The fine art of deep-tech recruiting.

Written for HR Future by our CEO Justus Spengler, this piece is close to a manifesto for what we do. Every industry has hiring challenges, but deep tech - AI, quantum computing, cybersecurity, blockchain - takes recruiting to another level: candidates are highly specialised, the talent pool is small, and the technology moves faster than any job description. Finding the right people is not about scanning CVs; it is about understanding emerging trends, following the research, and building relationships in niche communities. Either you invest heavily in internal expertise, or you work with specialists who truly understand the field.

Deep-tech companies do not just need skilled employees - they need innovators. New fields emerge overnight and today's hot skill can be outdated tomorrow. Unlike traditional industries, where past experience predicts success, deep tech rewards creativity and adaptability: the strongest candidate may have no direct experience but the ability to push what is possible. Hiring often happens without a fixed job description, so the real signal is problem-solving, technical curiosity, and the ability to thrive in fast-changing environments.

Each domain hires differently. In blockchain and Web3, developers prize decentralisation, open source and flexibility - a strong GitHub can matter more than a degree, many are self-taught, and founders make the call, so recruiters must move fast. In cybersecurity, the best people are cautious and hard to reach, operating inside trust-based networks where cold emails and LinkedIn rarely work; you earn access by showing up - building credibility, attending events, earning trust - and it pays off in lasting relationships. AI is more structured and academic: research experience and a track record at known labs are decisive, competition is fierce, and salary jumps of 100-200% when switching roles are not unusual, far beyond the usual 10-20%.

For teams expanding in deep tech, location is decisive - and Switzerland is a global hub. ETH Zurich and EPFL are among the world's top universities for computer science and engineering, and they incubate spin-offs across AI, robotics, security and biotech. Google, Apple, Meta, Microsoft and OpenAI run R&D centres here, alongside newcomers like TikTok's AI Institute. The country has the highest number of patent-holding tech startups per capita in Europe, backed by pro-innovation policies, strong IP law and access to investment.

Deep-tech recruiting is not about filling positions; it is about finding the people who drive innovation forward. The challenges are real, but so are the opportunities - and the strategy that makes the difference is either a strong in-house team or a specialist partner who understands this landscape. With world-class talent, a thriving ecosystem and a reliable political system, Switzerland is probably the best place to make it happen. That specialist partner is exactly what techxecutive is.