Impossible Founders: DESY Drives Deeptech Ecosystem for Start-ups

Hamburg is taking a significant step toward becoming a European deeptech hub: With the application of the new initiative Impossible Founders in the federal "Start-up Factory Lighthouse Competition," the city is positioning itself as a strong contender for one of the five to ten start-up centers nationwide to be funded. DESY plays a key role as a scientific anchor and driving force – both in terms of content and personnel. From November 2025, Dr. Arik Willner, the long-time Chief Technology Officer of DESY, will take over the management of Impossible Founders and drive forward the innovation ecosystem in Hamburg, where DESY is already an established player.

The application of the Hamburg initiative reflects a unique alliance between science, business, foundations, and start-up initiatives. The goal is to establish a strong start-up factory focusing on deeptech and green technologies. DESY is contributing its extensive experience in research, technology transfer, and infrastructure, such as through the future DESY Innovation Factory, the Science City Hamburg Bahrenfeld, and close cooperation with the Hamburg University of Technology and the University of Hamburg.

DESY Actively Shapes the Innovation Ecosystem

With Arik Willner’s new role at Impossible Founders, DESY’s strategic development of its innovation activities is also becoming evident: The expertise will not only remain within the organization but will also have an even greater impact on the entire Hamburg deeptech ecosystem. This highlights DESY’s role as a central driver and bridge-builder between science and business in the metropolitan region.

Deeptech Made in Hamburg – With DESY as a Key Player

The planned start-up factory aims to significantly accelerate spin-offs from science – through targeted support in the high-risk early phase, access to excellent research infrastructure, and strong partners like DESY. Topics such as new materials, AI, and green transformation are at the core. In these areas, DESY offers ideal conditions for innovative spin-offs with its scientific expertise and international networks.

DESY is already actively engaged in numerous initiatives to strengthen the deeptech sector. The application of Impossible Founders underscores this strategy and seamlessly fits into the ongoing activities.
The decision on funding will be made on June 6, 2025, in Berlin. Hamburg’s concept is among the 15 finalists out of 120 applications. Support from a broad funding alliance, including the Joachim Herz Foundation and the Michael Otto Foundation, is already secured.

For more information: www.impossible-founders.com