The future of the fashion and textile industry took centre stage at an event hosted by the BHT Startup Hub on April 27, 2025, at VORN – The Berlin Fashion Hub. More than 100 guests from business, academia, and politics came together to discuss the latest developments in circular economy and extended producer responsibility (EPR) for textiles.

Key topics included the impact of the revised EU Waste Framework Directive and new opportunities for circular business models. Experts such as Laura Scherer (Circu:Culture), Alexander Sustal (REDEKER SELLNER DAHS), Dominique Essigkrug (DIN German Institute for Standardisation), Arianna Nicoletti (Circular Berlin), as well as representatives from Berliner Stadtreinigung, Re-Fresh Global, and Berlin Partner, shared insights into regulatory changes, innovative recycling technologies, and best practices from across Europe.

A particular highlight of the event was the presentation of the SHIFT Microfactory, where cutting-edge technologies for textile recycling and repair were demonstrated live. The programme was further enriched by interactive sessions that provided space for discussions and the development of new collaborations.

The BHT Startup Hub was pleased with the strong engagement of all speakers, panelists, and guests. The day impressively demonstrated the innovative power of sustainable business models and highlighted the vast potential of the circular economy for the future of the fashion industry.

The fact that start-ups are a key driver of innovation and economic progress in Berlin was once again made clear at the Berlin Startup Pitch in the Rotes Rathaus (the seat of the Mayor of Belrin): 20 young companies that have completed the Berlin Startup Scholarship were given the opportunity to present their business ideas. The event brought together founders, business promoters and decision-makers on 24 March 2025. Berlin’s Governing Mayor Kai Wegner and Senator for Economic Affairs Franziska Giffey emphasised the importance of startups for the future of the capital in their speeches.

The BHT Startup Hub of the Berlin University of Applied Sciences (BHT) was also represented by two of its alumni teams: Maluma presented an AI-supported educational platform for primary schools that is designed to promote individualised learning and relieve the burden on teachers. U Impact presented a solution for sustainable investing that combines generative AI and insights from behavioural science to provide targeted support for investors.

During their time in the Berlin Startup Scholarship, both teams received intensive support from the BHT Startup Hub – from business model development and strategic planning to the preparation of their pitch presentations.

The Berlin Startup Scholarship is financed by the European Social Fund (ESF) and the State of Berlin and offers founders not only financial support but also coaching and access to networks to accompany innovative business ideas from the concept phase to market maturity.

On 26 February 2025, the first Berlin Deep Tech Nexus Meetup took place at MotionLab.Berlin. More than 100 guests from across Berlin’s deep tech ecosystem – including students, researchers, startups, venture builders and investors – accepted the invitation of the BHT Startup Hub and ensured an inspiring evening full of exchange, ideas and new connections.

With its diversity of talent, research projects and entrepreneurial spirit, Berlin offers the best conditions for establishing itself as a leading deep tech location in Germany. Areas such as artificial intelligence, data science, life sciences, robotics and quantum technology are already strongly represented in the capital. However, in order to fully realise this potential, stronger collaborations, more visibility for innovations and closer networking between education, research and entrepreneurship are needed – and this is precisely where the Berlin Deep Tech Nexus Meetup comes in.

The first Meetup was characterised by a series of inspiring keynotes in which innovative research projects and young companies presented their approaches. Contributions from representatives of the Berlin University of Applied Sciences (BHT) – including Prof.Dr. Steffen Prowe and PhD candidate Steffen Puhlmann, the BAM – Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing, the Technical University of Berlin and promising start-ups such as Eyonex Glass Technologies and SPAIA demonstrated the diversity and dynamism of Berlin’s deep tech scene. Afterwards, an open microphone session provided space for spontaneous ideas, new collaborations and personal encounters in a relaxed, community-orientated atmosphere.

The Berlin Deep Tech Nexus Meetup aims to connect the large number of students and researchers in Berlin even more closely with the startup and enterprise scene and thus strengthen the city’s innovative power in the long term. Further meetups are planned throughout the year to jointly shape the future of Deep Tech in Berlin.