Program 2025

5.30 PM: Arrival and Registration

6.00 PM: KICKOFF AT WILO NETWORKING CUBE

We will start the tour with an inspiring evening in one of Dortmund’s most forward-looking spaces: the Networking Cube, the high-tech event venue of global technology company Wilo SE.

After your arrival and registration, the official program kicks off at 18:00 with a seated session in the Cube:

• Welcome & Tour Overview – Dominik Stute will let you know what’s ahead for the week

• City Insight: Why Dortmund? – Presented by Sabrina Heix of the Economic Development Agency Dortmund, providing a fresh look at one of Germany’s most dynamic urban innovation zones

• Keynote by Dr. Martin Oettmeier, Group Director R&D Strategy, Innovation and Research at Wilo SE:
  A deep dive into innovation, sustainability, and the mindset of one of the world’s leading industrial solution providers

Following the program, we will have a relaxed networking dinner with food and drinks – the perfect setting to start building connections.

RATE THE CORPORATES - REVERSE PITCH

The roles are flipped! More than 10 leading global companies and hidden champions from NRW pitch to YOU. Discover what they’re looking for in startup collaborations and how you might be the perfect match. Among others, you’ll hear from:

• audalis
• Borussia Dortmund
• BRYCK 
• Business Angels Agency Ruhr
• Circular Valley
• Dolezych
• EY
• Transdev Verkehr
• TÜV Nord

Afterwards, enjoy a relaxed networking session with all participants.

BUSINESS MEETS FOOTBALL

Take an exclusive tour of Borussia Dortmund’s legendary Signal Iduna Park stadium and dive into the intersection of sport, business, and culture.

IMPACT, INNOVATION AND RELAXATION

In Duisburg, we will visit Anthropia, the region’s leading incubator for impact-driven startups. After a brief introduction to their work and some of the inspiring projects and startups they support, the space will be open for you to use in a co-working atmosphere – a perfect opportunity to network, get some work done, or simply recharge between program points.

LOGISTICS UNDER THE STARS

Join a sunset cruise within the Port of Duisburg, Europe’s biggest inland port. Get to know Startport, the logistics and innovation platform, and connect with their extensive network of companies and multipliers.

DIGITAL INNOVATION EXPERIENCE

Get inspired by the digital transformation happening in the heart of the Ruhr region. At Digital Hub Ruhr, hosted by Gelsen-Net, startups will explore how cutting-edge technologies and smart applications are developed, tested, and implemented to solve real-world challenges.

DISCOVER THE ECOSYSTEM

Meet the local supporters, hubs, and key players who are eager to introduce you to the region’s thriving startup scene. This is your chance to connect with the people who can help shape your future. Afterwards, you can take advantage of dedicated workspaces to manage your business.

THE NETWORKING POWERHOUSE

Get ready for an exciting networking opportunity with influential business leaders, regional corporates, and other startups. Enjoy a vibrant atmosphere with great food and drinks, all while taking in breathtaking views of Essen from the Ruhr Tower.

DIGIDAY: INNOVATION FAIR FOR DIGITAL BUSINESS

Showcase your startup at the DigiDay event in one of the industrial vibrant regions of NRW, meet exhibitors, potential clients, and engage with visitors from your industry.

11.00 AM
Offical start of DigiDay 2025

11.30 AM
Guided tour across the exhibition

12.15 PM
Pitch Session

1.45 PM
End of Pitch Session / Lunch Break

THE GRAND FINAL

The Grand Final is the highlight of the Start.up! Germany Tour, where the partcipating startups take the stage to pitch their ideas in front of a high-level audience of investors, corporates, and ecosystem experts. Compete for prizes worth €18,000, donated by the NRW government, and seize the opportunity to gain visibility, attract potential partners, and take your startup to the next level. Impress the jury and secure your spot among the top innovators in Europe!

You can find the complete agenda of THE GRAND FINAL here.

MATCH & GROW WITH THE RHINELAND ECOSYSTEM AND YOUR EUROPE’S HEARTBEAT CONTACT PERSON

We will arrange individual meetings for you with your contact partner at NRW Global Business and with ecosystem players from the so called Rhineland - the cities of Cologne, Dusseldorf, Bonn and Aachen.