Hamburg Innovation Summit Brings Innovation Stakeholders Together

© Mediaserver Hamburg/Geheimtipp Hamburg

The Hamburg Innovation Summit (#HHIS) gets underway Thursday as “HHIS goes virtual 2.0” and will bring diverse stakeholders together for an entirely digital, free livestream event. Highlights include talks on real labs, panels with senators in Hamburg as well as virtual exhibition booths.

Ecosystems for innovation – co-operation as a model

Ramon Vullings, a cross-industry expert on "Ecosystems for Innovation – Co-operation as a Model for the Future", will give an opening, keynote address. Reports presented by NDR journalist Julia Wulf will give insight into real labs and innovation hotspots across the Hamburg Metropolitan Region. The associated challenges of cross-sectoral co-operation between research, business, politics and society will be highlighted in various talks. During so-called "Waterkant Talks", delegates can put questions to Katharina Fegebank, Senator for Science, and to Michael Westhagemann, Senator for Economics. The conference will be moderated by Tijen Onaran, founder of Global Digital Women.

Ten finalists of the Future Hamburg Award will also be announced during HHIS. The award, presented by the City of Hamburg, fosters smart solutions for the city of tomorrow. Founders whose sustainable business models in mobility, logistics or green hydrogen help improve urban life had entered the competition.

HHIS Academy and deep dive sessions

Entrepreneurs, startup enthusiasts or scientists can gain fresh food for thought on innovation i.e., responsible AI, digital twins and New Work during free deep dive sessions at the HHIS Academy from 1:00 p.m. The agenda will be rounded off by a virtual exhibition and special startup area with opportunities for pitching and networking. Hamburg Invest will host a digital booth in the exhibition area. The business development agency offers visitors advice on all aspects of launching a startup, Hamburg Invest Talent as well as property in Hamburg and the innovation ecosystem. Hamburg Invest is available to all entrepreneurs in Hamburg and potential founders and offers a free, strictly confidential service and support.

Bridging gap between research, commerce and political sphere 

The HHIS is a bridge builder between research, business, politics and society. Organised by  the Ministry of Economics and Innovation (BWI), the Hamburg Investment and Development Bank (IFB Hamburg) and Hamburg Innovation GmbH, the summit was first held in 2015. The annual meet consists of a conference, workshops in the academy and an exhibition and attracts around 1,500 visitors every year. The award ceremony (HHIA) is held every other year. Last year, the coronavirus pandemic forced the cancellation of the usual HHIS event and saw the launch of #HHIS goes virtual.

Sources and further information at hamburg-innovation-summit.de