The Start-up BW Summit 2025 – Innovation, exchange, and real LÄND power
04.06.2025
Emma Schmitt
Event
On June 2, it was that time again: The Start-up BW Summit brought together Baden-Württemberg's innovation ecosystem in Stuttgart – and KIT was right in the middle of it. Startups, universities, industry, and sponsors gathered at the Haus der Wirtschaft to network, learn from each other, and set new trends together.
The Start-up BW Summit combines a trade fair, congress, and festival—with inspiring keynote speeches, exciting pitches, innovative start-up exhibitions, and relaxed networking in the heart of Stuttgart. Start-ups, investors, companies, and ecosystem partners from Baden-Württemberg and far beyond came together to share ideas, make contacts, and shape the future together.
At the Haus der Wirtschaft, over 150 exhibiting start-ups met with funding institutions, accelerators, venture partners, and ministries. There was a particularly energetic atmosphere on the pitching stage at the state final of Startup BW Young Talents and at the elevator pitch on Börsenplatz. It was a day full of exchange, innovation, and a spirit of optimism—thank you, Stuttgart, for a great event!
KIT startups strongly represented
The stage is set for exchange
Two KIT startups also took center stage: Lisa Raab (Spotium) and John Achim Holzhauer (Semorai) discussed opportunities, challenges, and success factors in the collaboration between startups and established companies with representativesSMEs and the ecosystem about opportunities, challenges, and success factors in the collaboration between startups and established companies.
Another highlight: Rement impressed at the Groundbreakers Pitch and also took third place in the state final, awarded by Dr. Nicole Hoffmeister-Kraut (Minister of Economic Affairs, Labor, and Tourism of Baden-Württemberg) – we congratulate Robert Schleinhege and his team on this great success!
Consulting and networking: KIT-Gründerschmiede on site
Our team was on site to provide advice on topics such as university funding, financing, and internationalization. The personal exchange once again demonstrated how important low-threshold, direct advice is for those interested in starting a business.
Missed it? No problem – our team is available throughout the year.
Together toward the future: NXTGN & Startup Factory
The NXTGN network was also well represented at the summit. As part of the joint application for the Startup Factory, we are working to strengthen the innovation infrastructure in the long term.
A strong signal for the ecosystem
The Start-up BW Summit has once again demonstrated how vibrant, diverse, and committed the start-up ecosystem in Baden-Württemberg is. We look forward to playing an active role in shaping it.
