BORN GLOBAL STARTUP FESTIVAL 2025
Empowering Internationals to create Startups in Germany
The Born Global Startup Festival is your launchpad into the startup world - specially designed for international students, researchers, and graduates who aspire to start their own business in Germany.
Are you an international student, researcher, or graduate interested in starting your own business or working as a freelancer in Germany?
Looking for inspiration, funding opportunities, or ways to grow your professional network?
Then don’t miss the Born Global Startup Festival 2025 — a dynamic event designed to support internationals from all backgrounds as they take their first steps into Germany’s startup world.
What is the Born Global Startup Festival?
Organized by Leipzig University’s SEPT Competence Center in cooperation with the SMILE Entrepreneurship initiative, the Born Global Startup Festival brings together international talents, startup experts, and successful founders to inspire and empower future entrepreneurs in Germany.
Whether you’re just beginning to explore a business idea or already working on your startup, the festival offers practical insights, valuable inspiration, and direct access to a vibrant and supportive startup ecosystem.
Program Highlights:
We’ve enriched this year’s festival with inspiring success stories from international founders, essential insights into Germany’s dynamic business landscape, and hands-on workshops to help you turn your business ideas into reality!
Inspirational Talks & Panel Discussion with International Founders
Hear real stories from international founders who have successfully built their companies in Germany — including the challenges they faced and their key recommendations for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Info Shot: Trends & Business Opportunities 2025–2026
Discover startup trends, funding programs, and emerging opportunities for internationals in the German innovation landscape.
Hands-on Workshops (run in parallel):
- Beyond the Research Contract: Future Funding – Hacks, Strategies & New Horizons
- Quick Validation of Your Business Idea / Pitch Training
- Using AI for Market Research
Evening Networking & Summer Celebration
End the day with a networking night with good music, food, drinks, and meaningful conversations. A perfect opportunity to celebrate our diverse international community and spark future collaborations!
Join us to be part of a thrilling and informative experience, connect with like-minded professionals, gain valuable insights from experts, and leave with the knowledge you need to become an entrepreneur in Germany.
Here you can find a video impression of last year!
Get ready to get inspired, connect, learn, and launch!
- When: 17 June 2025, 16:30 – 22:00
- Where: Plagwitzer Markthalle, Markranstädter Str. 8, 04229 Leipzig
- Ready to join? Participation is free
Author: Jazmin Ponce Gomez