The Tech Open Air (TOA) promises another exciting program in 2018 for all startup and entrepreneurship enthusiasts, as well as all visitors interested in future topics such as AI, blockchain, and the like. In addition to scientists, entrepreneurs, and visionaries, musicians, artists, and creatives of all kinds will also have their say. From June 19-22, everything from classic speaker keynotes to exciting workshops and spiritual yoga sessions will be on offer. The venue: The venerable Funkhaus Berlin in Treptow-Köpenick. which was the home of GDR radio from 1956 to 1990.
Over 150 speakers will be seen and heard on several stages during the Tech Open Air 2018. The program also includes a 4000 square meter exhibition area, the House of Tech, where several Munich startups will also be setting up their booths to present themselves and network. Conference attendees can get involved in various workshops. There will also be the opportunity to get to know various startup hubs or attend a party or two at so-called satellite events scattered throughout the city. So, you're guaranteed not to get bored at TOA 2018.
TOA visitors need patience
Wednesday, the first day of the four-day tech festival, begins with a few obstacles. Upon arrival at the venue, visitors are visibly shocked by the long queue that stretches from registration to the street. As a member of the press, you walk leisurely past, believing you'll be waved through quickly. But even for speakers, volunteers, media representatives, etc., the wait is a good hour before you can finally stroll through the idyllic event grounds on the Spree River, carrying the obligatory TOA jute bag—snagged at the entrance—over your shoulder, of course.
Tech event à la Berlin: Food trucks and a wide range of topics
This meets the expectations of a Berlin event: various music stages, DJ booths, and food trucks. There will also be an open lab and a small container makerspace (see picture above) can be found. Beer tables and parasols are set up along the riverbank. So everything is ready for a great open-air event.
The topics covered by the speakers’ talks are wide-ranging. Boyan Slat, for example, the 23-year-old founder of The Ocean Cleanup, talks about his ambitious plan to rid the world's oceans of all plastic waste by 2050. Alice Bentinck, co-founder of Entrepreneur First, on the other hand, provides guidance on how to approach building a deep tech startup and how to build a team and plan around an initial idea. Future topics such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, e-mobility, and digital health are also covered.
Munich pitches for DT50 Award at Tech Open Air
All in all, a comprehensive offering on the first conference day of the Tech Open Air in Berlin, which definitely makes us look forward to day 2. Then we will take a look at the House of Tech and talk to the startups present about their experiences and impressions. Pitches for the Digital Top 50 (DT50) Awards will also take place, with the Munich startups among those competing Kaia Health and Celonis will be launched.
