Strengthening startups, fostering innovation, building networks
At the de:hub Ecosystem Forum 2025 on the EUREF Campus in Berlin, the strength of Germany’s innovation ecosystem was once again on full display. More than 25 Digital Hubs from across the country came together to connect, exchange ideas, and explore how startups, SMEs, and research institutions can collaborate even more closely in the future.
Spotting innovation – empowering startups – building networks
“The de:hub initiative is our truffle pig – it sniffs out the most exciting startups that we can integrate into our work.”
With this vivid image, Thomas Jarzombek, Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport, perfectly captured the mission of the de:hub initiative. The MediaTech Hub Potsdam follows this very principle – discovering innovation, empowering startups, and building strong networks.
As Gitta Connemann, Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, added, the future takes shape where creativity meets experience and startups collaborate with established companies:
“Every startup becomes the SME of tomorrow.”
This interplay of dynamism and experience forms the foundation of Germany’s innovation ecosystem – and this is precisely where the MediaTech Hub Potsdam contributes with its programmes and initiatives.
The MediaTech Hub Potsdam on site
At the MediaTech Hub Potsdam stand, Phil Miller and Olympia Tsakiridou presented the Hub’s key activities and programmes:
- The MediaTech Hub Accelerator, currently running its Call for Applications, which supports Brandenburg-based startups in founding and scaling their businesses.
- The MediaTech Hub Innovator, which accompanies companies in developing and implementing innovation projects.
A particular highlight was the presentation by RAVE.SPACE, one of the startups from our Accelerator. Frank Hahndemonstrated how the company is redefining the immersive web – with 3D experiences, interactive applications, and experimental approaches such as Gaussian Splatting, which enables highly realistic 3D representations from photographic data.
Exchange, collaboration and future perspectives
The Forum offered numerous opportunities for dialogue with representatives from other hubs, companies, and organisations. Panels and discussions made it clear that for Germany to maintain a thriving startup landscape, three things are essential: less bureaucracy, stronger bridges between business and startups, and an innovation-friendly environment that rewards courage and creativity.
Shaping what’s next – together
A heartfelt thank you goes to the de:hub initiative and its entire team for the excellent organisation, inspiring panels, and open exchange.
Once again, the Ecosystem Forum has shown that the future of innovation, media, and technology in Germany can only be shaped together.
Some impressions from de:hub Ecosystem Forum 2025:
