Connecting founders with potential co-founders in Berlin’s startup ecosystem

Last night, the doors of the GLASBOX at BHT were open for an exciting startup event: the Co-Founder Matching Night – hosted by the BHT Startup Hub in collaboration with our partners SIBB e.V., Le Wagon, and Next Level Accelerator. We brought together a room full of energy, ideas, and ambition.

Pitches and speed geeking for perfect matches

The evening kicked off with one-minute pitches – from aspiring founders presenting their ventures and sharing who they hoped to find as the ideal addition to their team, to potential co-founders showcasing their skills and talents. After this initial warm-up phase, the event transitioned into the speed-geeking session. Each pair had six minutes to exchange ideas: founders met aspiring co-founders and professionals ready to take their first step into the startup world.

Berlin full of potential

Whether you’re building the next big thing or looking to join a mission-driven team, last night proved one thing: Berlin is full of potential – and it starts with connection.

Thank you to everyone who joined us, contributed, and helped make the evening a great success. We’re looking forward to more inspiring moments like this.

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.

Are you a woman with an innovative business idea? Do you dream of bringing your startup vision to life? The EXIST Women programme of the German Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection (BMWK) offers the perfect opportunity for women with innovative ideas to turn their entrepreneurial aspirations into reality!

At the BHT Startup Hub, we are proud to support female founders through this programme with 10 spots, which provide:

• Financial support from 1.000 to 3.000 Euros
• Mentoring from experienced startup advisors
• Access to our entrepreneurial network
• Resources to refine your business idea and kickstart your journey

EXIST Women is aimed at female graduates (degree also older than 5 years), female scientists, female students and women with vocational training and a connection to the university who are interested in the topic of start-ups.

This is your chance to combine your expertise, creativity, and ambition to make a real impact.

Application Deadline: February 15, 2025
Learn more and apply here  More Info

Over the past year, the BHT Startup Hub has had the privilege of supporting three outstanding startups: Scripe, Dialectics.com, and Wavess. With the support of the Berliner Startup Stipendium and the BHT Startup Hub, these teams have achieved remarkable milestones, such as gaining their first paying customers, validating their solutions in real-world markets, and securing the confidence to tackle their next big steps.

Here’s a closer look at their inspiring journeys:

• Scripe has transformed content creation on LinkedIn with AI, recently securing a pre-seed funding round.
• Dialectics is empowering people with Type 1 Diabetes through interactive, expert-driven online courses.
• Wavess is redefining B2B marketing with neurosciene, offline data and AI-driven tools that boost efficiency and results.

Their time at the BHT Startup Hub was marked by a focus on refining key product features, validating their offerings with real customers, and receiving invaluable guidance from our dedicated coaches and mentors. These elements were critical in helping them overcome challenges and build a solid foundation for future growth.

Recently, we bid them farewell during a gathering at our coworking space, followed by the BSS Startup Nexus Event at SAP Data Space, organized by avant now // innovation for impact. This inspiring event showcased some of the most promising BSS startups, particularly those offering solutions in ClimateTech. It was a fantastic opportunity for networking and celebrating the spirit of innovation.

We couldn’t be prouder of Scripe, Dialectics, and Wavess. Their dedication, creativity, and resilience inspire us all, and we are excited to see how they will continue to shape their industries. Join us in wishing them every success as they take their next steps in their entrepreneurial journeys!

The BHT Startup Hub recently had the privilege of participating in an inspiring evening dedicated to changemakers in sustainable fashion. The event, part of the quarterly Impact Stories series at Impact Hub Berlin, brought together leaders and innovators driving real change in the circular economy. Through heartfelt stories, engaging discussions, and valuable networking, the evening showcased how bold ideas and creative solutions are shaping the future of fashion.

At the heart of the evening were three remarkable speakers:

• Martina Steinke, a sustainable stylist and advocate for “shopping in your own closet,” shared her vision for moving away from fast fashion. Through initiatives like Fashion Revolution, Martina inspires mindful consumer choices and a more circular approach to fashion.
• Frank Peralta, founder of Peralta Clothing, and Dalma Braun, founder of Dollitta the Brand, presented their collaboration on upcycled leather. From high-performance engineering to bespoke designs showcased at Berlin Fashion Week, their work highlights the harmony of industrial innovation and sustainability.
• Marte Hentschel, Co-CEO of VORN — The Berlin Fashion Hub, explored the intersection of supply chain sustainability, collaborative design, and digital innovation. As a serial entrepreneur, Marte champions systemic transformation within the fashion industry.

The event’s format—featuring short, impactful presentations followed by open dialogue—allowed for an intimate and meaningful exchange of ideas. Drinks and networking further fostered connections among attendees, creating opportunities to collaborate and innovate.

The event was part of the A-B-Circular project to promote the climate-neutral manufacture of products “Made in Berlin” in the design/fashion and architecture/construction sectors. The A-B-Circular project is funded by the Berlin Senate Department for Economic Affaitd, Energy and Public Enterprises as part of the call for a circular economy in the Masterplan Industriestadt Berlin 2022-2026.

On November 20, 2024, our event at the Infocenter of the former Tegel Airport as part of the MATERIAL CULTURE BERLIN TXL 2024 exhibition was a tremendous success! Together with our future partner, Urban Tech Republic, and Circular Berlin, we welcomed a full house.

The event provided an inspiring platform for startups, companies, and enthusiasts to explore the future of building with recycled and regionally sourced materials. Engaging presentations, lively discussions, and an interactive Business Matching Game made the day an unforgettable experience.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all participants and our partners, especially Urban Tech Republic, for the fantastic collaboration. Together, we are shaping a sustainable future for the construction industry!

This is event is part of the A-B-Circular Project funded by the Masterplan Industriestadt Berlin 2022-2026.

Berlin combines tradition and innovation in science and research. The Brain City campaign, an initiative of Berlin Partner for Business and Technology together with the network of Berlin’s science partners, was launched to highlight the capital’s diversity and strengths.

We have also become part of this campaign: In an Instagram reel, Adelina from the startup Sulpont gave an insight into her work and the BHT startup with its co-working space.

If you would like to find out more about her path to founding a company, how the BHT Startup Hub team supported her and what you can do in the co-working space, take a look at the short interview.