uptownBasel Stage
The architecture of innovation.
From digital infrastructure to real impact.
Programme: uptownBasel Stage
AI-powered phishing, deepfakes and ransomware are increasingly affecting businesses, causing costly downtime and reputational damage. This panel discussion will highlight why cybersecurity is a leadership responsibility: resilience does not stem from technology, but from clear responsibilities, priorities and crisis procedures. Innovations at the organisational level will be discussed, such as a new understanding of leadership roles, new decision-making frameworks and a new capacity for organisation.
Speakers
- Dr Christian Reinhardt, Director of Human Risk Management, SoSafe
- Ralf Marczoch, CEO, mata solutions GmbH
- Jens Fröhner, Chief Information Officer (CIO) & Chief Digital Officer (CDO), IHK Südlicher Oberrhein & BWIHK
Moderator
- Patricia Knappich, Head of the Consultancy and Innovation Management Division, Baden-Württemberg Cybersecurity Agency
AI is no longer a future scenario but part of everyday reality in healthcare. This panel brings together perspectives from clinical practice, healthcare organisations and industry to examine where AI provides tangible benefits, where ethical and structural limitations arise, and how accountability can keep pace with technological progress.
At the heart of the discussion lies the key question: Will AI remain a powerful tool for doctors – or will it fundamentally redefine parts of the medical profession?
Speakers
- Dr Ira Stoll, Co-Founder of myScribe
- Prof. Dr Heinz Wiendl, co-founder of Prof. Valmed®
- Phillipe Gerwill, expert in digital health applications
Moderator
- Ayimire Dilimulati, Materials Strategy & Improvement Analyst at Philips Healthcare
What happens when power grids fail, ports come to a standstill, or a single missing component brings entire production lines to a halt?
This panel discussion explores how transparent data, digital technologies and strategic risk management can make supply chains more resilient, turning ‘if only’ into ‘we’re prepared’.
Speakers
- Martina Heer, Project Manager, Green Port, Swiss Rhine Ports
- Hendrik Hey, Managing Director of Welt der Wunder Sendebetrieb GmbH
- Roland Bäurer, Dipl. Ing. (FH), Head of Materials Management, FreiLacke
Moderator
- Julia Wildt, Friedrich Wildt GmbH
What do AI, robotics and black holes have in common? They all stem from fundamental research that does not begin with a business model, yet ends up transforming entire industries.
In this panel, leading researchers offer incisive insights into the breakthroughs emerging in laboratories today that could shape the industrial landscape of tomorrow. 45 minutes at the cutting edge of science, before it becomes commercialised.
Speakers
- Dr Valerie Lang, University of Freiburg and CERN
- Dr Sven J. Körner, Vice President and Evangelist, Aleph Alpha
- Dr Manuel Yguel, Computer Scientist, University of Strasbourg
Moderator
- Sandra Schöttelndreier, International Project Manager | Project Lead, KTUR (KIT)
In his keynote address, Hansjörg Fankhauser explains why capital must flow to where uncertainty is greatest and potential is strongest. It is about risk as a strategy, about valuation logic that goes beyond collateral, and about the courage to finance markets before they become visible.
Speakers
- Hans-Jörg Fankhauser, CEO of Fankhauser AG, Fankhauser AG
Experts in the field will explain the areas of application in which quantum technology is already making a difference today. They will also discuss the steps they themselves have taken to identify problems and how to get started without months of training.
Speakers
- Dr Leonhard Braun, Project Manager, Fraunhofer Institute for Physical Measurement Techniques IPM
- Gavin Kennedy, Head of Professional Services, D-Wave
- Dr Matthias Schwelberger, Authorised Signatory & Member of the Executive Board, PTS-Prüftechnik
- Dr Jan Schorer, Engineering Expert in RF Photonics, HENSOLDT Sensors GmbH
- Dr Alexander Friedrich, Research Associate/Postdoc and Co-founder, German Aerospace Centre (DLR) & ClockWerQ GmbH
Moderator
- Dr Alexander Heinrich, Head of the Quantum BW Office
Is technological dependence a structural risk or a rational outcome of globalisation?
Drawing on insights from Palantir, Schwarz Digits and One Data, this panel examines cloud infrastructure, data control and platform power, and explores how Europe can balance strategic autonomy with competitiveness and innovation in an interconnected digital economy.
Speakers
- Claudia Alsdorf, Schwarz Digits
- Courtney Bowman, Global Director of Privacy & Civil Liberties Engineering, Palantir Technologies
- Dr Andreas Böhm, Founder and CEO, One Data GmbH
- Edmund Hoischen, Head of Financial Services Germany, Amazon Web Services EMEA SARL
Moderator
- Cathleen Fink
7:00 p.m.: Joint finale on the Haufe Group Stage
Presentation of the Baden-Württemberg Start-up Award and opening of the networking party
The winners of the state-wide "Start-Up BW Elevator Pitches" competition will be honoured at the Baden-Württemberg Start-up Award ceremony.
Immediately afterwards, the networking party will provide an opportunity for exchange, investor discussions and new partnerships.
The future won't wait!
Secure your ticket now for the Käpsele Innovation Festival 2026 on 16th July 2026 at the SICK Arena in Freiburg.
Our other stages
Haufe Group Stage
This is where strategic acumen meets genuine foresight – experience how thought leaders are shaping markets and making the future a reality today.
machn Stage
Take a look behind the scenes of speed and sovereignty: understand how capital, data and energy are reshaping the game in business today.
AEPIKUR Stage
New markets, new rules: observe change in action and recognise which alliances will define tomorrow's economic reality.
Dr. Falk Pharma Stage
From pitch to scaling: Feel the entrepreneurial spirit live on stage and see how innovative ideas turn into real growth.
