The article argues that Europe's startup landscape is overly focused on capital cities, missing industrial challenges like energy transition and health system reform. Unlike consumer tech, deep tech requires infrastructure, trust, and sustainable investment to thrive. The Ruhr region in Germany exemplifies an ideal environment for this, combining a rich academic landscape with industrial networks, affordability, and established companies. For Europe to foster innovation in critical sectors, it must develop ecosystems tailored for deep tech rather than relying on traditional startup approaches centered in urban capitals.
Consumer tech thrives on speed, scale, and user growth. Deep tech doesn’t. It needs infrastructure, trust, and long-term capital.
If Europe wants to lead in industrial innovation, it needs ecosystems built for it.
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