Cyber Valley at Heilbronn Slush’D

On Thursday, October 23, members of the Cyber Valley Community assembled at Heilbronn Slush’D. Under the theme ‘One Driving Force’, the event brought together start-ups, investors, companies, and future founders to advance Europe’s innovation landscape.

Heilbronn Slush’D is organized by Campus Founders, a start-up and innovation hub based in Heilbronn. The event was sold out, with over 1,000 participants from across Europe taking part in talks, panel discussions, workshops, and networking sessions. The festival enabled start-ups and founders to connect with key stakeholders and develop their ideas.

For CELLnROLL (recipients of the Cyber Valley Innovation Fellowship Program) Heilbronn Slush’D was ‘an inspiring event bringing together founders, investors, and innovation leaders from across Europe.’ Following the event, they were ‘inspired, energized, and full of new ideas for what’s next!’

Maximilian Bode, Co-founder of Cyber Valley Start-up Biocompile, was in attendance for the first time: ‘Despite the bad weather, it was a great experience!' For Max, events like Heilbronn Slush’D are 'places where the most interesting people meet.’

Maximilian Bode (Biocompile) at Heilbronn Slush'D. Photo courtesy of Maximilian Bode

Johanna Kreßel from the University of Tübingen’s Startup Center also shared her impressions from her first time at Heilbronn Slush’D: ‘I really enjoyed the energy and open atmosphere that made it so easy to connect and have meaningful conversations.’

Johanna Kreßel (Tübingen Startup Center) at Heilbronn Slush'D. Photo courtesy of Johanna Kreßel

KIT Gründerschmiede took part too. For them, Heilbronn Slush’D ‘was again a real experience – not only because of the wild weather, but above all because of the incredible energy that could be felt between impulses on stage, networking around the campfire, and conversations at the food trucks.’

KIT Gründerschmiede at Heilbronn Slush'D. Photo courtesy of KIT Gründerschmiede

Members of the Cyber Valley Start-up Network have been recognized at previous iterations of the festival. Ventus Technologies secured the top prize of €100,000 in investment in 2023, followed by Tabularis AI claiming the same award in 2024. These examples show how Cyber Valley start-ups have benefited from the support provided by Campus Founders at Heilbronn Slush’D.

By attending Heilbronn Slush’D, members of the Cyber Valley Community demonstrated the value of collaboration and were impressed by the growing momentum in Heilbronn. Through their scientific expertise and diverse perspectives, they are playing an essential role in the success of Germany’s research and innovation ecosystem.

Photo courtesy of Heilbronn Slush'D