I will be back: After a two-year break from Corona, the Bits & Pretzels was finally on the KIT Founders’ Forge list this year. Together with several colleagues from Heidelberg and Mannheim, Fang and Thomas set out to meet new inspirations and contacts for the community. Besides attending the pre-opening party on September 24, one of the highlights was the opening of the festival by Arnold Schwarzenegger on Sunday morning. Whether Conan the Barbarian, the Terminator or even Kindergarten Cop. Arnold Schwarzenegger was in top form with his now already 75 years and inspired the crowd with numerous advice, stories and motivating words.

After that, there were various workshops, lectures and practical offers from partly outstanding speakers, for example founders of several Unicorns, but also former professional athletes and now-entrepreneurs like Ana Ivanović. The start-up pitch competition was also impressive, with many start-ups with deep-tech themes and high impact.

The event concluded with the morning of the Oktoberfest, in proper style with lederhosen, dirndl and a Maß (non-alcoholic) beer.
An outstanding event, many new contacts and inspiration. KIT Gründerschmiede will be back next year.