The German innovation ecosystem is booming, and tech events are plenty to choose from! While Berlin and Munich are already known as hotspots for founders and investors, the trending Ruhr region is characterized by a fairly young startup scene. Whether you are part of a corporate, you are a founder or an investor – don’t miss the following networking events this summer to take your business to the next level!

Tech Open Air (TOA), Berlin

Technology and cool festival flair? TOA combines exhilarating speakers, art installations and hip ambience at Funkhaus Berlin. More than 150 speakers and 20,000 founders, entrepreneurs and investors gather at Europe’s largest interdisciplinary tech festival to network and discuss the latest tech trends. Corporates can learn about startup cooperation and other innovative ways to digitally transform  their business by choosing from a vast array of workshop sessions. Satellite events that take place all across Berlin are another staple of TOA : start your day with rooftop yoga, cruise the river Spree on the”Blockchain Boat”, experiment with 3D printers or enjoy the sunset at the Tech Open BBQ. All satellite events are free, but TOA ticket holders are given priority.

When: 19 – 22 June 2018
Where: Funkhaus Berlin, Nalepastr. 18 12459 Berlin
Tickets & Info: https://toa.berlin/

Bits & Pretzels, Munich

Enjoy an innovative atmosphere around Oktoberfest! The three-day conference Bits & Pretzels is all about Munich’s startup scene and features an international guest list. Tarana Burke (founder #metoo Movement), Jochen Engert (founder FlixMobility) and Jeff Clarke (CEO Kodak), and many others will share valuable insights. The conference offers workshops for startups, investors and corporates. Corporates can learn how to build corporate accelerator programs or participate in sessions about digitalization strategies. Startups get the chance to pitch ideas in front of a selected jury. The best teams present their project to approx. 2,500 participants and to win the “Golden Pretzel” by public voting. Next level networking: Bits & Pretzels’  last day ends at the famous Oktoberfest. The Schottenhamel tent offers founders, investors and corporates a unique networking experience. Chat with Hannes Ametsreiter (CEO, Vodafone), Dorothee Bär (Minister of State for Digitalization) or Ralf Wenzel (CSO, Delivery Hero).

When: 30 September – 2 October 2018
Where: ICM Internationales Congress-Center, Messegelände, 81823 München
Tickets & Info: www.bitsandpretzels.com

RuhrSummit, Bochum

The Ruhr region as a startup hotspot? Many startups have recognized the regions’ potential already and the scene is growing enormously! Initiatives such as the Gründerallianz Ruhr, various co-working spaces and a strong university network strengthen the region and its opportunities. The RuhrSummit is the largest startup conference in the region, bringing together over 800 founders, more than 400 companies and over 100 speakers at the Jahrhunderthalle in Bochum. You can dive into the world of VR & AR, IT-Security or Smart Cities in Deep Dive Sessions and talk to potential business partners during matchmaking sessions. Corporates have the chance to meet young founders and explore cooperation opportunities. The RuhrPitch Competition in particular offers a platform for startups to present their ideas to a large audience and inspire potential customers and investors. Be quick and apply now for one of the 18 slots to pitch your business! The six best teams will compete in a final round against international startups to select a winner. Numerous side events take place around the conference, which should not be missed. You can indulge yourself with culinary delights at the Food Market and go clubbing at the big MEET@BEAT party.

When: 11 – 12 October 2018
Where: Jahrhunderthalle, An der Jahrhunderthalle 1, 44793 Bochum
Tickets & Info: www.summit.ruhr