Forum UnternehmerTUM is the invite-only flagship event of Europe’s Leading Startup Hub.

Once a year in springtime UnternehmerTUM welcomes 600 hand-picked changemakers and international visionaries to spark action for tomorrow.

On May 21, 2026, we will again bring together thought leaders and innovators to discuss the most pressing topics of today. Together, we move forward, transforming our immediate challenges into opportunities and actively pushing for change to create a positive future.

Speakers confirmed include: Dorothee Bär, Federal Minister for Research, Technology, and Space; Julia Jäkel, Supervisory Board Member and Co-Initiator of the Initiative für einen handlungsfähigen Staat as well as Hans Koenigsmann, Aerospace engineer and SpaceX Manager in the early days.

"Shaping our Future" - Alongside the core program of Forum UnternehmerTUM, a series of side events enrich the day with leading figures from the field, topic- specific insights, and numerous opportunities for exchange.

Startups, innovation, and guts — these are the ingredients for a dynamic economy. However, such an economy can only thrive if our government breaks free from the bottlenecks of recent decades. Our structural systems must be able to keep pace with a changing world. To achieve this, we must enter the government's ‘engine room’ — and take action.

Julia Jakel

Julia Jäkel · Member of the Supervisory Board, Non-Executive Director Advisory Boards

Our startups secure tomorrow's prosperity. With innovations and a strong European startup market, we can solve society's challenges.

Susanne Klatten · Entrepreneur, Member of the Supervisory Boards of ALTANA and BMW, Founder UnternehmerTUM

A sustainable economy requires innovation. Young companies are an important driving force; it is equally crucial to equip existing companies for the future through innovative succession planning.

Hanna Hottenrott

Hanna Hottenrott · Professor Innovation Economics, TU Munich; Head „Innovationsökonomik & Unternehmensdynamik“, Leibniz-Zentrum

Europe has got every ingredient it needs — what’s missing is a determined “can-do” spirit to pursue greater ambitions. New Space offers Europe the chance to take a leading role in the “final frontier.”

Sven Przywarra · Co-Founder LiveEO

Speaker Gallery 2026 ... more to come

Nina Boehm

Nina Böhm

Digitalization Strategist, City of Munich

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Stefan Drüssler

Managing Director & Chief Operating Officer, UnternehmerTUM

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Benjamin Erhart

General Partner, UVC Partners

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Hanna Hottenrott

Hanna Hottenrott

Professor Innovation Economics, TU Munich; Head "Innovationsökonomik & Unternehmensdynamik", Leibniz-Zentrum

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Julia Jakel

Julia Jäkel

Member of the Supervisory Board, Non-Executive Director Advisory Boards

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Thomas Jarzombek

Parliamentary State Secretary to the Federal Minister for Digital Affairs and State Modernization

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Forum2025 Speaker Jennifer Kaiser

Jennifer Kaiser-Steiner

Head of Learning & Exchange Center, UnternehmerTUM

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© Elena Zaucke, 2021

Susanne Klatten

Entrepreneur, Member of the Supervisory Boards of ALTANA and BMW, Founder UnternehmerTUM

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© FlueckZ

Christine Klein

Acting Director of Controlling, Finance & Operational Procurement, ESA

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© Blue Origin

Hans Koenigsmann

Aerospace Engineer & early SpaceX Manager

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Boris Paal

Boris Paal

Chair for Law and Regulation of the Digital Transformation, TU Munich; Of Counsel & Business Mediator

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Sven Przywarra

Co-Founder LiveEO

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Forum2025 Speaker Helmut Schonenberger

Helmut Schönenberger

Co-Founder & CEO, UnternehmerTUM

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Francesco Sciortino

Co-Founder & CEO, Proxima Fusion

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Forum2026 Speaker Inga v Holtz

Inga vom Holtz

Director Investments, UnternehmerTUM

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Top Program on 3 Stages

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Shaping our Future! 
Europe’s next chapter is to be built on new strength — rooted in technology, entrepreneurial execution, and bold collaboration across sectors and borders.

On May 21, 2026 Forum UnternehmerTUM brings together those ready to lead. 

I’m excited to join!

Let's exchange perspectives, create momentum, and take responsibility for what comes next.

Forward is a decision. Meet me there!

#ForumUnternehmerTUM #ShapingOurFuture #Entrepreneurship #Innovation #Tech #Europe

Looking back: This was Forum UnternehmerTUM 2025

Watch our highlight video and see photos from last year's event!

Prior Key Speakers (selection)

Since 2009 international top voices of the entrepreneurial ecosystem joined Forum UnternehmerTUM.

Ann-Kristin Achleitner

TU München

Heba Aguib

BMW Foundation
Michael Baum

Michael Baum

The Yope Foundation

Steffi Czerny

DLD Media

Herbert Diess

The Mobility House

Shiva Dustdar

EIB Institute
Jochen Engert

Jochen Engert

Flix
© Marcel Schwickerath

Andrea Frank

Stifterverband

Benedikt Franke

Munich Security Conference
Jack Fuchs

Jack Fuchs

Investor
Tobias Gehlhaar TGE headshot

Tobias Gehlhaar

Accenture

Alexander Glätzle

planqc
Dr Werner Gotz CEO Transnet BW 1

Werner Götz

TransnetBW

Claudia Häpp

E.ON
Par Hedberg

Pär Hedberg

Ecosystem Builder

Philipp Herkelmann

EU Inc.

Thomas Hofmann

TU München

Klaus Hommels

Lakestar

Michael Jackson

Venture Capitalist
© Elena Zaucke, 2022

Susanne Klatten

UnternehmerTUM

Antonella Mai-Pochtler

TUM Venture Labs
Ann Mettler

Ann Mettler

Public Policy

Thomas Saueressig

SAP SE

Francesco Sciortino

Proxima Fusion
© HMGU Fotos, Matthias Tunger Photodesign

Fabian Theiss

Helmholtz
260218 UTUM FT Award Website Forum div Formate