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Program

in-depth CONTENT - FOR YOU

Whether on the Main Stage, in our interactive Experience Areas, or hands-on Masterclasses – ruhrSUMMIT brings you real insights, the latest trends, and valuable learnings. This is more than just talk – it’s real impact for you and your business!

 

MAIN STAGE

Main Stage – The Heart of ruhrSUMMIT!🎤🚀

Here comes the start-up scene to life! On the Main Stage, you’ll experience inspiring keynotes, engaging panel discussions, and the thrilling ruhrSUMMIT Award. Learn from top industry leaders, get inspired by visionary ideas, and witness live debates on the most pressing future topics.

  • Keynotes from top speakers & industry pioneers
  • Panel discussions with bold insights & real takeaways
  • ruhrSUMMIT Award – the grand finale for outstanding start-ups

Be there when the movers and shakers take the stage!

MODERATION

Stefanie Söhnchen and Christian Dasbach are your hosts on the Main Stage - full of energy all day long, with the most exciting guests and the right questions at the right time.

As VP Strategy at PIABO Communications, Stefanie brings in-depth expertise in digital communication. She supports brands in sharpening their story and sending the right messages at the right time.

Christian is the founder of byondx and F*ckup Night Ruhrgebiet. He loves the stage, creates inspiring formats and facilitates authentic conversations - with depth and impact.

SNEAK PEAK TOP VOICES

Immerse yourself in a line-up full of visionary speakers, captivating keynotes and exciting panel discussions. Experience the minds that are shaping the future - live on the Main Stage.

📈 Growth & Digital Expert
🤖 From AI to Performance Marketing
🤯 Insights you won’t get anywhere else
Pip Klöckner
Tech-Analyst & Investor
 Female Founder Panel
🚀 The voice of German start-ups at the heartbeat of politics
🔥 Advocating for founders
🎤 Straight talk on the future of the scene
Franziska Teubert
Geschäftsführerin Startup-Verband
"Why AI Can Be a Gamechanger for Profitability"
📈 From start-up to brand powerhouse
🎯 Strategies that truly work
🏆 E-commerce pioneer & doer
Johannes Kliesch
CEO SNOCKS
"Bootstrapping, Banks, VC – What I Learned About Funding"
🚲 Sushibikes: A success story
🔥 Honest insights into funding strategies
🎤 From someone who’s been through it all
Andy Weinzierl
Founder SUSHI Bikes
🎙️ Marketing- & Brand-Expert
🔥 Know how to create hypes
🏆 Topics from Podcast to Strategie
🎤 Smart, direct & inspiring
Ann-Katrin Schmitz
Founder Baby Got Business
"10 Lessons as a Founder"
💡 17 years of entrepreneurial insights
🔥 Hard truths & real aha moments
🏆 First-hand knowledge from a seasoned founder
Max Wittrock
Co-Founder zeroLabs
🧑🏻‍💻 Media Entrepreneur
🧠 Alway curious
🎓 BWL-Justus without the Justus
Philipp Westermeyer
Founder OMR
see all speakers!

PANEL DISCUSSION

The Panel Discussions on the Main Stage bring together leading minds. Experts share their insights, discuss trends and provide valuable input. The focus is on two pivotal topics: New Work and Female Founders.

Female Founders - More female founders in the startup scene

Why are there still so few female founders? This panel shows the challenges and successes of female entrepreneurs and provides inspiration for the next generation.

Participants:

  • Host: Dr. Britta J. Dombrowe (Initiativkreis Ruhr)

  • Expert: Franziska Teubert (Startup Verband)

  • Expert: Angelica Conraths (fembites)

  • Expert: Anastasia Barner (FeMentor)

  • Expert: Jacqueline Torres (MeDusch)

New Work - The future of work

How is our working world changing? What role do innovations and corporate culture play? This panel sheds light on the opportunities and challenges of new ways of working.

Participants:

  • Host: Tim Schabsky (Rivvers)

  • Expert: Kenan Aggül (kepa)

  • Expert: Pia Sielemann (RWE)

  • Expert: Jasmin Habegger (opta data Gruppe)

  • Expert: Sebastian Holtze (PWC)

ruhrSUMMIT AWARD

Start-ups on the big stage!

The ruhrSUMMIT Award is the highlight for start-ups with ambitions. This is where innovation, visibility and investors meet. The winners not only secure fame, but also valuable contacts and opportunities.

But the award is not just exciting for start-ups! The live finals offer an exclusive look at the most innovative ideas and technologies of tomorrow. Experience how founders pitch for victory and find out first-hand which trends will determine the future.

  • Preparation: Buy a start-up ticket.
  • Application: Submit your start-up.
  • Selection: The best teams pitch in front of the jury.
  • Finals: The top start-ups compete live on the Main Stage.
Apply now and rock the stage!

MASTERCLASSES

our Exclusive Deep Dive!

Looking for more than just inspiration? Our Masterclasses offer in-depth expert knowledge from high-class speakers – insights you won’t find anywhere else in such a compact format. Meet industry pros who share their insider knowledge – hands-on, interactive, and exclusive.

  • Deep dives into key trends & challenges
  • Exclusive know-how from industry leaders
  • Direct exchange with top speakers

Don’t miss the chance to gain real insights for your business!

MASTERCLASS: HOW TO PITCH PERFECT

Learn how to take your pitch strategy to the next level! With hands-on tips and plenty of insider knowledge, Felix Thönnessen shows you what really matters when it comes to convincing investors and customers. Sounds familiar? That’s right—he was a startup coach on "Die Höhle der Löwen" (German version of Shark Tank)!
FELIX THÖNNESSEN
START-UP COACH, MENTOR & INVESTOR

MASTERCLASS: AI x MARKETING

How is AI changing the game in digital marketing? Leon Ruddat, Head of Automation & AI at SNOCKS, will share the latest trends and hands-on strategies to take your marketing to the next level.
Son’t miss out on how AI can be a true gamechanger!
LEON RUDDAT
HEAD OF AUTOMATION & AI, SNOCKS
get a ticket!
„Ich bin zum wiederholten Male sehr beeindruckt von der Vielfalt der Akteure, von der Größe der Veranstaltung, von der Dynamik, von dem Aufbruch, den man hier stellvertretend für das ganze Ruhrgebiet spürt …“
Christoph Büth (Leiter Eigenkapitalfinanzierung, NRW.BANK – Premium Partner #RS2019)
„Die Stärken des RuhrSummits sind ganz klar im Bereich B2B […]. Von daher ist das auch die Stärke der Region, dass wir hier mit etablierter Wirtschaft und Start-ups zusammenarbeiten.“
Dirk Opalka (CEO, Initiativkreis Ruhr, Hauptsponsor #RS2019)
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