Innovation as a strategic competitive advantage.
The Innovation Guide for SMEs at Käpsele 2026.
Digital transformation, sustainability requirements and new market conditions are changing the rules of the game for businesses. At the Käpsele Innovation Festival, you’ll meet people who are actively shaping these changes: entrepreneurs, researchers, start-ups and thought leaders who demonstrate what works, where the challenges lie and what opportunities arise as a result.
Your perfectly balanced timetable
Kick-off with Raphael Gielgen. Find out how radical curiosity is transforming global tech markets from San Francisco to Singapore.
Where: Haufe Group Stage
The AI era presents us with challenges. Rather than dogma, the future now calls for critical thinking, intuition and empathy. A thought-provoking talk on how we can shape this transformation with both our minds and hearts – courageously, humanely and with confidence.
Where: Haufe Group Stage
Capital determines the future of ideas. But how do we mobilise private capital in Germany for genuine innovation rather than short-term security? This panel brings together the perspectives of industry, start-ups and banks to show how investment is used today to set a strategic course.
Where: machn Bühne
When a new generation takes the helm, fresh visions clash with established structures. Experienced successors speak candidly about their successes and setbacks, and show how the handover of a business can become a real driver of innovation.
Where: AEPIKUR Stage
Those who make decisions faster shape the future! Joe Kaeser (Siemens Energy & Daimler Truck) challenges risk aversion in business and politics. A thought-provoking talk, rich in analytical depth, on the willingness to take responsibility and courage as strategic resources in uncertain times.
Where: Haufe Group Stage
How European companies are regaining momentum. Understand the strategic pain points of established corporations – that’s exactly where your sales pitches come in.
Where: Haufe Group Stage
Innovation at record speed: How does China turn ideas into industrial realities so quickly, and what does this mean for Europe? Moving beyond geopolitics, this panel focuses on practical, economic insights. Experts discuss bold pragmatism, digital infrastructure, and how Europe can set a new pace by learning from global implementation processes.
Where: Haufe Group Stage
Make the most of your lunch break for intensive executive networking, first-class food and an exclusive visit to our interactive stations.
Our recommended experience stations:
- StraightCut’s sensor-based hedge trimming
- Automatic plant watering system by MS Solutions
- Integrated automation: infrastructure and processes combined by Drees & Sommer
- Reducing costs with SICK Virtual Commissioning Services from SICK AG
- START-UP: Ideas from the Black Forest University at Furtwangen University, Faculty of Computer Science and Applications
Capital belongs where the potential is greatest – not where it seems safest. In his keynote address, Hansjörg Fankhauser explains why risk must be a genuine strategy and how we finance markets before they even come into being. A plea for courage and new valuation approaches that go beyond traditional forms of security.
Where: uptownBasel stage
What climate protection measures are both economically viable and realistic for manufacturing businesses? Experts from Badenova will share real-life experiences from regional industrial projects and outline pragmatic, step-by-step solutions.
Where: FWTM Iglu
Find out how small and medium-sized enterprises are strategically harnessing external disruption without overburdening their own workforce.
Where: machn Bühne
Forge alliances. Discuss the day’s highlights over some top-class cold drinks with other industry decision-makers.
Where: Haufe Group Stage
Bonus
Strategy Deep Dives on Day 2
Your ticket covers the full programme on 17 July! Make the most of this exclusive masterclass day for intensive strategic sessions. Send your executives to dedicated workshops on securing funding, transformation frameworks and legally compliant implementation within your own organisation.
Our masterclass recommendation:
Passionate Leadership: How we transformed
culture, collaboration and results in our SME Date: 17 July 2026
Time: 09:00 – 09:45
Between gut instinct and AI – Modern planning for procurement, production and logistics
Date: 17 July 2026
Time: 11:00 – 11:45
Industry-specific AI applications for SMEs
Date: 17 July 2026
Time: 14:00 – 14:45
Where: Lokhalle Freiburg
Your ticket options
- The Business Gourmet Ticket: The premium choice for both days. Includes unlimited access to excellent all-day catering and drinks for undisturbed business discussions.
- The 5-Pack (Team Benefit): Bring your department heads along for both days. Take advantage of our heavily discounted group rates and transform your mindset together as a team.
Plan your day just the way you like it
Stage programme
Our varied programme of talks, debates and keynote speeches. Here you’ll find full details of the speakers and the full schedule for your day.
Interactive stations
Experience innovation first-hand at our interactive stands. Discover the 15 interactive stations that make the festival an unforgettable journey into the future.
Masterclasses
Your registration includes access on both days of the festival, with all masterclasses already included in the ticket price.