30 October, 2026
CONNECT. INNOVATE. GROW.
The official German-Danish Global Entrepreneurship Week Opening Conference.
Germany and Denmark are joining forces to open Global Entrepreneurship Week together for the first time. Bringing together founders, investors, businesses, ecosystem builders and decision-makers from both sides of the border to connect, exchange perspectives and explore new opportunities for entrepreneurship, innovation and cross-border collaboration.
[SAVE THE DATE]
30 October 2026 · Kiel
Full programme and registration details coming soon.
EVENT DETAILS
- Date: Friday, 30 October 2026
- Time: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM (10:00–16:00)
- Venue: Investitionsbank Schleswig-Holstein (IB.SH)
- Address: Zur Helling 5–6, Kiel
- Price: Free admission (sign up needed due to limited seats)
- Event language: English
Partners:
Connecting entrepreneurial ecosystems across borders
Global Entrepreneurship Week is a global celebration of entrepreneurship taking place in more than 190 countries. In 2026, Germany and Denmark are joining forces to open the week together for the first time – bringing their entrepreneurial ecosystems together around entrepreneurship, innovation and cross-border collaboration.
The German-Danish collaboration is part of a broader ambition: to build stronger connections between the people, companies, capital and organisations that shape our entrepreneurial ecosystems. By creating more opportunities to exchange knowledge, build relationships and collaborate across borders, we can strengthen entrepreneurship and contribute to a more connected and competitive Europe.
The opening conference in Kiel brings together founders, aspiring entrepreneurs, startups, investors, businesses, ecosystem organisations and representatives from politics and business to exchange experiences, explore shared challenges and identify new opportunities for collaboration.
Together, we will explore how we can create better conditions for entrepreneurship, innovation and business growth – and how stronger connections across the border can help entrepreneurs and businesses access new knowledge, markets, partners and capital.
Whether you are building your next venture, investing in new businesses, supporting entrepreneurs, shaping framework conditions or looking for new opportunities to collaborate, the conference offers a space to connect, exchange perspectives and build relationships across borders.
Join us in Kiel on 30 October 2026 for the official German-Danish opening of Global Entrepreneurship Week.
Key program elements include
Inspiring perspectives & expert dialogue
Founder stories, expert panels and fireside discussions exploring entrepreneurship, innovation, financing, regulation and the conditions for business growth in Germany and Denmark.
Cross-border matchmaking
Curated matchmaking between founders, investors, businesses and ecosystem actors, combined with facilitated discussions and workshops designed to spark new connections and opportunities across the border.
Deep dives on Europe’s competitiveness
Focused discussions on key opportunities and challenges shaping the future of entrepreneurship – including digital transformation, maritime innovation, cross-border collaboration and Europe’s competitiveness.
Connect. Innovate. Grow. marks the beginning of a broader German-Danish collaboration throughout Global Entrepreneurship Week and beyond. Through follow-up events, matchmaking and investor connections in both countries, we aim to turn new relationships into concrete collaborations, investment opportunities and long-term growth.
If you are interested in becoming a partner or would like further information about GEW 2026, please contact Maria Grongstad, maria@dkiv.dk, Project Manager at Danish Entrepreneurs.
Program
Expect sharp debates, fireside chats, and high-energy matchmaking that put startups at the heart of Europe’s entrepreneurship agenda – and help shape the next wave of policy.
The event takes place in the Banquet Hall at Copenhagen City Hall, located in the heart of Copenhagen.
Speakers
Christina Egelund
Minister for Higher Education and Science
As Denmark’s Minister for Higher Education and Science, Christina Egelund is responsible for national research and education policy and plays a key role in anchoring Europe’s new startup and scale-up strategy in Denmark. With a strong focus on strengthening innovation, knowledge and entrepreneurship, she works to ensure that Danish students, researchers, and businesses have the best possible framework for creating growth and sustainable solutions.
Caroline Stage
Minister for Digital Affairs
Caroline Stage Olsen is Denmark’s Minister for Digital Affairs, responsible for advancing the country’s digital transformation, data governance, and innovation agenda. She represents Moderaterne and was appointed minister in August 2024. She works to strengthen Europe’s digital sovereignty, promote open-source solutions, and ensure a fair, innovative digital economy.
Jens-Kristian Lütken
Mayor for Integration and Employment, Copenhagen
Representing the Liberal Party (Venstre), Jens-Kristian Lütken hosts this flagship event at Copenhagen City Hall. He works to strengthen job creation, improve integration efforts, and ensure a business-friendly environment in the capital. With a clear liberal voice, he contributes to debates on labour market policy, social mobility, and the role of cities in driving innovation and growth.
Mads Jedzini
Analyst at Think Tank EUROPA
At Think Tank EUROPA, Mads Jedzini focuses on the EU’s internal market, innovation, and industrial policy. He brings experience from the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Danish Embassy in Berlin, the Danish Parliament’s EU Information Office, and as a lecturer on the EU’s foreign and security policy at the University of Copenhagen.
Tobias Silverstein Hinchely
Director and partner, DSF WINE
DSF WINE is one of Denmark’s fastest-growing wine companies, combining e-commerce, wholesale, and international activities. Tobias is a serial entrepreneur with a sharp sense for marketing, digital scaling, and business development. He is known for challenging the status quo, building high-performance teams, and driving growth through data, creativity, and bold decisions.
Sophia Zakari
Policy Director, SMEunited
Sophia Zakari is a policy director for enterprise policy and legal affairs at SMEunited. Sophia mainly deals with single market related files, but also with digital files, trade issues, and CSR. Before joining SMEunited she has been working in environmental law for French speaking jurisdictions, like France but also Quebec and Ivory Coast.
Marie Høst
Moderator
Marie Høst is a tech journalist, podcast producer, and experienced moderator with a strong focus on how technology shapes our lives and society. With a solid background in tech, media, and culture, she brings editorial insight and sharp hosting skills to engage the audience at Scale-Up Europe.
Ken Villum Klausen
Founder & CEO, Lunar
Ken Villum Klausen is the visionary founder and CEO of Lunar, a leading challenger bank in the Nordics with over 1 million users. Since 2015, he has transformed banking through a fully tech-driven approach, expanding into Sweden and Norway and launching innovations like the AI Voice Assistant and Lunar Youth.
Morten Bødskov
Minister for Industry, Business and Financial Affairs
Morten Bødskov, Minister for Industry, brings extensive political experience and is dedicated to strengthening competitiveness, innovation, and sustainable growth for Danish and European businesses. He plays a key role in shaping entrepreneurship and scale-up policies, helping more companies grow and succeed internationally.
Rasmus Holst
CEO, Zensai
Rasmus Holst is CEO of Zensai (formerly LMS365), leading a global team on a mission to redefine the future of work. He has pioneered “Human Success,” a holistic approach that combines learning, performance, and engagement in one platform. Under his leadership, Zensai has rebranded, expanded its product range, and grown internationally, tripling revenue and reaching 200 employees. The company has earned a Red Dot Award, been named a Great Place to Work, and featured in TIME Magazine’s Top 100 HR Platforms.
Mikkel Hippe Brun
Serial entrepreneur and co-founder of Tradeshift
Mikkel Hippe holds a Master’s in Computer Science and is Chief Strategy Officer at Session, a service marketplace platform. He previously co-founded Tradeshift, a global leader in supply chain digitization and payments, and served as the original Technical Director of PEPPOL — the European infrastructure enabling billions of electronic invoices and orders annually. Mikkel has chaired the Tiger Council under the Danish Chamber of Commerce and now leads the Copenhagen node of the European Lighthouse of AI for Sustainability.
Randi Wahlsten
CEO, Matr Foods
Randi Wahlsten is the CEO of Matr Foods, a Danish foodtech company redefining sustainable eating through fermented and plant-based innovations. With a strong focus on taste, nutrition, and circular production, she leads Matr’s mission to make alternative proteins mainstream. Randi combines a background in leadership and product innovation with a passion for transforming how we think about food and sustainability.
Jesper Hart-Hansen
Founding Partner, TYR.vc
Jesper Hart-Hansen is Founding Partner of TYR.vc, a Nordic venture fund investing in ambitious early-stage startups. With a background in entrepreneurship and venture building, he focuses on scaling founders with global potential and strong product vision. Jesper brings hands-on experience from both sides of the table – as investor, advisor, and builder – helping shape the next generation of Nordic tech success stories.
Peter Kofler
Chairman, Danish Entrepreneurs
Peter Kofler is the Chairman of Danish Entrepreneurs, the national organisation representing startups and scale-ups in Denmark. A long-time advocate for entrepreneurship and better framework conditions for founders, he works to strengthen Europe’s startup ecosystem through policy, partnerships, and public debate. Known for his outspoken and solution-oriented approach, Peter bridges the worlds of business, innovation, and politics – always with the entrepreneur at the centre.
Mikkel Sørensen
CEO, DTU SkyFactory and Managing Director, DTU Skylab
Mikkel Sørensen has led the establishment, development, and scaling of DTU Skylab from a small pilot initiative into
an award-winning innovation hub with approximately 60 employees and more than 60,000 ft2 of innovation facilities, supporting around 400 startup projects each year. Most recently, Mikkel was appointed CEO of DTU SkyFactory, a new entity focused on accelerating
science-based startups into scaleup trajectories. Mikkel is a founding member of Rise Europe – a network of Europe’s leading startup hubs – and member
of the European Startup and Scaleup Forum.
14.00 - 14.30 Registration and networking
Arrival and time to get settled.
14.30 - 14.35 Welcome and introduction to the agenda
With Peter Kofler, Chairman of Danish Entrepreneurs, and Moderator Marie Høst.
14.35 - 15.00 Keynote and Q&A with Christina Egelund, Minister for Higher Education and Science
Christina Egelund, Minister for Higher Education and Science, holds responsibility for ensuring the implementation of Europe’s forthcoming startup and scale-up strategy at the national level. At Scale-Up Europe, she will deliver a keynote followed by a Q&A session, discussing how the strategy can reinforce the growth of Danish entrepreneurs and scale-ups.
Moderator: Mikkel Sørensen, Managing Director, DTU Skylab
15.05 - 15.30 Inspirational talk and Q&A with Ken Villum Klausen, founder and CEO of Lunar
Ken Villum Klausen, Founder & CEO of Lunar, will share how he built a challenger bank from scratch into one of the Nordics’ leading fintech success stories. From reshaping everyday banking for over a million users to launching Moonrise and enabling global fintech innovation, his journey is about transforming bold ideas into lasting impact
15.35 - 15.40 Keynote by Jens-Kristian Lütken, Mayor for Integration and Employment in Copenhagen
Keynote by Jens-Kristian Lütken, Mayor for Integration and Employment in Copenhagen, on how Copenhagen can lead the way in making innovation and entrepreneurship flourish while ensuring broad access to opportunities.
15.40 - 16.10 Panel discussion: Unlocking Europe’s technological growth – How to scale, attract capital, and compete globally
Panelists:
- Mikkel Bruun – Serial Entrepreneur and Co-founder of Tradeshift
- Jesper Hart-Hansen – Founding Partner, TYR.vc – a venture fund focused on European dual-use technology and strategic growth partnerships
- Randi Wahlsten – CEO of Matr Foods – a Danish startup that has raised DKK 300 million DKK to export organic plant-based burgers
Moderator:
- Frederikke Rosendal Egede Saabye – Acting Industry Director for Digitalization, Technology and Telecommunications at the Danish Chamber of Commerce
Hosted by Danish Chamber of Commerce
16.10 - 16.35 BREAK
Light refreshments and networking.
16.35 - 17.00 Fireside chat: Rethinking Sustainability Regulation for Business Growth - Think Small First
How do we design environmental regulation that enables growth instead of blocking it? As EU sustainability rules increasingly burden SMEs with disproportionate demands and internal market barriers, this session asks: In light of the Letta report and EU’s scale-up strategy, how can we rebuild a single market where regulation is scalable, proportionate and truly works towards green transition and competitiveness – also for smaller businesses?
Speakers:
- Mads Jedzini, Analyst at Think Tank EUROPA
- Tobias Silverstein Hinchely, Director and partner, DSF WINE
Sophia Zakari, Director Enterprise Policy & Legal Affairs, SMEunited
Christian Friis Bach, Member of the Danish Parliament for the Liberal Party (Venstre)
Moderated by Marie Høst.
Hosted by SMVDenmark.
17.00 - 17.20 Fireside chat with Rasmus Holst, CEO of Zensai and Caroline Stage, Minister for Digital Affairs
How do we turn European digital ambitions into growth and human success?
As Europe faces a widening competitiveness gap one year after Mario Draghi’s warning, this fireside chat brings together Denmark’s Minister for Digitalisation, Caroline Stage, and Rasmus Holst, CEO of Zensai, one of Denmark’s fastest-growing SaaS companies, for an open conversation on how to turn Europe’s digital ambition into real growth.
The discussion will explore how we can truly simplify Europe’s tech rulebook, how policymakers and founders can rebuild trust between regulation and innovation, and what it will take for startups to stay and scale from Europe rather than abroad.
Fireside Chat Participants:
- Rasmus Holst, Founder & CEO at Zensai
- Caroline Stage Olsen, Minister for Digital Affairs
- Moderator: Marie Høst, Techjournalist, Podcast Host & Moderator
17.25 - 17.55 Pitch Competition
A fast-paced spotlight on three standout Danish startups from the Global Startup Awards alumni network.
The founders take the stage to pitch their visions to an expert jury – and compete for top honours from the audience.
Finalists
• HeyPipe – AI-driven data extraction from point clouds to enable smarter infrastructure planning and reduce excavation damage.
• Skypuzzler – Real-time conflict-resolution technology enabling safe and scalable drone operations.
• Triba Health – Expert-guided lifestyle and nutrition interventions empowering people with type 2 diabetes.
Jury:
Kim Balle (XO Group, Global Startup Awards)
Kirsten Kjær Skott (the Danish Patent and Trademark Office)
Marius Ipsen (Nordic Alpha Partners)
Moderated by Lejla Omerinovic
Presented by Global Startup Awards.
18.05 - 18.30 Fireside chat with Morten Bødskov, Minister for Industry, Business and Financial Affairs
As the final conversation of the day, this fireside chat with Denmark’s Minister for Business, Morten Bødskov, wraps up an afternoon dedicated to Europe’s startup and scale-up potential.
Moderator: Peter Kofler, Chairman of Danish Entrepreneurs.
18.30 - 18.35 Wrap-up & Next steps
Closing remarks, EU Presidency Outlook, and Key Takeaways.
18.35 - 19.30 Networking & Tapas
Enjoy networking over a bite to eat and a vibrant atmosphere.
19.30 End of program
Thank you for your participation!
13.00 - 16.50 MATCHMAKING SESSIONS
Make Every Conversation Count – Join the Matchmaking!
As part of the conference, you’re invited to take part in targeted matchmaking sessions: short, high-impact 20-minute meetings designed to help you connect with the right people.
Whether you’re a founder looking for capital, an investor scouting high-potential ventures, or a policymaker seeking insight from the ecosystem, matchmaking gives you direct access to potential partners, collaborators, and new ideas.
Efficient. Personal. Purpose-driven.
In just 20 minutes, you can explore shared interests, assess fit, and spark future partnerships. It’s fast, but focused.
Powered by b2match – designed to match your goals.
Create your profile on the b2match platform, browse participants, and book meetings in advance. The smart matching system helps you target the most relevant people based on sector, interest, and opportunity.
Turn contacts into collaborations.
Many great partnerships start with a single conversation. Use matchmaking to turn a handshake into your next joint venture, investment, or policy breakthrough.
Create your profile today, and start booking meetings.
Program
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Velkomst: 10.00 - 11.00
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