About the Event
From July 8-10, 2025, ReTraNetz-BB transformation network, in cooperation with bbw University of Applied Sciences Berlin and ua. ventures (formerly known as Ukraimpulse Ventures), is organizing an exclusive event in Berlin, dedicated to the transformation of the automotive and supplier industries.
This initiative aims to foster innovation and creativity from Ukraine, bringing together promising Ukrainian startups and scale-ups with key German partners and potential customers.
Unlike a conventional conference, this event functions as a targeted business matchmaking platform. All participants—both on the Ukrainian and German sides—are carefully selected to ensure the most relevant and high-value connections. The goal is to facilitate direct, meaningful interactions that lead to strategic partnerships, investment opportunities, and market expansion.
Exclusivity note: This is an exclusive, closed-door event. Given the current situation and circumstances, the organizers reserve the right to pre-screen attendees. Thank you very much for your understanding.
Why participating?
- Direct engagement of Ukrainian innovators with decision-makers from the German automotive and supplier sectors
- Opportunities to observe cutting-edge technologies and solutions
- Access to valuable connections into the Ukrainian as well as into the German market and collaboration prospects
- Introduction to risk management specifics as well as to fundraising and further support opportunities
Why Ukraine?
This event will explore the opportunities and potential of German investments in the Ukrainian industry, particularly in startups and innovation. Ukraine offers a dynamic environment with highly skilled professionals and emerging technology markets, presenting attractive investment opportunities for German companies.
Opportunities
Recent KPMG surveys highlight the growing interest and confidence of international investors in the Ukrainian market. The country's tech talent pool is among the strongest in Eastern Europe, with expertise in critical areas like software development, AI, and cybersecurity.
Risk Management
We recognize the importance of addressing risk factors when investing in Ukraine. The event will provide practical insights into navigating regulatory challenges, understanding geopolitical considerations, and implementing effective risk mitigation strategies for successful business operations.
Take this opportunity to learn more about the advantages and success stories and how your company can benefit from partnering with Ukraine's innovation landscape.
Why Berlin?
The Berlin-Brandenburg region is home to automotive companies such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Tesla. Major suppliers such as Continental and ZF Friedrichshafen AG develop and manufacture in the region. Over the past decades, numerous suppliers and technology companies have successfully established themselves within this ecosystem in the Berlin-Brandenburg region.
Hosting this event in Berlin is a strategic decision, as the city serves as a key hub for investors, policymakers, and industry leaders who can drive meaningful discussions on investment opportunities in Ukraine.
Germany is one of Ukraine's most important economic partners, and Berlin, as the capital, provides the perfect setting to connect stakeholders and strengthen economic cooperation.
With its dynamic startup and innovation ecosystem, the German capital offers an inspiring environment to link German investors with Ukrainian entrepreneurs and emerging technologies.
Holding the event in Berlin also sends a strong political and economic signal, emphasizing Germany's commitment to supporting Ukraine's recovery and growth. Many German companies and business angels have already shown interest in the Ukrainian market, and Berlin provides the ideal platform to accelerate these efforts, fostering long-term partnerships and impactful investments.
Why now?
Now is the perfect moment to host this event, as the political and economic landscape is shifting rapidly, creating new opportunities for investment in Ukraine.
Current Situation
With a potential ceasefire on the horizon this year, the conditions for international business engagement could change dramatically. At present, only a few foreign corporations are physically active in Ukraine, mainly due to security concerns, but this will likely shift quickly once stability improves.
Future Outlook
Many companies are already highly interested, yet travel restrictions for employees remain a major barrier. Once a ceasefire is in place, international corporations are expected to move swiftly into the country, eager to establish operations and secure their position in the market.
Strong reconstruction and resilience funds from global partners will further accelerate Ukraine's economic recovery, creating an environment ripe for investment and expansion. Now is the crucial time to build connections, understand the market, and establish strategic partnerships to ensure the best access to Ukraine's opportunities as the country enters a new phase of growth.
Event agenda
Ukrainian Startups & German SMEs Networking Event
Exclusivity note: This is an exclusive, closed-door event. The organizers reserve the right to pre-screen attendees.
Day 1: July 8, 2025 - Welcome Reception
Evening: Welcome Dinner and Cultural Event
Day 2: July 9, 2025 - Conference Day
Venue: BBW Hochschule, Room 1-S10/11
Time: 10:00 - 17:00
Conference Language: English (Translation to be requested)
Block 1: Opening Sessions
- Welcome Address by BBW President
- Address by Ukrainian Ambassador Oleksii Makeiev (or representative)
- Introduction to ReTraNetz-BB by U. Kaschka
- Chances for Ukrainian Tech Enterprises in Germany
- Keynote: "Business in Ukraine"
- Current political landscape
- Cultural context
- Economic situation
- Business risks
- Potential information on Ukrainian Reconstruction Support Programs
Block 2: Startup Pitches
6-8 Ukrainian Companies Presenting
15-20 minutes per company
Demonstrations at company stands
Q&A opportunities
Block 3: Networking Break
Finger food
Open networking
Individual discussions at company stands
Block 4: Evening Networking
Group Dinner
Day 3: July 10, 2025 - Company Visits
Site visits to regional companies
Note: Final details subject to confirmation
Target industries
Technology & IT for industrial applications
Robotics
Automation
IT companies with proprietary products
Automotive & Mobility
Cybersecurity
Articifial Intelligence (AI)
Dual-use technologies with potential for civilian application
Organized by
ReTraNetz-BB Berlin Brandenburg is the government-funded transformation network for the automotive and supplier industry in the Berlin-Brandenburg region.
BBW University of Applied Sciences is a private university with a strong international profile. It is more closely connected to the Berlin-Brandenburg region's economy than any other university.
With 420 companies in the network, aBB automotive BerlinBrandenburg e.V. is the leading collaboration network for the automotive industry in Berlin and Brandenburg.
ua.ventures provides smart capital to Ukrainian tech startups and scaleups. It also connects Ukrainian, German, and European tech entrepreneurs and investors, and covers risk management.
Application for participation
Exclusivity note and disclaimer:
This is an exclusive, closed-door event. The limited number of participants and the current situation and circumstances require a pre-screening of participants. You will be contacted after your application with further details. Thank you for your understanding and interest.