Review: That was Slush Heilbronn 2025
27.10.2025
Emma Schmitt
Backstage
Once again this year, we were represented at the Slush start-up congress in Heilbronn – together with the Startup Factory NXTGN. Despite stormy weather, the event offered ideal conditions for intensive exchange, new ideas, and strong connections within the start-up ecosystem.
The large tent combined exhibition space, networking area, and main stage. There, inspiring keynotes and exciting panel discussions provided various insights into current developments in entrepreneurship, innovation, and deep tech. The outdoor area with food trucks invited informal networking between program items.
The smaller tent opposite hosted masterclasses and a pitching stage. Here, promising startups presented their innovative ideas – including the KIT startup Liftwise, which impressed with its pitch.
At the joint booth of the NXTGN Startup Factory, we had numerous good discussions with players from the Baden-Württemberg startup ecosystem and with our partners. The personal exchange with colleagues from other NXTGN locations was particularly valuable—for us, it was the perfect opportunity to get to know each other better. In addition to Daniela and Sandra, our team members Rick for the Deep Tech Hub and Sarah for the topic of female foundership were also on site.
Conclusion: A good atmosphere, good conversations, and a strong sense of community—despite the wind and weather, Slush Heilbronn was one of the networking highlights of the fall, especially for the newly launched Startup Factory NXTGN.
