4 & 5 September | Hamburg

Two days. 1.500+ guests. World-class speakers. 30.000 € startup competition. Stonebwoy live.

The festival where the next generation of business leaders came together

Day 1

Conference Day

🗓️ Friday, 4 September
📍 MS Stubnitz

Various stages offered a range of formats for gathering fresh ideas, gaining practical insights and expanding one's network.

✔ Keynotes & Panels
✔ Masterclasses
✔ High-value Networking
✔ Live Entertainment

Day 2

Pitch Night

🗓️ Saturday, 5 September
📍 Friedrich-Ebert-Halle

We had live pitches from the founders of tomorrow, an inspiring panel discussion and Stonebwoy performing live on our stage.

✔ Startup Finals
✔ 30.000 € Prize Pool
✔ Awards & Networking
✔ Stonebwoy Live

Conference Day

Pitch Night

People on Stage

From globally recognised business leaders like Dean Forbes to internationally acclaimed artists like Stonebwoy – AiDiA brought together founders, executives, investors and cultural innovators who are redefining leadership, entrepreneurship and the creative economy.

Dean Forbes

Andy Ayim MBE

Y’akoto

Abdul Karim Abdullah

Jacob Fatih

Sandra Lambeck

David Kwasi Owusu

Oluwatoniloba Dreher Adenuga

Artists

Stonebwoy

Rose May Alaba

Willy Will

Luna Simao

DJ O'NIT

ANNY

Rhythm & Comedy

Binta Anne

cesco.blz

Program

We once again hosted our Founder Pitch and our Idea Pitch, but we also had plenty of other program highlights in store for you on our many stages.

Masterclasses

Get hands-on with AI, real estate & the art of personal branding

Keynotes

From the bottom to the top – Stories told by the ones who made the climb

Panels

The big questions in business, culture, music, sports & entrepreneurship

Pitches

The next great ideas, live on stage, before the world catches on

Hear Me Out Sessions

Hot takes, hard truths – What everyone thinks but won't say

Entertainment

Internationally renowned and local artists put on unique shows

DAY 1

Conference Day

Friday, 4 September | MS Stubnitz

Jury

Founder Pitch Jury

Marcus Diekmann

Ebony Morczinek

Patrick Mijnals

Thuy-Ngan Trinh

Idea Pitch Jury

Sarah Buge

Cephas Ndubueze

Dr. Salim Kraatz

Pitch Teams

Our Founder Pitch & Idea Pitch Contestants

Our Guests

Please check out our socials for more insights and the latest news

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FAQ

Here we answer your most pressing questions. But if you still have any questions, please feel free to email us at
event@aidia-pitch.de.

What can I expect from AiDiA Business & Culture Fest 2026?
AiDiA is Germany’s first – and therefore also its largest – Business & Culture Festival. If the term ‘Business & Culture’ doesn’t mean much to you yet: Such events have been around internationally for a long time and are among the most exciting business events of all – for example, AfroTech (USA), CultureCon (USA) or the Black Tech Fest (UK). These events focus on how business, innovation, communities and culture come together to give rise to new companies, partnerships and markets. It is precisely this format that we are now establishing – now in its fifth year – for Germany.
Who is the Business & Culture Fest for?
For founders, professionals, entrepreneurs, investors, creatives, and anyone who wants to rethink business, innovation, and culture. You don’t have to have started a business yourself or be part of a company to join.
Do I have to be Black or PoC to attend?

No, AiDiA creates visibility and opportunities for Black and PoC entrepreneurs and professionals but the Business & Culture Fest is open to anyone who wants to be part of this community and experience.

What does “Think beyond” mean?

“Think beyond” is this year’s AiDiA theme.

Many ambitious people want to grow. But they often stay within a familiar framework: Their surroundings, their past experiences, and their existing perspectives.

AiDiA is the moment when that framework shifts – through encounters, ideas, and perspectives that show: Maybe there’s more to it than I thought.

»I thought my work would do the talking.«

A thought every creative has had. The truth is, it’s not just about the craft. It’s about being in the right room.

»Turns out I need to surround myself with the right people.«

That’s what AiDiA Business & Culture Fest is all about: Bringing creators, founders, artists, and decision-makers together to build what’s next.

AiDiA doesn’t promise quick success but something else: New perspectives. New ideas. New people. We create moments that inspire people to think more broadly about themselves and their possibilities. These moments show how perspectives expand.

»Think beyond.«

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