applicable and has the potential to create an impact or change – this impact can be technical, in that the innovation sets new standards, or because new software or hardware solutions are developed, or the impact can be social and cultural, because it enables new forms of use and application.”

- Geraldine de Bastion, CEO of Konnektiv

3. Why is Berlin the right place to develop Deep Tech?

“Berlin has one of the best startup ecosystems in Europe, good access to capital and excellent universities. In addition, Berlin attracts international talent and its diverse culture stimulates creativity.”

- Dr. Peter Udo Diehl, CEO & founder at Aiur Capital

Thank You!