– Hanbing Ma, Head of Innovation Innovation & Digitale Transformation at ERGO

How does digital transformation succeed? Best when done together. In a world where technological developments are advancing rapidly, cooperation between established companies and startups is no longer a “nice-to-have” – it’s a key building block for shaping the future. Startup Week Düsseldorf 2025 is an impressive example of how this exchange can work – and ERGO is right in the middle of it.

Transformation Needs Partnership and the Courage to Change
“Nothing is as constant as change.” The Greek philosopher Heraclitus of Ephesus already knew this around 2,500 years ago. His words are still just as relevant today.

We are surrounded by ongoing digitalization and megatrends such as Generative Artificial Intelligence, Agentic AI, deep tech like quantum computing or fusion technologies, biotechnology, health technologies, and more. Companies must continuously adapt to this dynamic world if they want to survive. New markets, technologies, and changing customer needs require constant and proactive development. Those who want to position themselves successfully in the digital age and remain competitive must reinvent themselves again and again.

For established enterprises, this can pose significant challenges due to their size, organizational structures, and processes. They are often compared to a ‘tanker,’ built for stability and efficiency. Fortunately, start-ups and scale-ups can provide valuable support and deliver vital impulses for innovation.

Startups and scale-ups represent a culture of constant change. They embody innovation, agility, and the courage to take new, unconventional paths. Alongside a strong affinity for and expertise in technology, they are characterized by a maximally customer-centric mindset and disruptive business models. They are a key driver of digital transformation.

Cooperation with them can be a key strategy for corporates to consistently deliver simple, innovative, customer-centered solutions, relieve employees of routine tasks and workload peaks through new technologies, and increase efficiency, effectiveness, and growth potential through new solutions.

In turn, startups and scale-ups gain access to established networks, market or industry knowledge, and resources through collaborations with (large) corporations. A win-win situation for both sides. But where do they meet? At Startup Week Düsseldorf, of course!

Düsseldorf’s Startup Scene

Düsseldorf is already the second-strongest startup region in North Rhine-Westphalia. What began in 2014 with around 100 startups has grown into a flourishing ecosystem of more than 500 startups, making the state capital one of Germany’s startup hotspots alongside Berlin and Munich. Startup Week Düsseldorf has played a major role in this development and is deservedly celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. We say: Happy Birthday, dear Startup Week Düsseldorf – here’s to the next 10 years!

Alongside formats like Startup Week Düsseldorf, which offer an ideal platform for exchanging ideas and building networks, local companies also support a growing, vibrant startup environment, including us, ERGO Group AG.

ERGO ScaleHub: 1 Year of Co-Creation, 6 Startups, Countless Impulses

ERGO has been a main sponsor of the event for years and an active contributor, including with our own program.

At our Pitch Party @ ERGO on September 9th during Startup Week 2025, startups can present their solutions to ERGO experts from the fields of AI, process mining, metaverse, or voicebots, as well as to partners and an interested audience. Whether pitching on stage or networking afterwards. The Pitch Party provides the perfect setting for fresh ideas and direct conversations. Anyone who would like a chance to secure a pitch slot can find more information here: challenge-link.fr → . We look forward to your applications!

In June 2024, together with the Office of Economic Development Düsseldorf and the TechHub.K67 community space, we launched the „ERGO ScaleHub“ → , an accelerator program for startups and scale-ups in the insurance, finance, and health sectors, based in Düsseldorf.

The goal of the ‘ERGO ScaleHub’ is not only to test innovations, but to bring them to market maturity together with start-ups and scale-ups. This is about genuine co-creation rather than buzzword bingo. We aim for long-term collaborations with real scaling potential within the ERGO Group.

One year on, we can already say: demand is high, the model works, and the program is thriving. We offer our participating startups and scale-ups:

• Tailored mentoring: ERGO experts support them with specialist and network knowledge to help scale their business
• Access to investor networks and openings to national and international markets
• Support with visas, office space, consulting, and pitch formats, plus help building and expanding their own networks

To date, we have welcomed six startups as members of the ERGO ScaleHub, including Miss Moneypenny Technologies with their digital wallet solutions, Indian scale-up CamCom Technologies with AI-powered visual inspections, chunkx with data-driven e-learning, and Eye-Able with their tool for digital accessibility.

At ERGO, we aim to be a digital leader in the insurance industry – both in Germany and in our core markets internationally.

Collaboration with startups and scale-ups is an important building block for us. So far, we have successfully operationalized over 90 national and international startup and scale-up collaborations across the group. These partnerships cover the entire value chain of an insurer, from underwriting to sales to customer service.

We look forward to growing further together with you, dear startups and scale-ups in Düsseldorf, at Startup Week, or at the ERGO ScaleHub. True to the motto: “Let’s scale together.”

See you at Startup Week 2025!

For the first time ever, these two dynamic formats will take place side by side, creating one powerhouse week of innovation, bold ideas, and game-changing conversations. It’s a collaboration set to unlock new opportunities for startups, corporates, investors, and tech enthusiasts alike.

What Is Future Tech Fest?

If you haven’t heard of it yet, Future Tech Fest is Germany’s largest B2B startup and tech conference. A meeting point for thought leaders, tech visionaries, disruptive startups, and future-focused corporates.

With a sharp focus on future technologies and disruptive business models, the event covers key trends like:

• AI & Machine Learning
• Green & Sustainable Tech
• Future Mobility
• HealthTech
• Cybersecurity
• And much more.

Expect a packed lineup of top-tier keynote speakers, hands-on masterclasses, live demos, startup pitches, and deep-dive panels. All designed to spark new ideas and fuel collaborations.

Learn more at www.futuretechfest.de

Why This Collaboration Matters

Startup Week Düsseldorf has always been about building bridges between startups and corporates, local founders and global thinkers, ideas and real-world solutions.
By joining forces with Future Tech Fest in 2025, we’re creating a unique, synergized platform that combines the entrepreneurial spirit of Startup Week with the future-focused tech expertise of Future Tech Fest.

What this means for you:

More opportunities: From networking sessions to pitch events and hands-on workshops, this new setup multiplies chances for collaboration, investment, and growth.

More connections: Meet startup founders, investors, tech experts, and corporate innovators from Germany and across Europe, all in one place.

More knowledge: Get fresh insights from industry-leading experts and visionaries driving the next wave of tech innovation.

Two Events, One Vision

While Startup Week Düsseldorf 2025 continues to offer its proven mix of community-driven workshops, networking meetups, and founder-friendly formats across the city, Future Tech Fest will add a powerful tech-driven conference experience under one roof focusing on disruptive technologies, corporate-startup matchmaking, and B2B innovation.

Together, they’ll create a week that’s not just about talking trends but actively shaping the future of business, technology, and entrepreneurship.

Don’t Miss Out

Ticket sales for Startup Week Düsseldorf and Future Tech Fest open on June 30, 2025! Whether you’re a founder, investor, tech enthusiast, or corporate innovator, this is the week you’ll want to be in Düsseldorf.

Stay tuned at www.startupweek-dus.com and www.futuretechfest.de for program details, speaker announcements, and exclusive early-bird offers.

See You at the Most Forward-Thinking Week of the Year!

Get ready for bold ideas, powerful connections, and new opportunities. This September, Startup Week Düsseldorf 2025 and Future Tech Fest are setting the stage for what’s next.

Be part of it.

– Your Startup Week Düsseldorf Team

Why a New Design Now?

A lot has happened since our very first Startup Week in 2014. What began as a local initiative for founders and innovators in Düsseldorf has grown into one of the oldest ongoing startup events in Germany and in 2025, it’s going global.

It’s a new era for us. And it deserved a fresh, modern identity that captures the energy, diversity, and forward-thinking spirit of our community.

Our new design isn’t just about visuals… It’s a statement!

What’s New?

Here’s what you’ll notice when you explore the new Startup Week Düsseldorf branding:

A Bold, Contemporary Look

We’ve modernized our logo, typography, and color palette to better reflect the dynamic, international, and tech-driven nature of today’s startup world. Think clean lines, vibrant colors, and flexible design elements built for digital, social, and live event spaces.

More Energy, More Movement

The new design is built to be lively, bold, and engaging, just like our community. It mirrors the fast-paced world of startups: always evolving, always connected, always on the move.

A Nod to Our Roots with Eyes on the Future

While our look has changed, the heart of Startup Week Düsseldorf remains the same: a place for founders, creators, and innovators to come together, build connections, and shape what’s next. The new design carries subtle elements inspired by our past editions while paving the way for the future.

See It Live in 2025

You’ll experience our new design in action during Startup Week Düsseldorf 2025 on-site, online, and everywhere in between. From the event stages and signage to social media and digital experiences, our updated look will be front and center as we kick off the next decade of startup stories.

More Than a Look… It’s a Mindset

This redesign isn’t just cosmetic. It reflects a renewed mission: to build bridges between startups, corporates, investors, and changemakers worldwide. It represents the bold ideas and fearless ambition we’ll continue to support and celebrate in the years to come.

Join the Movement

We can’t wait for you to see the new Startup Week Düsseldorf in action.
Save the date: 8th – 12th of September 2025 and secure your ticket when sales go live on June 30, 2025.

In the meantime, follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram

Let’s shape the future together! With a fresh new look and the same unstoppable spirit.

– Your Startup Week Düsseldorf Team

If you’ve been waiting to secure your spot at one of Germany’s most exciting startup events, this is your chance.

Why You Shouldn’t Miss Out

This year is extra special as we celebrate 10 years of Startup Week Düsseldorf — and we’re raising the bar with:

• International Startup Week Düsseldorf: welcoming founders, investors, and innovators from around the world.
• A new partnership with Future Tech Fest: Germany’s biggest B2B startup conference, running alongside Startup Week for the first time.
• Fresh thematic focus areas on AI, GreenTech, HealthTech, and Female Entrepreneurship.
• More networking opportunities, keynotes, and workshops than ever before.

One ticket unlocks a week of inspiration, bold ideas, and valuable connections.

Mark Your Calendar: June 30, 2025

On June 30, ticket sales go live and trust us, you’ll want to be quick. Popular formats and highlight sessions tend to sell out fast.

Visit www.startupweek-dus.com to grab your ticket starting June 30 and be part of the movement shaping the future of startups in Düsseldorf and beyond.

Stay in the Loop

Make sure to follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram and sign up for our newsletter, so you won’t miss the launch announcement and exclusive early-bird offers.

See You in September 2025!

Startup Week Düsseldorf 2025 will be a week to remember and we can’t wait to experience it with you. Secure your ticket on June 30 and be part of the next chapter in Düsseldorf’s startup success story.

Your Startup Week Düsseldorf Team

Startups, corporates, investors, and tech visionaries under one roof. One week. Endless opportunities.

What started in 2014 with around 100 startups has grown into a vibrant community of over 500 startups, making Düsseldorf one of the most dynamic startup cities in Germany. At the heart of this growth? Startup Week Düsseldorf a platform that’s become more than just an event; it’s a movement.

How It All Began

Launched as a local gathering for founders, innovators, and investors, Startup Week quickly established itself as an essential date in the startup calendar. Over the years, it’s helped countless entrepreneurs get their start, build networks, and turn ideas into reality. Its impact has stretched far beyond Düsseldorf’s city limits, drawing attention from regional and national ecosystems.

Now, on its 10th anniversary, the event is ready to take its next bold step.

What’s New in 2025

To celebrate this milestone, Startup Week Düsseldorf is leveling up with fresh formats, international flair, and a sharper focus on the technologies and trends shaping our future.

Stay ahead of the curve by signing up for our newsletter at www.startupweek-dus.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram. You’ll be the first to hear about speaker announcements, early-bird tickets, and side events popping up around the city.

1. Going International

What began as a local initiative is evolving into the International Startup Week Düsseldorf. This new direction will open the doors to founders, investors, and innovators from around the world, bringing global perspectives, ideas, and opportunities to Düsseldorf. It’s a big move that reflects the city’s growing relevance in the international startup landscape.

2. Merger with Future Tech Fest

For the first time ever, Startup Week Düsseldorf will join forces with Future Tech Fest, Germany’s largest B2B startup conference. This fusion creates an unparalleled platform for discussing future technologies, disruptive trends, and real-world solutions — while offering even more space for networking, collaboration, and inspiration.

Startups, corporates, investors, and tech visionaries under one roof. One week. Endless opportunities.

3. Celebrating 10 Years and Looking Ahead

As we mark a decade of innovation, Startup Week 2025 will spotlight the milestones, stories, and successes that shaped Düsseldorf’s startup ecosystem. But it won’t stop there the anniversary edition also sets the stage for what’s next, offering fresh formats and interactive sessions to help define the next ten years of entrepreneurial growth.

4. Focus Topics That Matter

To stay ahead of the curve, Startup Week 2025 will spotlight key future-focused topics, including:

• AI & Data Economy
• GreenTech & Climate Solutions
• HealthTech & Life Sciences
• Female Entrepreneurship & Diversity

Expect expert panels, founder stories, trend talks, and deep dives into these areas, designed to spark ideas and fuel meaningful conversations.

Join Us for the 10th Anniversary Edition!

The countdown is on, and we couldn’t be more excited. Whether you’ve been part of the journey from the start or you’re joining for the first time — Startup Week Düsseldorf 2025 promises to be the biggest, boldest, and most future-focused edition yet.

Save the date: June 30, 2025 — that’s when the full program drops. Until then, sign up for our newsletter at www.startupweek-dus.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for updates.

Startup Week Düsseldorf isn’t just another event on the calendar it’s the beating heart of our startup community. A space where ideas meet opportunity, where startups, investors, corporates, and curious minds come together to shape the future of innovation in Düsseldorf and beyond.

What makes Startup Week Düsseldorf so special?

In a world where connections matter more than ever, Startup Week is where you find your next business partner, investor, co-founder, or breakthrough idea.
It’s a week packed with:

• Inspiring keynotes from visionary founders
• Workshops that turn ideas into action
• Networking events designed for real conversations
• Pitch sessions that could land your next big opportunity
• Meetups, panels, and projects where the future takes shape

Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur, an early-stage founder, a corporate innovator, or someone simply curious about the startup scene: There’s a place for you here.

Save the Date: Program Launch on June 30, 2025!

We’re working behind the scenes to put together a diverse and dynamic program you won’t want to miss.
Mark your calendars for June 30, 2025. That’s when we’ll drop the full agenda, with events covering everything from AI and sustainability to creative industries and fintech.

Stay ahead of the curve by signing up for our newsletter at www.startupweek-dus.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram. You’ll be the first to hear about speaker announcements, early-bird tickets, and side events popping up around the city.

Be Part of the Movement.

Startup Week Düsseldorf is more than a series of events it’s a movement for everyone who believes in bold ideas and building the future. It’s a chance to show what our city is capable of when creative thinkers, brave founders, and forward-looking businesses join forces.

Join us. Get inspired. Make meaningful connections. And help shape what comes next.

See you in September 2025!

Your Startup Week Düsseldorf Team

Stay tuned!