The MTH at TRANSFORM 2025: “Transformation starts with people”
More than 5,000 participants came to TRANSFORM in Berlin on March 19 and 20, 2025 to discuss the digital future together. The MediaTech Hub was represented with its own stand at the Digital Hub Initiative site.
Under the guiding theme “Digitalization now!”, the focus was particularly on SMEs and the question of how companies of all sizes can successfully master the digital transformation. Various pillars of successful corporate transformation were discussed in numerous panels and discussions. In addition to current topics such as artificial intelligence and employee recruitment, one insight in particular emerged: successful transformation begins with leadership culture. It was emphasized several times that managers must be prepared to question existing structures and actively involve employees in change processes. It is essential to make the benefits of new technologies tangible, build trust and communicate clearly. It was also emphasized that future success will be based more on collaboration than competition.
A special highlight on the first day of the event was the Digital Hub Initiative’s side event “Connecting the Dots”. In several fireside chats, various players in the hub landscape, including Katja Richter, discussed success factors for sustainable cooperation between hubs, companies and start-ups.
The prizes of the Digital Innovation start-up competition were also awarded at this event, including six start-up prizes+, 15 start-up prizes and the “Innovative AI” focus prize.
At the large Transform Stage on the same day, the start-ups klugidu (EdTech) and Logistikbude (Smart Logistics) were particularly convincing in the pitch competition with innovative concepts and solutions for digital transformation.
The second day of the trade fair was dedicated to the topics of HR and talent management. The aim was not only to attract new talent, but also to better understand existing employees and develop them in a targeted manner. In addition to the panels, interactive formats such as Company Speed Dating, numerous networking events and the Executive Breakfast were a hit.
We would like to thank bitkom for the successful organization of Transform and for giving several startup partners the opportunity to experience the event up close as part of our competition!
Network meeting of the Digital Hub Initiative in Berlin
The second major network meeting of the Digital Hub Initiative this year took place at a different location in Berlin while the final items on the Transform program were still being discussed. At the beginning, the hubs received an update on upcoming events and trade fair appearances as well as information on the planned data collection and analysis for 2024.
The de:hub ecosystem experienced significant growth in 2024 – especially with the addition of numerous new hubs in the fall. The expanded network now comprises over 8,200 startups, more than 3,500 partner contacts and 1,416 collaborations between startups and partner companies.
All 25 hubs then had the opportunity to present current topics in short three-minute slots. Katja Richter, the new Managing Director of the MediaTech Hub, introduced herself to the other hubs and gave an insight into our accelerator program.
In addition to presentations by external companies, there was also a two-hour workshop in which the hubs exchanged views on various topics. Questions discussed included: “How do you expand your investor network and maintain existing relationships?”, “What criteria are used to select start-ups for an accelerator program?” and “How do we best prepare our start-ups for fundraising?”.
The event concluded with a cozy networking event in a restaurant, where all participants were able to meet up in person once again.
Some impressions of the two days can be found here:
Fotocredits: © Hannes Schmidt
