Munich Startup: The Bits & Pretzels start-up festival will be launching its first themed conference at the end of June. Why did you choose the topic Healthtech decided?
Christian Lohmeier: Healthtech is an exciting field, and the ecosystem is currently experiencing extremely dynamic development. We also believe that technology is the greatest lever for positively transforming the healthcare sector. And when you find strong partners like Roche and EIT Health, who have the ambition to build something with us over several years, you have the opportunity to create a new home for everyone who wants to make a difference.
“The will to change something is perhaps even greater in the healthtech sector than in other areas.”
Munich Startup: Which aspects of the topic do you find particularly exciting?
Christian Lohmeier: Particularly fascinating is the extraordinary commitment of the founders in this field, which goes beyond the already high level of commitment in the startup scene. In some cases, they act out of personal concern. The desire to make a difference is perhaps even greater in the healthtech sector than in other areas.
Munich Startup: What can visitors expect at the conference?
Christian Lohmeier: Bits & Pretzels Healthtech is intended to be the class reunion for everyone who truly wants to make a difference. From visionary presentations to deep dives into the content, our curators have put together a truly fantastic program.
In addition, many great founders will introduce themselves, and over 60 startups will have their own booths. And, as is fitting for Bits & Pretzels, we've also thought of a few surprises.
Munich Startup: Which Munich startups and players from the Munich healthtech scene will be there?
Christian Lohmeier: The feedback and interest from the community has been truly strong over the past few weeks. The majority of relevant startups and stakeholders will be in attendance next week. Over 250 different startups and companies from Munich alone are participating.
Quality over quantity
Munich Startup: The Bits & Pretzels startup festival will take place as usual from September 25 to 27. Will health tech still be featured there, and if so, in what format?
Christian Lohmeier: The topic will certainly play a role there as well. Participants at Bits & Pretzels in September will benefit from our new contacts with stakeholders and speakers in the health tech scene. Of course, our startup festival has a broader scope than next week's Healthtech Conference.
Munich Startup: Are there any further conferences planned for the future?
Christian Lohmeier: If we want to do something, we want to do it really well. If something new comes along, we certainly don't rule it out. However, quality over quantity is generally the key. With our high quality standards, we can't host ten events a year. The Healthtech Conference is currently planned for at least three years, hopefully longer – the high level of interest and over 1,000 tickets sold make us very confident.
