Innovative ideas and networks: The EXIST workshop in Chemnitz!

Innovative ideas and networks: The EXIST workshop in Chemnitz!

Chemnitz University of Technology hosted the important EXIST workshop from March 10th to 11th, 2025, which took place under the motto “Redefining Collaboration: Shaping the Future of the Startup Ecosystem”. Around 250 participants, including representatives from EXIST-funded universities, start-up networks and experts from the start-up ecosystem, came together to exchange innovative ideas and concepts for the further development of start-up initiatives. The important conference was organized by the founding network SAXEED in collaboration with the project sponsor Jülich from Berlin in order to strengthen the networking and ecosystem orientation of EXIST.

A central topic of discussion at the workshop was the positioning of EXIST as a driver for university start-ups. Workshops and keynote speeches covered topics such as deep tech incubation, social entrepreneurship, reducing bureaucracy and international start-up collaborations. A particularly noteworthy program is EXIST-Women, which is specifically intended to support female founders, which is intended to promote diversity in the start-up sector. Examples of successful start-ups include start-ups such as CYNiO, which was founded by a graduate of Mittweida University of Applied Sciences and doctoral students from the TU Bergakademie Freiberg, and the preMatter team of founders, which benefits from an EXIST start-up grant.

Networking and exchange

Another highlight of the workshop was a networking event on Monday evening, which took place in a relaxed atmosphere. This meeting served not only for exchange, but also for intensive discussion about start-up advice at universities and the presentation of good practice approaches. Participation in this networking event required prior registration, even for those only interested in this part of the program.

In the context of the event, Chemnitz was presented as the European Capital of Culture in a city tour and an integrated networking event in the Chemnitz factory. This dimension added a cultural touch to the entire event and at the same time represented the city's connection to the startup scene.

Positive feedback and outlook

The organizers, Dr. Susanne Schübel, Managing Director of SAXEED, Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Maximilian Eibl and Chemnitz's mayor Sven Schulze drew a positive conclusion from the event. The feedback on the organization and implementation of the workshop was consistently positive. The knowledge gained will be integrated into the work of the SAXEED start-up network and the network partners in the future.

The event is not only a central forum for exchange in the startup ecosystem, but also an important component for promoting start-ups at universities and strengthening cooperation between educational institutions and startups.