On 17 July, the Backstage will be transformed as part of the Munich Startup Festivals We're back for a day in Munich's startup hotspot, with many highlights, both big and small, which we'll be introducing one by one. But let's start with the program on the main stage, which once again impresses with its diverse content. After a short opening ceremony, Tijen Onaran will kick things off. The investor and entrepreneur, who many will recognize from the TV show "Die Höhle der Löwen," will speak on the topic of self-branding in her keynote speech. Founders—and those who want to become founders—will learn how startups can gain greater visibility through self-branding and what dangers lurk along the way.
Clichés or suggested solutions?
The program continues with the very exciting topic: "Forever Young: Munich as Europe's Most Important Biotech Cluster." This topic is no coincidence, as Munich has developed into one of the leading biotech locations in Europe over the past 20 years. Experts will include Prof. Dr. Ralf Huss of BioM Biotech Cluster Development and Christian Gnam of the IZB (International Biotech Development Bank), as well as Dr. Caroline Xu, Co-Founder and CEO of Vigeneron, and Dr. Pascal Schweizer, Co-Founder and CEO/CFO of Thermosome, representing the startup side. Immediately following, political leaders will demand answers. Magdalena Oehl, Deputy Chair of the Startup Association, together with Bernd Storm van's Gravesande, Co-Founder of Bits & Pretzels, will challenge four representatives of the Munich City Council with questions from the Munich startup community. Are Munich's politicians finding answers to the pressing questions many founders have, or are they just getting lost in empty phrases?
With Munich being home to top universities, the local universities naturally had to be present on the main stage. The title of the panel already implies the direction it will take: "In an age of multiple crises: What solutions can universities provide?" Representing Munich's universities, Prof. Ali Gümüsay from Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Prof. Dr. Rafaela Kraus from the Bundeswehr University of Munich, Prof. Dr. Oliver Alexy from the Technical University of Munich, and Prof. Sebastian Dünnebeil from the Munich University of Applied Sciences will explain how their employers are creating an environment for innovation. The panel will be moderated by Bernhard Kowatsch from the UN World Food Programme.
On the trail of the secrets of success
Startups need a supportive environment if they want to be successful. The program section "Shaping the Future: Encounters with Munich Startup Enablers" aims to highlight the support available in the Munich ecosystem. For this, we're bringing Dr. Robert Richter from Werk1, Dr. Xenia Schmahl from Plug and Play, Ronja Schneider from Media Lab Bayern, and Prof. Matthias Notz from Start2 Group on stage to discuss how their institutions and programs can support companies on their path to success.
Lilium already has a success story to tell. And the Munich-based flying taxi startup is willing to share its experiences with founders. At "Questions on Success: Startups Interview Grownups," Barbara Bachus, co-founder of Exomatter, and Dr. Richard Eckl, co-founder and co-CEO of Energyminer, will have the opportunity to bombard the grownup with questions. And, of course, the topic of artificial intelligence will not be missing from the Munich Startup Festival's main stage. "Unlocking AI's Potential: Vision, Handling, and Responsibility" will be moderated by Marlene Eder, project manager at One Mission, and will explore not only the opportunities offered by AI, but also the questions that accompany this revolution.
10,000 prize money & eternal fame
As in the previous year, the Main Stage program concludes with the grand finale of the Munich Startups Awards. Munich startups will pitch to a distinguished jury not only for the title of "Best Munich Startup 2024" but also for €10,000 in prize money.
Sounds good? Then secure your ticket now for the Munich Startup Festival and join us on July 17, 2024.
All further information about the Munich Startup Festival can be found here.
