We’re entering a different era of building.
Software was just the beginning.
Energy. Materials. Biology. Food.
This is where the hardest problems and the biggest opportunities live, because the moats aren’t growth hacks.
They’re patents.
They’re science.
They’re things most people simply can’t replicate.
Europe is where this gets built.
The talent is here. The science is here. The capital is following.
Now is Europe’s moment.
Think you’ve read this 👆 and seen this 👇 somewhere else? YES.
We’ve just taken over LinkedIn as HackSummit attendees join us to highlight the importance of DeepTech in Europe, before we get together on April 22-23 in Lausanne, Switzerland.
In today’s edition:
🎤 32 must-meet Founders join the line up
🌯 What’s on the Menu at the 2026 HackSummit
🇨🇭 5 Secrets of Switzerland’s HardTech success
🚀 59 up-and-coming talents at HackSummit
✨ 32 Bright Founders on Stage
From reinventing how we build on Earth to laying the groundwork for entirely new economies in space, this year’s HackSummit founders are rewriting the rules of what’s possible.
You’ll find Founders making sustainable proteins and fats directly from carbon, pulling CO₂ out of the air with next-gen hydrolyzer-based DAC, and turning renewable energy into high-temperature heat to decarbonise heavy industry.
At the same time, teams are operating at the molecular frontier, transforming wood into materials that rival steel and glass, creating fireproof, CO₂-negative buildings, and engineering an entirely new class of textiles from nanocellulose.
Add to that ventures recovering critical minerals from volcanoes and building the backbone of the in-space economy, and you start to see it: a glimpse into a radically different, deeply exciting future taking shape at HackSummit.
The HackSummit is just around the corner, and we’re excited to share a taster of the Food and Drinks brands on offer in Lausanne.
Highlights include Luya’s mushroom bánh mì, Tibits’ ruby royal burgers, Matr fungi burgers, Migros tofu satay bowls, and fresh falafel dishes. Followed by Paleta Loca artisanal ice cream, Biofruits’ locally sourced fruit and Tibits vegan cakes, served alongside Koppie bean-free coffee, Gaya functional mushroom cacao, Supernatural kombucha, FLIP zero-calorie flavoured water, and NINO alcohol-free wine.
🇨🇭Secrets behind Swiss Startup Success
What makes Switzerland one of the world’s most powerful hubs for deep tech?
It excels at de-risking the hardest problems.
Insights from leaders across Verve Ventures, Übermorgen Ventures, Presence Switzerland and MassChallenge Switzerland point to a uniquely enabling ecosystem:
World-class infrastructure like PSI and CSEM that lets startups prototype and validate without massive upfront capital
A research powerhouse anchored by ETH Zurich and EPFL
A global-first mindset supported by initiatives like swisstech.
A culture that rewards focus and capital efficiency—and a strong foundation for climate hard tech across carbon, materials, and energy—Switzerland offers founders a rare environment to turn breakthrough science into real-world impact, fast.
We highlight 14 ones-to-watch, who are leveraging Switzerland’s ecosystem and foundations to pilot, scale and build their startup.
⛏️ Hack Pilot Day - 24th April
We’re hosting a curated event designed to help startups and Swiss SMEs explore concrete collaboration opportunities across industry, built environment, energy and agrifood.
What’s planned:
Curated 1:1 meetings for startups and SMEs, based on your sector & solutions
Networking lunch with the Swiss innovation ecosystem
Expert-led insights on SME-startup collaboration and real-world practice
Spots are limited. Join now to be a part of the selected group of startups.
📈 Who You’ll Meet at the Startup Fair
The Startup Fair puts Founders at the heart of the Summit with the chance to showcase and demo their promising technologies
New for 2026: An entirely new cohort of startups in the Fair on each day
Meet the teams behind all 59 solutions and find out how you could be a part of their next collaboration, fundraise and scale up pathway.
Find new talents in: nature-first metal remediation, biomaterials for construction, coffee alternatives, soil-reviving biostimulants, hydrogen-powered boats, DNA monitoring, upcycling CO2, green chemicals and fermentation-based protein.
We’re just 2 weeks away from hosting the climate deep tech community in Switzerland. Hundreds of founders, investors and operators where deals will be made and new friendships formed.
It’s time to lock in one of the last remaining tickets. See you there?
Use code FINALCALL to save 15% off your pass.
Laura at Hack
Tell us, what did you think of today’s email?