Start-up pitch – and then what?
Your day at Käpsele and how to get the most out of it for your business.
Fed up with theoretical talks? At the Käpsele Innovation Festival on 16 July 2026 at the SICK-ARENA in Freiburg, the only things that count are visibility, capital and genuine B2B deals.
We’ll put you in direct contact with decision-makers from the SME sector and the investment community, with no detours. Pack your vision and get the fuel for your business.
Your perfect day on the Käpsele
Kick-off with trend scout Raphael Gielgen (Vitra). He will highlight the opportunities available to companies and entrepreneurs who remain radically curious.
Where: Haufe Group Stage
The AI era presents us with a challenge. 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
The arena is on fire. The best start-up founders from the south-west are battling it out in a fast-paced, minute-by-minute contest for the regional title and funding from L-Bank.
Where: Dr Falk Pharma Stage
Become a client rather than a shareholder: venture clienting offers huge opportunities for start-ups and SMEs. This session highlights legal pitfalls – from IP rights in work products and exclusivity clauses to protection against takeovers.
Where: IHK Südlicher Oberrhein Iglu
Make the most of the long break for lunch, targeted networking via the matching app, and an exclusive visit to the interactive stations:
Our recommendations for the experience stations:
- Trinatronics Competition – Innovation from three countries by DHBW Lörrach
- mindsetLAB by lumanaa
- Boosting productivity with digital technologies by the Centre for Industry-Related Services
- Integrated automation: infrastructure and processes combined by Drees & Sommer
- Micro- and nanotechnology: High-tech shaping the future by NeptunLab
Those who make decisions faster are building the future! Joe Kaeser (Siemens Energy & Daimler Truck) challenges the risk aversion prevalent 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 Europe’s businesses are picking up speed again. Understand the strategic pain points of established corporations – that’s exactly where your sales pitches come in.
Where: Haufe Group Stage
Milk from a laboratory sounds like science fiction, but at Senara it’s already a reality. In the live talk at “Köpfe der Szene”, founder Dr Svenja Dannewitz will demonstrate how to convince partners and investors of a technology that has never existed before. Discover what it takes to bring radical ideas to market with courage and speed.
Where: Haufe Group Stage
Start-ups present cutting-edge technologies to tackle real-world industrial challenges. This is where genuine pilot projects and partnerships with SMEs are forged.
Where: Dr Falk Pharma Stage
Four start-ups, no mercy. They’ll be pitching directly to the Black Forest Business Angels. See for yourself, unfiltered, what investors really look for when allocating capital.
Where: Dr Falk Pharma Stage
Presentation of the Baden-Württemberg Start-up Award, followed immediately by a networking party with cold drinks, music and discussions with investors.
Where: Haufe Group Stage
Bonus
Double the Impact
Your ticket is also fully valid for 17 July! On the second day, we’ll switch to a dedicated Masterclass & Deep Dive format. No more big speeches, just exclusive intensive workshops in small groups.
Our recommended startup masterclasses:
"fail it till you make it" – communicating failures as a booster for innovation.
Date: 17 July 2026
Time: 09:00 – 09:45
When ideas need to spark – creating
a structure for innovation Date: 17 July 2026
Time: 10:00 – 10:45
Ecosystem mapping as a tool for success
Date: 17 July 2026
Time: 14:00 – 14:45
Where: Lokhalle Freiburg
Your ticket options
- The Startup Ticket (Self-Catering): Full access to both days, all stages, masterclasses and the matching app. The smart choice for hungry founders.
- The Startup Ticket (Gourmet Option): The all-inclusive package for both days. Full premium catering and an all-you-can-drink deal. Because you can’t negotiate deals on an empty stomach.
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.