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Alice SegreFrom space to health: exploring deep tech innovations at 4YFN 2025
At 4YFN 2025, I saw Europe’s deep tech ecosystem at its best: ambitious, mission-driven, and refreshingly grounded. From space-enabled healthcare to impact-driven VC communities and a strong focus on sustainability and inclusion, the conference proved that innovation isn't just about what’s next, it’s about what truly matters.
What I learned at 4YFN 2025: deep tech, space, defense, and the power of community
It took me a few days to recover from 4YFN 2025, and even longer to follow up with the incredible people I met. This year’s edition wasn’t just another conference; it was a signal of where European deep tech and impact investing are heading. Here’s a snapshot of the most meaningful moments, conversations, and themes that stuck with me.
From microgravity to medicine: how space tech is powering health innovation
One of the most mind-expanding sessions I attended was led by Kimberly Washington from Deep Space Biology. Her talk was a reminder that space isn’t just for rockets—it’s a launchpad for some of the most exciting healthtech innovation on Earth.
Kimberly shared how her team used microgravity to model disease progression, compressing five years of clinical data into just four days. Her example? A digital twin of a diseased liver built using space-derived data and AI. Mind-blowing. It reframed space research not as a luxury, but as a resource for tackling real-world medical challenges faster, better, and at scale.
Her deeper point was this: many everyday technologies (CT scans, insulin pumps….) originated in space. So why do we still think of it as “out there”? For founders working in health, climate, or AI, Kimberly’s message was clear: space is not escapism, it’s acceleration.
Cherry on the cake? How inspiring it was to hear her journey to grow as a female founder in the space industry. Just amazing.
Rethinking priorities: deep tech, geopolitics, and what really matters
While geopolitical shifts have undeniably pushed defense tech into more investor conversations this year, what stood out most at 4YFN was something else entirely: a strong and sustained focus on health, sustainability, and science-backed innovation. Yes, dual-use technologies and resilient infrastructure are increasingly part of the European deep tech dialogue, but they weren’t the main event.
What truly energized the room were the conversations around biotech, climate, AI for good, and space-enabled health solutions. In particular, the AI and venture capital sessions featuring Kaan Eren, Yoram Wijngaarde, and Fritz Oidtmann brought nuance to the hype vs. reality discussion, with refreshing honesty about how little the fundamentals of VC have actually changed. Their reflections on the limits of data-driven investing and the importance of founder relationships grounded the tech optimism in real-world practice. It felt like a reaffirmation of where the most meaningful opportunities lie: in solutions that improve lives, safeguard the planet, and stretch the limits of what’s possible through science.
The venture playbook may be expanding, but it’s reassuring to see that the heart of deep tech remains focused on building a better, more sustainable future.
Lubomila Jordanova: making climate strategy make business sense
One of the standout voices at 4YFN was Lubomila Jordanova, founder of Plan A, who delivered a powerful message on aligning climate goals with business strategy. She reframed sustainability not as a side mission, but as a core business imperative, especially for European startups navigating evolving regulations. Her talk tackled the complexities of carbon accounting, the urgent need to bridge financial and non-financial reporting, and the deeper economic truth: “We’re not paying the full price for what we consume: the planet is.” Lubomila’s clarity, data-backed urgency, and ability to connect the dots between climate risk and competitive advantage made her session one of the most relevant and thought-provoking of the week.
Behind the scenes: building community in venture
4YFN wasn’t just about panels and mainstage moments. Some of the best conversations happened at side events: especially the one I co-hosted for the Junior Impact VC community. Bringing together emerging investors across Europe who are navigating the messy middle of doing deals with purpose was both grounding and energizing. Career paths in impact VC are still unclear, and this kind of peer exchange is rare, but deeply needed.
Another personal highlight: attending several events focused on elevating women in venture. From the breakfast at Norrsken Barcelona to the Impulse4Women drinks and an incredible panel by unlock VC featuring Zoe Peden, the message was consistent: diversity isn’t a “nice to have,” it’s a strategic edge. These events weren’t just inspiring, they were proof that a more inclusive VC ecosystem is already being built, one connection at a time.
Spotlighting innovation: judging the Tech & Planet Awards
I was honoured to serve on the jury for the’ Tech & Planet’ Awards by EAE Business School. The winner, Christian Zwicky from Alivion, presented a compelling solution for real-time air quality diagnostics. It’s the kind of science-based, impact-driven company that embodies what European deep tech does best: real innovation, built for real-world problems.
So, what is next?
Conferences like 4YFN aren’t just about the talks, they’re about the signal they send. This year, I walked away feeling hopeful. European founders are getting sharper. Investors are getting braver. And the lines between sectors (space, health, defense, AI…) are blurring in all the right ways.
The question isn’t who raised the biggest round. It’s who’s building something that still matters ten years from now.
So here’s to deep tech, bold bets, and the communities that make them possible.
See you next year, 4YFN!