Short format with updates on key developments and success stories from the innovation state of Saxony.

The panel will discuss how local innovative power can be turned into European impact. The focus will be on the question of how framework conditions, funding instruments and partnerships need to be designed so that regional players - from start-ups start-ups, SMEs and research institutions - can develop their innovation potential and contribute to Europe's economic transformation. contribute to the economic transformation of Europe.

Brainlab has evolved from a mid-sized software innovator into a global medical-technology leader offering integrated platforms across image guidance, robotics, and digital OR solutions. Under CEO Rainer Birkenbach, the company accelerates its shift toward scalable, digitally connected systems-showcasing the transformative strength of the German Mittelstand.

Following an inspiring keynote, the top six Saxon founders with a migration background pitch on stage. They receive valuable jury feedback and have the chance to qualify for the Grand Finals in Frankfurt am Main.

Transformation in medium-sized enterprises succeeds not through technology alone, but through people who actively shape change. It's about attracting talent, inspiring teams, and building a culture that enables lasting transformation. How can we unlock the potential of each individual to drive meaningful and successful change together?

The Fireside Chat provides a practical demonstration of how leading companies are using automation and robotics to drive industrial transformation through automation and robotics. Based on regional success stories in the SME sector and global perspectives, participants participants receive impulses on how they can secure and expand their competitiveness through innovation and digital technologies. can expand.

Time for exchange, networking and a visit to the exhibition.

The SPRIND podcast shows how the quantum internet is becoming the next wave of technological transformation and setting new setting new standards for secure communication. It explains why SMEs in particular can benefit early on - from new business from new business models to completely new forms of digital collaboration.

The keynote will talk about the power of early entrepreneurship - why bold ideas can change the world and how each generation contributes to ensuring that visions are not only thought, but lived.

The stage belongs to the young generation: In their 3-minute short pitches, three teams show how to not only think about the future future - awarded the futureSAX special prize as part of the Saxon and nationwide NextGenSupport competitions. nationwide NextGenSupport partners.

The keynote demonstrates how medium-sized companies can elevate their processes, creativity, and competitiveness through the targeted use of artificial intelligence. Using practical examples from his own business experience, he illustrates how AI does not replace but empowers the Mittelstand, making it stronger and future-ready.

Conclusion of the day's program and transition to the award ceremony of the Saxon Founder Award 2026.

From the nine nominees for the Saxon Founder Award 2026, the best in each of the categories Newcomer, Start-up and Scale-up will be honored.

InnoStartBonus grantees pitch their innovative business ideas and jurors from the Saxony-wide expert panel present their work to promote start-ups.

How can we make young people fit for the challenges of tomorrow? In this panel session different perspectives on how joint, cross-generational participation can work - and why it is crucial for promoting future skills. Together for more #InnovationmadeinSaxony.

Time for exchange, networking and a visit to the exhibition.

AI automates workflows, accelerates processes and strengthens competitiveness. This leaves more time for the essentials: interpersonal exchange and relationship management. In this interactive panel discussion you will learn how multipliers in the Saxon Business Partner Network can optimize their own processes and can provide SMEs with targeted support for the introduction of AI.

How do different approaches bring research results specifically into application and the market, and which instruments close gaps in the "Valley of Death"? Funding models and practical examples will be critically examined - with a focus on benefits, limitations and suitable approaches depending on the project stage.

Learn about current patents in the field of robotics that offer solutions for your business challenges and challenges and initiate collaborations on site.

Saxon start-up partners present themselves and their services. In addition, they will each bring a best-practice team to pitch their own business idea and give an authentic insight into the collaboration. cooperation.

Two seasoned entrepreneurs share first-hand experiences about how innovation and transformation has helped them to steer their companies through crises and why they now invest in innovative start-ups themselves.

Time for exchange, networking and a visit to the exhibition.

Open exchange about the path through early-stage financing - with highs, lows and valuable learnings for young startup teams.

How can medium-sized companies successfully master the next growth step? In this panel will use a best-practice example to show how established Saxon companies can work together with investors to create sustainable growth.

Women shaping tech - between progress and regression to old role clichés. Experience and meet exciting women in tech who are rethinking leadership, innovation and careers - and shaping the tech world with courage, knowledge and attitude. shaping the tech world.

Discover how companies from Saxony and Silicon Valley leverage venture clienting to accelerate innovation and market adoption. This session highlights practical case studies, key success factors, and strategies for effective collaboration between corporates and SMEs in global markets.

The bioeconomy combines biological resources, technologies and innovations for sustainable growth. At the Saxon Innovation Exchange, pioneers from business and science will show how bio-based innovations are changing innovations are changing industries - from materials and food to industrial processes.

Time for exchange, networking and a visit to the exhibition.

Tokenization is changing who can participate in the success of start-ups - and who has been left out so far. In the live podcast, we talk about why digital participation models are relevant right now and what this means for the next generation of founders.

Regional and supra-regional innovation networks pursue different approaches to connect the shared vision of their vision of their networks and actors. Get to know three models and find out how networks accelerate transfer, facilitate cooperation and form new ecosystems.

Ten of Saxony's most innovative start-ups will present themselves live on stage to investors in their current financing round.

Baltic and Polish industry experts and decision-makers will offer exclusive insights into their technologies. Saxon companies will have the opportunity to explore international cooperation and market-entry opportunities. The sector focus is on lightweight construction and related innovative fields.

A best-practice tandem shows how mentoring and strong partnerships make innovation success possible.

Masterclass on typical mistakes and no-gos in investments between start-ups and business angels.