Community Event EXIST Workshop in Heidelberg: Shaping the Future of Entrepreneurship Together
October 8, 2025
published by hei_INNOVATION
On October 7-8, 2025, Heidelberg University and EXIST jointly hosted a two-day workshop under the motto “Accepting the challenge: Staying together and conquering the future.” The event offered a diverse program of expert talks, interactive formats, and networking opportunities focused on current developments in the German startup ecosystem.
At the heart of the meeting were eight thematic sessions addressing key trends and challenges in entrepreneurship. In addition, the “Market Garden” provided space for further networking and informal exchange. A particular highlight was the evening event on 7 October, which began with a cruise on the Neckar and continued in the venues of the Weisse Flotte, offering a relaxed atmosphere for conversation and connection.
Participants who arrived earlier had the opportunity to take part in a sightseeing program on Sunday, 5 October. On Monday, 6 October, the Community Day, organized by hei_INNOVATION and the NXTGN Startup Factory, offered practical insights into successful support models for startups.
Dr. Raoul Haschke, Team Lead at hei_INNOVATION, shares his impressions: “The workshop was a great success and demonstrated how vibrant and dedicated our entrepreneurship community is. We are very pleased that Heidelberg University could serve as the host venue and are delighted about the many valuable conversations and impulses that emerged from these three days. What makes me especially happy is that our Community Day on 6 October provided the perfect starting point to share practical knowledge and strengthen our network.”
The workshop took place in the Neue Universität at Heidelberg’s Universitätsplatz. The event attracted great interest and provided participants with valuable insights as well as numerous opportunities for exchange and networking.
