Germany’s Southwest is calling – and it’s not just for the Black Forest Cake and picturesque castles (though, yes, they are great). From June 2–5, 2025, international start-ups are invited to get a closer look at the innovation landscape of Baden-Württemberg - the home of global players, world-class research institutions, and a lively start-up scene.
The four-day program kicks off with the Start-up BW Summit, continues with hands-on Discovery Tours, and wraps up at the STARTUP AUTOBAHN EXPO2025 – think of it as a mix of pitch fest, road trip, and tech expo, all in one.
June 2: Start-up BW Summit – Stuttgart
Held at the Haus der Wirtschaft, right in the heart of Stuttgart, the Start-up BW Summit is where start-ups, accelerators, corporates, investors, and the government official come together to exchange the latest ideas, meet partners, and to talk business.
Tickets are for free and there will not only be the Baden-Württemberg start-up ecosystem but also international partner booths. Start-ups, international players and investors will therefore have plenty of opportunities to network at the summit.
And when the business cards are handed out and the buzz starts to fade, you can head straight to the closing festival just around the corner. Picture food trucks, live music, and probably someone pitching their idea over a cold drink.
June 3–4: Discovery Tours – Two Days, Two Routes, Plenty of Innovation Hubs
After the summit, it’s time to get out and about. The Start-up BW Discovery Tours take you across the state to explore its start-up hubs, accelerators, and tech scenes. You’ve got two routes to choose from:
1. AI, Smart Energy & Sustainability Tour
Route: Stuttgart → Karlsruhe → Heidelberg → Heilbronn → Ulm
The route takes you from Stuttgart to Karlsruhe, Heidelberg, Heilbronn and Ulm. In Karlsruhe, you will experience what Baden-Württemberg has to offer in terms of IT, cybersecurity, intelligent production, AI and energy at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) and the CyberForum e.V. high-tech network. In Heidelberg, you will get to know the Up2B accelerator. Up2B supports start-ups focusing on digitalization, AI and sustainability in their initial phase. The city of Heilbronn is a real AI hotspot. This is why you have the opportunity to find out more about the CampusFounders AI Accelerator and explore the start-up and innovation hub itself. Ulm takes you to the Creative Energy Quantum Leap accelerator, the university and the Science Parks I-III. Here you will meet start-ups from various sectors, ranging from quantum technology to battery research.
→ Sign up here.
2. AI, Life Science & Healthtech Tour
Route: Stuttgart → Tübingen → Tuttlingen → Freiburg → Mannheim
On this route, you will first stop in Tübingen and visit Cyber Valley - one of Europe's leading centers for AI research, connecting universities, start-ups and industry. Afterwards, you will get to know Tuttlingen, THE medical technology location in Germany, where you will benefit from the opportunity to network with the Medical Mountains GmbH cluster. BadenCampus and the Arise Accelerator then await you in Freiburg. The accelerator supports BadenCampus in promoting start-ups in the fields of healthcare technology, biotechnology and sustainability. Finally, you will get to know the Cubex in Mannheim, accompanied by presentations on the Life Science Accelerator program and the MedTech Mannheim cluster.
→ Sign up here.
The participation fee for both tours is €50 excl. VAT – that covers your travel, accommodation (shared double room from June 3-4), and the transfer. Want a single room? That’s possible too, for a bit extra.
Whether you’re signing up solo or coming as a group, we’ve got you. Group leads can get in touch with Carolin Eißler directly to get your crew on board.
June 5: STARTUP AUTOBAHN EXPO2025 –Seatbelt on, it’s getting innovative
To top it off, all Discovery Tour participants receive access to STARTUP AUTOBAHN EXPO2025. This isn’t your typical trade fair – it’s the big reveal moment for one of Europe’s most hands-on innovation platforms, powered by Plug and Play.
Here, start-ups show what they’ve actually built with partners like Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, and Bosch. No vaporware, just real-world pilots in mobility, sustainability, and smart industry. Expect big names, bold ideas, and plenty of networking in sneakers, not suits.
If you're curious about Germany as a landing spot or just want to test the waters of European markets, this is a great way to dip your toes in – and meet some great people while you're at it.
