KIT Innovators Homecoming 2026 – Merging Generations, Creating Future

More than 500 participants accepted our invitation. The KIT Innovators Homecoming thus continued its success story.

When alumni come back – and bring something with them

KIT Innovators Homecoming does not feel like a traditional conference. Instead, there is a class reunion atmosphere in the air: former students meet former fellow students, professors meet former doctoral students, founders meet companions from the early days.

Many of the speakers from last year’s event returned this year as participants – not on stage, but in the audience. This is precisely what makes the event so special: exchanges on equal terms, conversations without barriers, and genuine closeness between the stage and the community.

Three unicorn founders, many honest stories

A highlight of the day: three unicorn founders on one stage. With Tim Stracke (Chrono24), Andreas Blattmann (Black Forest Labs), and Stefan Ostwald (Parloa), alumni who have written impressive success stories took to the stage – and yet spoke openly about doubts, setbacks, and decisive turning points.

What was particularly striking was that the openness did not end with the applause. Many speakers also took time off stage for conversations, discussions, and spontaneous questions. It was precisely this closeness that made the homecoming so valuable – inspiration you could touch, not just listen to.

The program was once again opened by Thomas Neumann, who impressively summed up the importance of the alumni network and start-up support at KIT. This was followed by a high-caliber discussion with KIT President Jan S. Hesthaven, Stefan Quandt (AQTON SE), and Robert Schleinhege (Rement) on the question of how startups at KIT can be better supported – especially in the early stages.

Things got very personal when Dr. Daniela Gerd tom Markotten (formerly Deutsche Bahn) talked about her journey between corporations and startups and explained why these changes in particular have shaped her view of innovation. Eric Sax (KIT) then showed that modern mobility can only work if people, data, and disciplines are consistently considered together.

Dr. Tim Gegg (Mätch VC) and Thomas Hirth (KIT) took a look into the future with initial insights into the planned KIT Alumni Fund. The discussion with Andreas Blattmann (Black Forest Labs) focused on early-stage investments, courage, and the right timing.

The keynote speech by Iris Schwenk (HQS Quantum Simulations) was particularly moving, as she spoke openly about the challenges in the quantum world. Together with Wolfgang Wernsdorfer (KIT, Qinu), innovation was then brought to life – including a demonstrator.

Tim Stracke (Chrono24) explained why a soccer star suddenly plays a role in his own company’s history, before Stefan Ostwald (Parloa) concluded by showing how his path led him to Unicorn – and how crucial supporters were along the way.

Corinna Jahn guided us through the entire day with clarity, sensitivity, and just the right instinct for the right questions.

Research, start-ups, and the Executive Board – working together for innovation

KIT Innovators Homecoming 2026 impressively demonstrated the strength of the interplay between research, entrepreneurship, and institutional support at KIT. Researchers and professors were firmly integrated into the program and discussions, supported by the KIT Executive Board.

This connection is essential: alumni who now run successful companies bring back experience, knowledge, and resources. At the same time, future founders benefit from an ecosystem that grows across generations.

Making innovation visible: the startup exhibition

Another central component of Homecoming was the startup exhibition with over 20 startups from the KIT environment. Here, innovative power became tangible – from deep tech to software, from research spin-offs to scale-ups.

Particularly exciting: a guided tour for VIPs and investors that specifically promoted exchange between startups and potential partners. Many conversations began at the booth and continued later over drinks or at the afterparty.

Exchange does not end with the panel

Between food trucks, drinks, and the afterparty, the encounters that make an event memorable took place. Ideas were discussed, contacts were made, and old connections were revived. The Homecoming proved once again that innovation does not only happen on stage, but above all in the conversations in between.

An event by alumni – for alumni

KIT Innovators Homecoming is organized by KIT-Gründerschmiede and is aimed specifically at KIT alumni from the start-up and innovation ecosystem – and continues to grow with each edition.

With a clear focus on community, openness, and intergenerational exchange, the KIT Innovators Homecoming has long been more than just an annual meeting. It is living proof of the potential that arises when alumni not only look back, but also look ahead together.

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