CERN’s transformative innovations: from superconductivity to detectors for medical imaging and beyond

Innovation often begins with a collision - not just of particles, but of ideas, vision, and opportunity. Take the MP3, for example, a breakthrough compression technology that completely disrupted the way we consume music and other content (including your mom’s favorite podcast). Yet, despite its brilliance, giants like Sony and Panasonic initially dismissed MP3 technology – CDs are doing all right. It was only when bold visionaries collided with market needs that the MP3 turned into a global phenomenon.

CERN's origins trace back to the 1940s, when a small group of visionary scientists in Europe and North America recognized the need for a world-class physics research facility in Europe. Their mission was twofold: to curb the brain drain to America that began during the Second World War and to create a force for unity in a divided, post-war Europe. Today, CERN stands as a symbol of global collaboration, uniting scientists from around the world in the relentless pursuit of knowledge.

And their heritage? It’s extraordinary. From the invention of the World Wide Web to groundbreaking advancements like Hadron Therapy for Cancer Treatment, Grid Computing, Detectors for Medical Imaging, Open Source Projects, Cryogenics, Superconductivity, and more - CERN’s innovations are transformative and undeniably world-changing.

But what about the innovations that almost didn’t happen? Today, at CERN Venture Connect (CVC), people aren’t leaving the next tech wave to chance. Instead, they’re taking a proactive approach: orchestrating collisions between cutting-edge technologies and entrepreneurial minds - fueling the potential for the next MP3, the next WWW - or something even more groundbreaking (and audible).

For Tensor Ventures, Cern is exactly the place to be.

Cern Venture Connect: cvc with a capital C

CERN Venture Connect is one of the most exciting initiatives I’ve come across in the deep tech world. Launched just a year ago, it has already built partnerships with over 40 organizations across 15 countries - Tensor Ventures included. Its mission is to accelerate startups by fast-tracking access to CERN’s tech and connecting them to its global support network.

As the only VC fund from the CEE region invited to the CERN Venture Connect Summit, Tensor Ventures had a front-row seat to this thriving ecosystem. The summit brought together startups, corporates, venture builders, and VCs to explore how scientific discoveries can be transformed into commercial successes.

Because, let’s face it - if CERN isn’t deep tech, nothing is.

How many potential disruptors eat in the CERN canteen? 

Walking through CERN is an experience like no other. The scale of ambition, the intellectual firepower - and, yes, the canteen - are all unmatched. From their world-class data processing systems to unparalleled advancements in particle acceleration and magnetics, CERN is a treasure trove of innovation.

But the real potential lies not just in the technology but in the people in that canteen and their ideas. At CVC, they’re not just talking about innovation - they’re showcasing it. During the summit, we met some incredible startups presenting tangible use cases - such as: 

• InPhocal, rethinking how laser communications can reshape industries.

• RESHAPE.SYSTEMS, leveraging AI to optimize infrastructure.

• SolidWatts, pioneering advancements in energy optimization.

• Orbiba Robotics, revolutionizing precision engineering.

These ventures are just the tip of the iceberg. As I listened to their presentations, I couldn’t help but wonder: how many of these ideas will become the next MP3 or WWW?

Deep tech before it was cool

At Tensor Ventures, we’ve been all about deep tech “before it was cool.” But deep tech isn’t just about superb research - it’s about translating that research into real-world impact. And this is where programs like CERN Venture Connect are essential.

The MP3 didn’t change the world because it was a good idea. It changed the world because someone connected the technology with the right commercial application. The same is true for CERN’s innovations. Whether in particle physics, AI, or magnetics, the technologies they’ve developed have the potential to redefine industries. But they need entrepreneurial vision and venture capital to make that leap.

Collisions that count

Last month, we at Tensor Ventures had the honor of being the only CEE-based VC invited to participate in the CERN Venture Connect Summit, hosted by CERN Innovation Partnerships. This milestone highlights our shared belief in the transformative power of deep tech to reshape industries and shape the future. Building a strong deep tech ecosystem has always been central to our strategy, perfectly aligning with the vision of our partners.

At CERN Venture Connect, collisions are being orchestrated to ensure that groundbreaking science finds its place in the market. For Tensor Ventures, being part of this ecosystem means playing an active role in shaping the future of deep tech.

As I reflect on our visit, one thing is clear: the next big thing is out there. And it’s not a question of if it will happen, but who will make it happen.