Not every breakthrough fits into a small meeting room or onto a 16:9 slide deck. True deep tech demands space to move, breathe, and operate.
The Discovery Zone is the absolute physical and strategic hub of NORDEEP 2026—an interactive, high-energy environment where investors, corporate scouts, and international media encounter emerging technologies, physical hardware, and running software in real-time.
Inspired by the legendary ARCTIC15 Experience Zone, we curate this space exclusively for teams who move beyond passive text slides to show proof-of-concept in action. We welcome early-stage startups, university research projects, and invited scale-ups across two distinct presentation tiers:
(Laptops & Small Devices)
If your deep tech product operates via running code, live software models, interactive simulations, or compact physical devices that you can demonstrate from a laptop, screen, or tabletop—you fit perfectly here and can buy your booth directly online.
If you have something bigger, more complex, and visually magnificent to display—such as a functional industrial drone, heavy automated machinery, large robotics arrays, or complex physical hardware components—you can apply separately for an optimized space.
Whether you are showing code running live on a laptop or operating a heavy industrial robot, you must have an active product, software demo, or physical component to show. Purely abstract marketing booths with only pull-up banners and paper flyers are not allowed.
For Software, Running Code, and Tabletop Demos (Laptops/Screens/Compact Gear)
If your live setup operates seamlessly within a standard footprint, you can secure your exhibition station directly online right now. Each curated station is engineered to maximize foot traffic while keeping your presentation clean and professional.
A clean 2 x 2 meter footprint (ideal for a laptop setup, monitor display, or small physical device).
High-speed Wi-Fi access, electricity, and carpeting.
One cocktail table to anchor your materials and host quick conversations.
Two (2) Startup tickets with full 2-day event access and integrated platform matchmaking capabilities.
By default, your standard booth secures a high-impact, 1-day placement. To maximize ecosystem diversity, organizers dynamically allocate your specific showcase day (either Wednesday or Thursday) based on track themes.
To double your visibility and guarantee your space stays locked in for the entire duration of the summit, you can opt to purchase the second day as an add-on during your online booking process. This ensures maximum interaction opportunities with visiting investors and corporate scouts.
For Bigger, Heavy, and Magnificent Physical Product Showcases
We understand that breakthrough deep tech often involves massive physical assets—whether it is an autonomous drone fleet, heavy industrial mechanics, or expansive custom testing arrays that require a larger footprint to fully showcase their magnitude.
If your live demo setup is too large, heavy, or complex to fit onto a standard cocktail table or within a 2×2 meter space, do not buy the standard booth online. Instead, submit an application detailing your magnificent physical showcase via our separate form. Our operations team will evaluate your hardware specifications and reach out with a custom space layout and quote.
Bringing your physical asset into the heart of the summit positions your innovation directly in front of the people who hold the capital to scale it:
A dedicated, high-traffic physical showcase station in the dead center of the venue.
Fully integrated event platform capabilities to schedule high-yield, private 1-on-1 meetings directly at your hardware booth.
Inclusion in official NORDEEP event communication channels, wrap-up campaigns, and press packages.
Are you already preparing an incredible live tech demo or running code for your Discovery Zone booth? Don’t let your exposure stop at the exhibition floor.
Apply for the NORDEEP Deep Tech Awards to take your innovation to the Main Stage! This is the ultimate opportunity for startups to be objectively benchmarked via the SiRA Framework, secure a slot in our legendary rapid-fire 5×5 Showcase, and compete to be crowned a track champion in front of our entire audience of international investors and media.
👉 Best of all: Your Discovery Zone booth tickets grant you full eligibility to enter the awards pipeline.