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Why Location Matters

In science and deep tech, innovation rarely happens in isolation. Breakthroughs are far more likely to emerge in environments where researchers, entrepreneurs, investors, and industry partners naturally converge.

For organisations operating at the frontier of science and technology, choosing the right location is therefore far more than a practical decision. It’s a strategic one. At Kadans Science Partner, we see every day how proximity to the right science cluster can accelerate breakthroughs, strengthen collaboration, and help organisations move quickly from discovery to real-world application.

Successful science clusters are typically built on a combination of economic, physical, and network drivers. By bringing together talent, capital, research, and specialised infrastructure, these environments create the conditions where innovation can thrive.

Below we explore four essential elements that make location such a critical factor for deep tech companies, particularly in fields such as semiconductors, photonics, and other advanced technologies.

1. Talent: The foundation of innovation

For deep tech companies, access to specialised talent is often the most important factor influencing location decisions.

Sectors such as semiconductors and photonics rely on highly specialised knowledge and technical expertise. As global competition for skilled professionals intensifies, organisations seek locations where strong talent pools already exist.

Many of the world’s most successful science clusters are anchored by leading universities, technical institutes, and research centres that educate and cultivate the next generation of scientists and engineers. Being embedded in these environments helps organisations access a continuous pipeline of skilled graduates while also creating opportunities for collaboration through internships, doctoral programs, and joint research programmes.

Proximity to these institutions also attracts experienced professionals who value working within vibrant scientific communities and alongside other experts in their field. In this way clusters create a virtuous cycle where talent attracts further talent.

2. Capital: Fuel for scaling

Unlike many traditional technology sectors, deep tech often requires longer development cycles and significant upfront investment before technologies reach commercial maturity.

Being located within a strong innovation ecosystem increases visibility and access to investors that understand these dynamics.

While regional and national governments may provide important funding programmes, clusters also foster local investor communities and strategic industry partnerships that help companies scale.

Within these ecosystems, opportunities to connect with investors and collaborators often emerge through everyday interactions. Informal exchanges, introductions, and events can lead to relationships that ultimately support long-term growth.

By situating yourself in an ecosystem where capital is already circulating, you increase your visibility with investors who understand the complexity and longer‑term nature of deep tech innovation.

3. Knowledge: Research and expertise

Knowledge-exchange is the beating heart of any thriving innovation ecosystem.

When companies operate in close proximity to leading universities, research institutes, hospitals, and specialist laboratories, the opportunities for collaboration multiply. These interactions enable the exchange of ideas, accelerate problem solving, and support the translation of research into real-world applications.

Clusters often create environments where academia and industry work closely together. This proximity allows researchers and companies to collaborate on projects, access specialist expertise, and benefit from shared facilities.

Cross-disciplinary collaboration is particularly important in deep tech fields, where breakthroughs often occur at the intersection of multiple scientific domains. By bringing together diverse expertise, clusters enable ideas to evolve more rapidly and increase the likelihood of meaningful innovation.

4. Specialised assets: Infrastructure for growth

Deep tech research and development demands far more than a standard building. It requires specialist facilities that are safe, compliant, and highly adaptable. From cleanrooms and vibration‑controlled labs to high-power electrical capacity and secure data environments, these assets are not only expensive but also complex to develop and maintain.

Choosing a location within a well-developed science cluster may provide you with the opportunity to access shared equipment and facilities to scale your research and production. However, the right assets for your individual needs are the foundation for your R&D. A purpose-built laboratory or production environment can make all the difference for an efficient workflow. For deep tech, the right infrastructure can significantly reduce development time and operational friction.

Kadans Science Partner develops and operates the specialised assets that growing organisations need, staying involved long after a building is delivered. With over 20 years of experience, Kadans’ in-house team is well-equipped to develop the environment an organisation requires. Unlike traditional landlords that deliver empty spaces, Kadans provides spaces that are primed to fit each organisation’s specific research needs, providing a seamless transition from lease signing to the commencement of operations.

Every science cluster brings its own unique strengths, shaping the opportunities available to the organisations located there. Across our seven tech clusters in Europe, we see how each ecosystem offers distinct expertise and perspectives. Together, they form an international network where collaboration accelerates innovation. So don’t go out looking for a place to work, find a place to grow. Because in science and technology, where you are matters just as much as what you do.